Kelly's Korner is doing her Friday blog carnival again, and this week we are to share our favorite bible verse. This is easy for me, in some ways, but hard in others. There are so many verses that have helped comfort me, shield me, and guide me through the years.

"God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine." Ephesians 3:20

This verse keeps me going many days...which is why you find it on the sidebar of my blog. This has been a long journey of infertility. And, although I had many days when I just didn't think I could wait any longer, I could look at this verse and remember that He is able to do more than I could possibly dream. Upon talking with Abbey from Landlife, she has given so much encouragement for me as we pray about our next steps to parenthood. The statement she shared with me (and that I have, in turn, shared with several other women in my position) is that "God WILL give us the desires of our heart because he promises to do so. He just changed [her] desires." She now is the mother of one little boy and waiting to bring TWO more sons home from Taiwan. God has done immeasurably more for her and I know he will for us too. There is no way she could have imagined the blessings God provided for her.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

I have spoken about this before here. I am a people pleaser by nature. In life, in relationships, and in my job. What I have found and learned is that although pleasing others is a wonderful feeling, it is nothing compared to the feeling of pleasing our Heavenly Father. There are times when people's expectations are way off from what I feel is best. These are the times when decisions can be easy. Simply do all your work with all your heart as working for the Lord...not for men. We are servants of Christ, and we should live our life as such. So, this has been a great verse to keep me on track...especially during my teaching.

What is your favorite verse? Link up with Kelly's Korner and share!

Show Us Your Life - PETS

I'm pretty sure you know that we have a dog named Farley. Farley is no doubt our baby. Russ and I were married just before Russ started his first year of medical school. It didn't take long for me to realize that I needed a friend at home while Russ spent all those hours in the library. After much MUCH begging and researching, I finally convinced him to give in. I had searched and searched for a Maltipoo. I just thought they were cute (from the pictures I found online! ha!). Anyway, I finally found some for sale near our hometown. I called the lady around 8:30 that night to ask about them. She only had one black puppy left. It didn't take long...approximately 45 minutes....for us to pack, buy doggie toys, and hit the road for a four hour drive! Crazy youngsters, I know! Ha! No one even knew we were coming. We broke into my parents' house, spent the night, and headed to Henderson, TN before anyone woke up. By the time everyone woke up, we were back with our little black ball of fur!

Farley is certainly treated like a human...which is probably why he THINKS he is one! I can honestly say that he is S-P-O-I-L-E-D!! Farley is known as the "grandpuppy." I'm pretty sure my parents are more excited to see Farley sometimes than me. Ha!

Farley meeting Granmomma for the first time

This is probably where Farley would be content to live!

Farley and my daddy are two peas in a pod. He is truly treated as a "grandpuppy" at the Smith house. Russ always says, "When we stay at your parents' house, Farley is YOUR DAD's dog. Not mine!" Ha! Farley also has an aunt who helps with the spoiled part. Does your dog receive gourmet Easter, Halloween, and Christmas treats? Mine does! Thanks to Aunt Kristin! You should also know that Kristin can not touch Farley or her eyes would turn inside out (literally) from allergies!

Farley's gourmet happy meal from Aunt Kristin

No matter how much his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins baby him...he is MY baby! I have literally treated him as such! From wrapping him in a baby blanket to letting him sleep between Russ and me. I've heard it said, "Your children are going to be awful!" Ha! This usually comes after I take up for Farley for something he did. It's just not his fault! Someone else was bothering him. Hence, the spoiled part! We have received a "handling" fee for Farley's behavior at the groomer. I, of course, am sure that they aren't being sweet enough to him, so he is fighting back. Do I sound like "that mother?" Ha! Don't answer that! I'm the mommy and I can think my baby is perfect if I want to!

Farley and his mommy

Without sounding too weird about my dog, Farley really has been a blessing. There's just nothing like man's best friend! Farley knows when we're mad, and he licks my face when I cry. He has kept me company and kept me laughing. Of course, he has driven me crazy in between all that! But, I wouldn't change a thing! He's part of our family.

The Johnson family

Tell me about your pet. Link on up to Kelly's Korner!

Show Us Your Life - Tailgates and Favorite Teams

So, I don't think it's a big secret that I'm a tried and true Bulldog football fan. Kelly's Korner's Show Us Your Life finally got off the "baby train" and is back to something I can talk about! Yay! This week's topic - Favorite Teams and Tailgates.

Since our team isn't necessarily known as the winningest team in the SEC, the highlight of our football games have been the tailgate! Not so much the case this year...things are looking up.


I've been "tailgating" for State games all my life. And, I mean that in the most literal sense. My dad would actually take the kids, and we would eat out of the actual tailgate of my dad's Explorer in the middle of a parking lot! Those were the days! Ha! Now, it's a little more involved. My parents leave the tents with Dustin and Lee in Starkville, so they set everything up the night before. We usually have three tents (and, my dad has been known to lay down the astroturf depending on the quality of the spot.). My parents come early Saturday morning and get it all situated. Pretty much, we all just come and enjoy - no work involved! Yay! Maybe that's why I think tailgating is so fun and relaxing! Ha!


The food is always plentiful! Sometimes, we grill out. Other times, we order Abner's. During the cooler games, we will have chili, baked potatoes, and hot chocolate or apple cider. You just never know. One of the top requested items of mine is the Greek Pasta Salad. This is a recipe I got from Roan, and it has become a tailgating staple.

The satellite is set up for the guys to watch other games throughout the day. There are chairs everywhere! But, two of those are "sacred" - the recliners. The blue one - Daddy's...the maroon one - Rickey's. Touch at your own risk! Ha! Russ has one too, but we haven't taken it to a game yet.


When the weather is pretty, it's relaxing enough for a nap! That is, if you can sleep with loud talking, yelling, and laughing! I'm pretty sure Russ could sleep through anything after a long week of working in the hospital!


But, the greatest thing about MSU tailgating is visiting my friends and family! Russ and I are the only ones coming from Jackson, so it's always fun to see everyone.

Homecoming is always fun too. State isn't quite like the Grove. We don't necessarily use our fine China and linens nor wear our best dress to a football game. Ha! But, we do dress it up a little for Homecoming. Mainly just because we have gone to the Homecoming brunch at the Chi O house to see the court come through or visit with friends and family.

Then, there's the game! There are a few traditions when it comes to Mississippi State football, and here are some of my faves.

Years ago, the team would do this dance to "Who Let the Dogs Out." But, they stopped when Coach Croom came in. Well, this year...it's back! And I LOVE it!!! The entire team comes together in a huddle to do this dance. Kristin and I discussed the hours of practice time spent on the synchronization! Ha!

The Smiths (and this Johnson) ALWAYS...I repeat - ALWAYS stay until the end. Rain, sleet, snow, sun. Losing or winning. We are there. Some times we sit after the game and soak it all in. Other times, like last week, we leave as soon as the buzzer goes off! But, nonetheless, we are there!

My favorite MSU tradition, by far, is the cowbell! Enough said.

Come by whenever you're in Starkvegas on gameday!

What are your favorite teams and traditions?

Show Us Your Life - Wedding Reception and Honeymoon

It's that time again. Time for Kelly Korner's Show Us Your Life. This week is all about wedding receptions and honeymoons! Woo hoo! I had an absolute dream reception and honeymoon, and I cannot wait to share them both with you.

First of all, I must tell you how blessed we were to have SO many friends and our church family help put together a reception that was beyond what I had envisioned! I could never thank those people enough, and I could never name them all here because there were so many. But, you know who you are! Thank you!

A family friend made the gorgeous bride's cake as well as catered ALL the other food at our reception. Let me just tell you that one of the most common comments about our wedding was how fabulous the food was. Carla did an amazing job, and I trusted her with ALL of it!

The Bride's Cake
I brought a picture from a magazine of the cake I wanted, and Carla made it even more beautiful! I LOVED it!

The Groom's Cake

Russ's aunt made this awesome groom's cake. His mom brought the candy that was spilling out of a nice bucket beside the statue of bully. We had more people ask us where we got the CHOCOLATE bulldog! It is not edible, and we borrowed it from a church member. I thought that was so funny! Go dawgs!

My sister feeding the groom his cake!

One tradition our photographer has is having the maid of honor feed the groom his cake. I didn't realize that - which is why I was standing there so lonely! Ha! I immediately called my brother over to feed me!! We got a picture of that too!

The Father of the Bride Cake

Because we were married on our parents' anniversary, my mom planned an anniversary surprise for my dad. There is a story behind the "cake." Long story short...he ADORES croquembouche. This is a French dessert made from pastries filled with creme! A good family friend drove all the way to Memphis to pick this up for us. She ended up riding in the back of their SUV holding on for every bump and turn so the "cake" didn't mess up! Thank you so much Stocktons! There were also Father of the Bride business cards that were hilarious!

I don't have too many pictures of the food, but I think these show just how fabulous the food was! And, Carla made sure she fixed us up a lovely basket with samples of most everything! Yummy!!!

Although the food was delicious, the most important part of our reception was the visiting we were able to do with our friends and family! I only wish I had pictures of everyone that was there! It was so much fun! We had an awesome band made up of a few church members. They played songs by James Taylor, Jimmy Buffet, and the like. Ahhh...I wish I could do it all again! We had so much fun!

Kelly , Jennifer, me, Rachael, and Jamie

Close college friends - Rachael, Jimbo, Jennifer, Jaysen, Aaron, Kelly, Adam, Becca, Whitney Anne, Judson, Marcee, Kendall, and Matt

Russ and I rode away in a precious horse-drawn carriage. My sister made the going away sign for us. Isn't it cute!? Big Dan was our horse's name, and this was his first carriage ride. So - needless to say - it was interesting. Russ's parents live downtown, so we just rode to their house. Oh - and YES, I still have my dress on! It looks like we started the honeymoon early! Ha!

I hope you enjoyed our reception! Now, what happened next was....

Russ and I drove to Starkville the night of the wedding and stayed at Hotel Chester on Main Street. We left early Sunday morning for New Orleans where we boarded our cruise ship headed to the Western Carribbean. So much fun! And it was incredibly relaxing after the chaos of wedding planning.

Inside our room - notice our food from the reception already out on the table!

When we got to our room, our luggage was already sitting outside the door! Talk about room service! We immediately headed to an open area to watch as we set sail for the Carribbean!

Russ on our balcony

Taking a break from the sun on the balcony

We were scheduled to make three stops: Cozumel, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. We weren't able to stop in Grand Cayman because of a hurricane in that area. And boy did we feel those waves when we were traveling around it! Russ actually spent the last day and half of our honeymoon over a toilet! Fun fun!

Near the port in Cozumel

Russ on Passion Island in Cozumel

Nights on the ship were wonderful! The boat was lit so beautifully, and we could walk around or just sit and visit with nothing but the waves all around us! The boat is so big that you don't even realize you are actually RIDING on the waves!

Me during a walk around the ship

One of the many great experiences was our sit down dinners. We were seated at a table full of honeymooners. We were all married on June 4. Many days on the ship, we would spend time visiting with them as we saw them around. One day we all headed down to an art auction just to see the ridiculous amounts of money bid on certain items! They were all very nice, and we keep in touch with most still. We exchanged addresses on the boat, and we exchange Christmas cards with them each year. One couple actually lives in Canton.

Russ and I at one of the sit-down dinners

All the girls

The guys

What did you do for your honeymoon? What was your reception like? I would love to read about it! Just link up to Kelly's Korner and tell us all about it!

Show Us Your Life - Wedding Party and Flowers

Once again, it's time for Kelly's Korner's Show Us Your Life. Today is all about our wedding party and flowers. I still don't have any professional digital pictures from our wedding, and I had trouble scanning pictures this time. So I ended up taking pictures of my pictures. Please excuse the quality! Ha!

Probably the most essential part of our wedding - the bride and groom!

Russ and I were married on June 4, 2005. This is a very special date because both our parents were married on June 4! We had MANY special moments in our wedding. The ceremony began with a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace" as a dear family friend signed the words. I absolutely love to watch Melinda sign in church. It is such a worshipful experience. Our grandparents and mothers were seated to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Next, the honorary bridesmaids and ushers came in to "Great is Thy Faithfulness" played by family friends on piano and harp. Our wedding party entered to "Canon in D." We also had several children in our wedding, and they entered to "Jesus Loves Me." I walked down the aisle to "Trumpet Voluntary," and the entire congregation sang "Holy, Holy, Holy" before we exchanged our vows. It was such a moving ceremony. Of course I would say that! One of my favorite songs sung at our wedding was "When God Made You." I would not change one thing about our wedding. And, to top off the special moments, my dad - who is a pastor at my home church - married us. How many people can say that?

Me and Daddy before he walked me down the aisle

Of course, our wedding party would not be complete without showing you our families on that day.

I had 10 bridesmaids - one of those was a junior bridesmaid. Each of these girls holds such a special place in my heart and I could not imagine getting married without each one of them by our sides. Kristin, my sister, was my maid of honor. Kelly and Nikki were college roommates, and we can still pick up right where we left off! I love these girls! Rachael and Jeannie were also college friends. Kelly, Rachael, Jeannie, and I were all Chi O's together at State. Lauren and Sarah Elizabeth are special childhood friends. Clancy, my cousin, and my new sister-in-law, Jenny, also stood alongside Russ and I as we wed. Olivia served as our junior bridesmaid. I loved the bridesmaids' dresses, and I found them for a great deal at Low's! They were black strapless two-piece dresses that gathered on one side detailed with two rhinestone buttons.

Bridesmaids' bouquet

I didn't see the bridesmaids' flowers until the wedding day, and I could not have been more pleased! I trusted our friends at Sanctuary to put together something beautiful, and they went above and beyond what I had envisioned.


I also had honorary bridesmaids that I wanted to be part of the ceremony. Mary Elizabeth, Season, Lynley, and Prentiss are childhood friends. We have had some fun times and gotten in trouble many times together through the years! Marcee and Jennifer are college friends. Jennifer was my college roommate for the last couple of years I was at State. These girls chose a black dress of their choice. They each carried a single Calla Lilly. Aren't these girls gorgeous!?

Another sentimental part of our wedding was our Presenter of the Bells. My mom and a dear family friend created this bell cross. I carried a bell cross in a very special wedding, and I wanted to include this into ours. The bell cross is a symbol of our inviting God to be a part of our wedding. How special! And, we had a very special person carry our bell cross down the aisle as we listened to nothing but the jingle of the bells. Julie did a wonderful job, and she looked precious!

And, yes, we had men in the wedding! Most of our wedding party were members of our families! Ha! Russ has a large family in itself! Russ's dad served as Best Man. His groomsmen included his brother, Jimmy, and my brother, Dustin. Russ's brother-in-law, Jeff, and his two sons, Will and Seth, also served as groomsmen. Russ also chose his cousin, Nathan, to be a part of our special day. College friends, Jimbo and Adam, stood alongside Russ as he married me! And, a childhood friend and later college roommate, Eli, served as well. Our ushers (standing) were special friends to me who I wanted to include. Lee is my sister's fiance, and has become a great friend to Russ and I. A.J., Daniel, and Jason were our college "downstairs roommates." We really didn't room with boys, but they lived right below our apartment. We cooked for each other, they took care of us girls, and we became good friends. Aaron also served as an usher. He is married to Kelly, and through her (I suppose) became a special friend. We were very honored to have these guys with us on such a special day!

The children in our wedding were so precious! The flower girl, Bennett, and Julie both wore an adorable floral headpiece. The bible bearer, Barron, and ring bearer, Clay, wore cute tuxes! They all did wonderfully! Although they look so grown now! This is also probably one of the best pictures of my bouquet, pink and white peonies. I knew I wanted to carry those from the first day we were engaged! Beautiful!

Mr. and Mrs. Russ Johnson

I would love to hear more about your wedding too! So, click over to Kelly's Korner and link up! You can also see more of my wedding dress here.