It's beginning to look alot like Christmas!!!

Since it's snowing outside... YES. Snowing outside in November. in Memphis. {And everyone says, "Wow."} lol But since it's snowing, I decided to post my pics of my Christmas decor! Couldn't have a tree this year so I had to find other ways to decorate. I heart Christmas. =)















Merry Christmas peoples!!! =))

Thanksgiving 2011 ~Gatlinburg, TN

Went to Gatlinburg for Thanksgiving this year and we had sooo much fun!!! I felt like crying when it was time to leave!

Paradise to me would be a mansion on a mountain top overlooking the ocean. <3

















That's all folks! ;)

I'm still here I promise!!!

Ohk so I've kinda failed at the whole blogging stuff in the past few days... I have been SO busy!!! But I promise I'm still here!! =)
Life has bee great, I am making/delivering cakes like crrazy and my husband has been putting in a lot of hours at his work. It's been a little stressful.. ohk very stressful at times but I know that it's all gonna be worth it next week when we hit the road to Gatlinburg, TN!!! =)Almost everything I'm making right now is being put in a envelope titled "Gatlinburg/Christmas". So hopefully thanks to my cakes, we will have money to spend in Gburg and money to buy... CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!!! =D

Oh and by the way...

I put up my Christmas decor!!!! hehe...

I will post pictures as soon as possible I promise!!! =) Love you guys!!
<3 Amber

Kansas: The Adventures of Dorothy & Toto!!!

So our trip to Kansas City was alot of fun!!! And definitely NOT long enough! Our trip started out on Saturday morning... bright and early. We stopped and got a muffin to go and then hit the road. BUT we hit the road a little TOO fast... Yeah you guessed it.. *BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL* Twenty minutes into our road trip my husband gets pulled ove. 84mph in a 65mph zone. YIKES! =/ The state trooper asked for his license & proof of insurance... after 5 minutes of looking we realized we didn't have our renewed insurance paper.. Great. We both sat there in the car praying... there was no way we could afford this whopper of a ticket that we just KNEW it would be. BUT. Thankfully the nice state trooper only gave us a warning for speeding & a ticket that could be taken care of for free by just showing our proof of insurance. THANK YOU JESUS!

So. After that crazy event, we hit the road again. THIS time going the speed limit. LOL

W.D drove the first 5 hrs... everything was BEAUTIFUL!!! I love roadtrips during the fall. This is what it looked like for 5hrs straight.

Then we stopped and got something to eat for lunch.. and I started driving. Well after about 10minutes of driving, I was like, "Man, this little town is dead and ugly compared to all the other towns we have driven through today. Everything is flat and dead looking." My sweet husband then replied, "I know. The next 2-3 hours will be like this. I HATE driving this."

Oh well gee thanks. ;P

FLAT. DEAD. UGLY.

NADA ZILCH.

This is a wimpy sign for Kansas City.. I missed the actual "welcome to Kansas sign" =(

We made it to Kansas and went and unloaded our stuff at the Hilton's and picked up my mom-n-love and bro-n-love and we headed to get a bite to eat before the rodeo...

First Stop: FIVE GUYS at LEGENDS.

I LOVE LEGENDS. <3

Then we headed downtown Kansas City. This picture doesn't do the beautiful city justice.

Then off to the rodeo!!!!

This was a cool game that I've never seen before. They had these kids (FFA) gather in the circle and then they let out these calves. Object of the game was to get all the calves back into the circle.

Poor kids had to wrestle them down. Some were even pulling their tails. haha

They did it!!

Bull riding! Go cowboy, go!!!

Then after the rodeo they had a Reba McIntyre concert... we stayed long enough to see her walk on stage and take a pic... then we left. Not Reba fans AT ALL. lol

Us outside of the Sprint arena..

On Sunday, we went to church. Service was amazing. My husband was supposed to preach but didn't due to a visit from the Lord. =)

After service we went to Smokehouse Barbeque. Another on of my favorites! A few of our beautiful cousins showed up to eat with us.

We had an all around great time!! On Monday, we slept in, had home-made pumpkins muffins, spent time with the family, went to Chipotle and then headed out of town.

Now as I said in the blog before, the main reasoning for our trip to Kansas was to talk to my husband's pastor about his request for us to move to Kansas at the beginning of the year. After speaking with him and then speaking with our pastor in Memphis, and a whole lot of prayer and fasting in the weeks before, we have felt that God wants us in Memphis for just a while longer. We have a feeling that we will go to Kansas one day, but for now we feel like God isn't finished with us in Memphis.

So with all that said and done, we are glad to be home, glad to have some clear direction, and looking forward to the holidays!!! ;)

Until next time,

There's no place like home. <3 ;)

Where you go, I will go... Lord send me...

With the end of the year drawing closer and closer, I'd like to ask my fellow friends to keep us in your prayers as we pray and seek God's direction for our lives in the coming year. Some of you know that we have been asked to consider moving to Kansas by W.D's pastor, Pastor Chalfant at the beginning of the year. This isn't set in stone yet... but we are preparing to do so if it truly is God's will. As of right now, we have been training other couples in our church to take over the youth in case we do move. Some days we feel like God wants us to stay here in Memphis and continue the work that W.D and then the two of us have been working on for the past year and a half. But other days we feel as if God wants us to dig up our roots, fill in the hole and move our lives somewhere where God may need us more. Please keep us in your prayers as the year comes to an end. Pray that God directs us in the path He wants us to go, and that He comforts us and our familes in whichever path He chooses. Also, we will be going to Kansas this weekend to sit down with Pastor Chalfant and talk things over about what we will be doing if we move... please keep us in your prayers!!

Thanks dearly my friends!! <3

First Christmas Decorations ;)

So I did it. I went out and bought my first Christmas decorations. And guess what? It worked! I am now in the Christmas spirit! =) I couldn't buy much but its a start!!

So I'm planning on doing my home in red and like lime/sage green for Christmas. I've always loved it and wanted to decorate with it! =) I didn't have much to spend so I had to limit myself big time. A few things at a time Amber... you have plenty of time, its only October! ;)

I walked over the whole store before I ever put anything in my basket. Not because I couldn't find anything.. but because my basket wasn't big enough for the whole store! ;) Sooo after I walked over the whole store I decided I wanted these deer. They kinda remind me of home... but then again they are totally different cause these are lime green deer!!! ;)) And I also bought us matching stockings. The tops of the stockings are actually the same color as the deer but you can't really tell in this pic.

I thought it was a rather good start to my Christmas decor. =)

Now I can't wait to go to Gatlinburg in November so I can buy us our first ornament!!!!

What did I tell ya?

I'm now in the Christmas spirit. ;)

I.heart.goodies!!! =))

So I know I JUST posted yesterday... but I couldn't help but post a few pics of some goodies we have received and some good news!!!!!!

My aunt and uncle went to Disney World and brought me home this super cute pot-holder!!! =)

Theeen... my parents went to Disney World as well and brought me home this cute cute t-shirt. =))

And a Disney journal and Disney pen for W.D. =)

And a verrrry sweet lady bought these fabulous tea towels for me "just because"... I LOVE them!!!!!! <3

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Annnd I'm superr duperrr excited about some future vacation plans for May!! Disney World and a Disney Cruise is in the planning stages thanks to my wonderful mom!!! Woohoo!!! We are extremely excited about this, since we've NEVER been to Disney World!!! =D

3night Disney cruise aboard "Disney Dream"

And a couple days in Disney!!!

HURRYYY MAYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)))

<3- The Princess in Me

October: The beginning of our Love Story

October is a very special month of memories for my love and I. A year ago this month, was the beginning of our Love Story. It really started in June when he moved to Memphis to be our youth leader... but the love-dove/ mushy-gushy/ sweethearts part didn't come till October. ;)

So in case you dont know our story, here is a brief summary;) :

New Youth Pastor

W.D came to Memphis in June and preached a Youth Sunday for us.. my pastor was impressed and asked him to consider moving to Memphis for a year to be our youth pastor. W.D accepted. During this time, I was tormented and teased about the new single youth pastor. But I was determined I was not going to let anyone hinder my "friendship" with my youth pastor.

New Friend

As the months went on, we became really close friends and though I knew he liked me, I just wasn't interested in anything more than a friendship. But even through my rejection, he kept on being my friend, my constant friend. It aggravated me that someone I "didn't like" could care for me so much.

Cupid flys in September too.

Around September of 2010, I began to really question my feelings for him. We were constantly texting, constantly talking, and I really felt like he would do almost anything for me... my heart began to fall... not because I wanted it to... I felt like I had no control.

Falling.

And then it all flopped on me. October 1st, he told me he was going out of town to meet a "friend' and do a double-date with her and another couple. I pretended like I could care less. The young people would ask how I felt and I would just say, "Im happy for him!" But inside my heart was breaking... along with my will. That day before he left, he came and told me good bye and then honked at me as he pulled out of the parking lot. It was at that moment that I knew... I just lost my chance. I talked to him the whole way (hours) to the restaurant where he was meeting her. That night I went out to eat with my pastor and the young people and the subject came up about 'Bro. Hilton and his date'... W.D had sent me a pic (at my request) of him and his "friend" that night.. I showed everyone at the table and tried to make out like I was happy for them. But my pastor saw right through me. Gotta love pastors. I know I do. He looked at me and said, "Sis Amber, if you would have been nicer to him, you would have had a chance."

Broken.

Something clicked in my heart at that moment. It was like God was telling me, "If you don't let go of your will, you're gonna miss mine." I cried all the way home. I couldn't bear the thought of being in a relationship with someone else... and not being able to talk to him. Two very long days passed... and on Mon. October 4th he returned, but to my dismay, he wouldn't have anything to do with me. He later told me that he was so frustrated cause he left that weekend to try to "get over" me... and all he could think of was me the whole weekend. So when he came home, he determined to avoid me.

Superman

Then it all broke on Thursday of that week, I somehow let him know through a text message that I had missed him... and without telling him, I somehow let him know I kinda did care for him. Thursday night my family was going to eat Mexican at a restaurant by our house.. Mexican food was the last thing I wanted and I told W.D this. I also told him that I needed a superman to come rescue me. He then asked if it would be ohk if he came... I was happy that he was giving me another chance and agreed he could come.

New Chapter

When he walked in that night, it was like I was seeing him for the first time.. black dress shirt, blue jeans and black suede shoes... he literally made my heart melt. ;)

Hilton Headquarters

On Saturday, he asked me and a few girls to go help him buy a few things to decorate his bachelor pad. It proved to be a frustrating night for us girls... for them because half way thru the night they realized, the only opinion he really cared about was mine. ;) And frustrating for me, cause even though we were "talking", I wasn't sure whether to let him buy the things I liked and I would want in a home (which was his motives) if it ended up not being God's will... but then again I didn't want to have him buy things I didn't really like, just in case it was God's will!! ;) And I'm so glad I decided on that one. ;))

At Bahama Breeze the night we decorated the Hilton headquarters ;)

Its a Love story

As the days, weeks went by we began to fall sweetly into the will of the Lord... many happy tears were shed as we finally realized the miracle that had happened in our lives. As I realized I had finally found my better half, the one who could make me smile, the one I was completely comfortable with, the one who loved me for who I was... my bestfriend. <3

Nothing could wipe the smiles off our faces... Truly happy people;)

October 20th. Went to see "WICKED" at the Orpheum for our first date... It was amazing.

Love

October 26th we became an official dating couple with the blessing of our pastors and our parents.... =)

We were in this thing called LOVE. (thanks Kara for writing on our steps to help us remember;))

~Amber <3

Deee-licious Pasta Salad!!! *mouth waters*

I made this delicious pasta salad last night... and I have literally eaten 2 more helpings out of it since then!!! I LOVE it!!! I got the recipe from the "Simple & Delicious" magazine... and I altered it for mine and my husbands taste buds... Its called Caesar Tortellini Salad. =)

This is a closer picture.... pure heavenly pasta bliss. =)

And its soooo EASY to make!!! Here is the recipe (and my alterations):

Caesar Tortellini Salad

3 1/2 cups frozen cheese tortellini

3 plum tomatoes, chopped (I used 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead)

1 can (3.8oz) sliced ripe olives, drained

1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped (I used 1 small cucumber, chopped)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I recommend only putting cheese on top of individual servings so your cheese doesn't get slimy in the refrigerator!)

1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing

8 thinly sliced hard salami, cut into 2in. strips (I used a 1in. thick slice of ham that I cooked and then chopped into 2in. strips)

Cook Tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine tortellini and remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until serving. (its so much better when its completely cold =))

Enjoy!!! Please let me know if you try this recipe!! =)

What a Weekend!

Wedding cake made and delivered= Now I can breathe easy!! =)

My weekend started on Thursday.. I met with the bride to get a deposit, went to the store to buy my cake ingredients... then went to my local cake/baking supply store to buy my cake boxes, boards and a few other things needed for my wedding cake on Saturday. All was going well until I pulled into the parking lot of The Baking Boutique to see no cars, window blinds closed, open sign... gone. I looked at the clock... 1:15pm. I thought, "Hmm.. maybe she's on lunch..." So I got out, walked up to the door and to my dismay, found this sign on the door.

I got in my car and just stared at my beloved cake store. It felt like the end of the world. lol Ohk maybe not that bad but I was almost in tears.

Sooo.. I went home, unloaded my groceries and went and searched for another cake supply store in Memphis. Thankfully there was one! So I jotted down the info and took off.. It wasn't in a great area of town, and when I pulled up, I had lots of doubts.

Buuuut... when I walked in... I was utterly delighted!! Wall to Wall, Ceiling to Ceiling of cake supply goodness. It looked like heaven's storehouse to me at the moment. I walked the crowded aisles in amazement. It looked like Wilton Magazine had exploded in there. Whatever you needed, whatever color, whatever flavor, shape, size, character.... they have it. Truly a cake decorator's dream store. =)

And what lesson did I learn?

Never judge a store by its cover.

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Also, I decided to check out the "famous" pinterest.com... a little while later ;), I left our computer with two new projects on my "to do" list... I absolutely LOVE these!!!!

Wedding song Tiles... Ours would either have, "I wanna spend my tomorrows here with you", or "For Once in My Life", or "Beautiful"... Haven't quite decided which one yet but I looove this.

And this sign stole my heart... it's like top on my list. So simple. But I LOVE it! <3

Anyways, just thought I'd stop by my blog and give my 2 very special followers an update.. ;o)

Amber <3

Today's Mond.. I mean Wednesday! =o

So if I didn't know for sure what today was... it coulda tricked me into thinking it was Monday. Shew what a DAY!!

I need caffeine. But since today is a church-wide fast day... nada caffeine for me! I asked my hubby earlier if he wanted me to fix dinner before church tonight or after.. he replied that he thinks he could get more out of service tonight if he ate dinner first. I agreed and was like, "In fact, I think I could have gotten alot more out of my whole day if I had eaten first!" Lol Ahh- Its been one of THOSE days!!!

I think maybe I'm just feeling a little stressed thats all. We have our Fuzion Youth Encounter (youth rally) on Friday night and I'm over the food.. which isn't a big deal... but trying to find people available to help serve 150 young people pizza and nachos at a late-night lock-in is the stressful part. And on Saturday, I have a wedding cake to deliver... which means Thursday and Friday, I will be covered in cake batter and icing. Yum!

Wedding Cake =Stress

Annnd on top of all that... I have 3 pages of accounting homework with who knows how many problems... due Monday. Can you say, "Brain-overload!"

My husband... Is not a bit stressed. He's Mr. Cool Guy... this kinda stuff is a piece of cake to him. baha! ;)

So anyways, That's whats going on in the life of the Hilton's at the moment!! Now I know this post is gonna be huge... I'm making up for lost time!! Lol But I'm gonna post a few pics of our little life happenings from the past few weeks and then I'll be done. =)

Our very first attempt at grilling... it turned out to be hilariously funny. I found a make-shift grill at walmart for $3 on clearance... silly grill couldn't hardly keep a piece of charcoal lit!!! Not to mention we had 4 neighborhood kids trying to throw tomatoes in while were cooking... and a homeless man sitting in our yard about 30 ft away just watching...

sigh... no more grill nights! lol

For my Husband's birthday, we took him to one of his favorite restaurants in Memphis, Thai Bistro, for sushi... then we put on our rodeo gear and hit the nearest rodeo! I love my birthday cowboy!! <3

The next weekend, we went to see the Blue Angels out at the Air show by the Navy Base. It turned out to be a really fun deal! But so hot!

My Husband's favorite... The Stealth Bomber... made its appearance and my husband's day!

Then... last week our ladies took a trip to Jackson, Tn to attend the Taste Of Home Cooking School. You would think after 4 years of cooking school that this would be the LAST place I would wanna go... nope! I was like a little girl at Christmas!!! I absolutely loved it!!! =)

My goodies from the show! =)

Little Bralyn Britton!! She's adorable!

And the newest addition to our book collection... Gotta love Dave Ramsey! =)

Ohkayy folks! That's all for now... if you made it here, Im sorry for boring you half to death! ;)