Sterling Hall

Today was the opening of the beautiful Sterling Hall Show House. My company was privileged to work on this magnificent 15,000+ square foot house, designing and building furniture and cabinets in nearly every room. Although I wasn't there early enough to have a part in it, I am quite proud of Karpaty's work!

Sterling Hall will be open until December 19 and the tickets' proceeds benefit Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The homeowners chose this charity because it is where their son underwent treatment for a blood disorder, and they want to give back to the place that saved his life. I was really touched when I found that out.

Tickets are available at http://www.sterlinghalltour.com/. Come take a look...when else will you have the chance to walk around a $10 million mansion?! I know I never had.

Parker is here

I just wanted to give a little shout out to the Jenneys! This morning Ashley & Travis welcomed Parker Hayes into their loving family. Here he is, weighing in at 8lbs, 9oz. I think he looks like a little Cabbage Patch doll; what a cutie! We Pi Phis are so excited to have Parker to play with...and he will be the only boy officially allowed at our girly get-togethers.Danny and I are babysitting a couple nights this week for the girls I've watched since I moved to Atlanta. I showed them little Parker's picture and they loved him too. The younger one started asking when we are going to have a baby (just like she did the very second I said "I do"...literally asked me AT my wedding when the baby would come). But the girls did assure me that they'll be old enough and able to babysit our child when we have one. Haha. Anyways, again congratulations to the Jenneys! What a great early birthday present for Daddy Travis!

Sound of Music Weekend

Girls' getaways are always so much fun! A small group of us ventured up to Helen, Georgia this weekend to celebrate Shannon's bachelorette party. We tried to keep our "Sound of Music Weekend" plans a surprise but the sneaky bride-to-be figured out most of it ahead of time.

Friday night was some low key fun at the cabin, making homemade pizzas, showering Shannon with some gifts, and playing the game of catch phrase. Saturday morning we lounged in the hot tub and enjoyed some eggs and fruit, then realized we had no running water in the house. Ahh! Unfortunately it was not frozen pipes as we first suspected, but ended up being an issue with the city water (we halfway believe the realty company forgot to pay their bill). After two visits from a plumber and us girls shuttling three at a time to a nearby condo to take showers, we rallied with some mimosas and started our day with some delicious North Georgia BBQ. Afterwards we headed to Habersham Winery to sample some of the local blends, then spent some time wandering around downtown and lounging in front of the tv. For dinner we dined at a delicious eatery called Nacooche Grill where I had the most amazing shrimp n' grits imaginable. They were so good! Our big night out was spent at Bigg Daddy's Tavern, having a blast watching the locals, singing along with a great band, and befriending the bartenders.

We are all so excited for Shannon and Randy! The two of them are a great couple and so much fun. We can't wait to celebrate their marriage on New Years Eve!

Having never visited Helen before, I thought the town was so cute and a perfect weekend getaway! Everything was festively German, a little cheesy but so quaint and fun. It would be neat to experience their Oktoberfest one year, or maybe just go with Danny for a relaxing weekend together. With the close hour proximity to Atlanta, I'm sure we will revisit Helen one day!

Jacksonville

We went to Jacksonville last weekend for our annual Florida vs. Georgia trip. It's rather funny that neither Danny or I really care which team wins this game, but it is our 4th year in a row to attend the "South's largest cocktail party." But even more importantly than the cocktail party, it's a great bonding time with our friends. Pam's parents have hosted the event since her first year at UF. Typically the crowd ranges in size from the low to high 20's, and it's always a memory making weekend.

After kickball on Thursday a big group of us caravaned down to Jacksonville. Friday morning we went to the beach. It was too cold to swim, but perfect for laying out. After a yummy dinner of baked ziti Mr. and Mrs. H shuttled us to The Landing, a mingling spot for all those in town for the big game. Just like usual, Saturday morning started off with a heavy breakfast, "to soak it all in" as Mrs. H says, and then we packed up and all headed to the tailgate. The afternoon was spent playing the game of "murder" and hanging out. Last year Mr. H had the brilliant idea of renting a private Porto Potty, and again this year we cherished the fact that we didn't have to waste half the day standing in a line with everyone else.

A small group of us usually head back to the Hendersons at gametime, as Danny and I did last weekend. They have a pool, hot tub, snacks, and a big screen, and selfishly Auburn is usually on tv during that time, so I enjoy that as well as the chance for a nap. When everyone returned from the game it was time for pulled pork (as you can see she really feeds us well all weekend) and then late night flip cup. This weekend was no exception to the run of amazing weekends in Jacksonville. The Hendersons are so generous to provide such a carefree and enjoyable weekend for us all.

I heard extremely unfortunate news yesterday. My favorite teacher of all times, Mrs. Bayrd from Brentwood High, was killed in an auto accident while vacationing in Greece. There are not enough kind words to say about this lady. She gave every class and every student 100%. She taught me AP History, of which I struggled immensely, but looked forward to the hour with her every day. She was entertaining, caring, and truly enthusiastic. A real legend of a teacher. I will always remember our trip to the Biltmore and her story telling us how hot dogs are made. You will be missed by many, Mrs. Bayrd. Thanks for serving the Brentwood community so well for so many years. http://http//www.brentwoodhomepage.com/obituary-sarah-bayrd-instilled-love-of-past-to-thousands-by-her-presence-cms-3664

What A Wonderful Week

I'm a little behind on blogging, a result of the new busy job. I love having real work to occupy my day, but that means that I have to do my internet gossiping at home now, and that definitely competes with Danny time. First, I want to share a few pictures from my friend's baby shower two weekends ago. Due in mid-November, Ashley will be having a baby boy, Parker Hayes Jenney. We celebrated with some of her work friends, our Pi Phi group, and her mother in town from Indiana. I had a great time helping plan the afternoon with a couple other ladies and we were all so pleased with the outcome. It was a beautiful day with fabulous people. Ashley was 'showered' with some great baby goodies. We can not wait for the little guy's arrival! Ashley & Travis will be amazing parents!

As I mentioned, our new jobs are now over a week underway. Both of us really like what we're doing and feel the moves were definitely for the best. Danny's new position seems to hold a better work-life balance as he finds himself home most days by 6:30! Mine has been an adjustment in nearly every way; more flexibility, casual attire, and so many new projects. I get excited for what I will learn each new day and hope to soon feel a little more confident, but I know that will come with time.

Here's a picture of our 1st Day...a friend suggested the photo idea, sort of like the manditory 1st day of school pic. Since we were in it together, it seemed appropriate. We probably should have followed it up with a 1st evening after work picture, which would have shown me passed out on the sofa from exhaustion.