While driving back from Starkville a few weekends ago, Cody and I heard this Miranda Lambert song-and I just had to giggle! It seems to be perfect for those few-bless their hearts-who tend to get under your skin. You know who I'm talking about. I mean, I will admit to stirring the pot every now and then, but these people would pick an argument with a wall! So for goodness sake, lets just shake hands and agree to disagree!
Last weekend Cod
y and I headed out early Saturday morning to join thousands of maroon loving fans at Super Bulldog weekend in Starkville. For those of you who don't know, Starkville is the home to Mississippi State University-which happens to be Cody's Alma Mater. Oh yes, I spent my fair share of time in Starkvegas. Whew! If had half the money I spent on gas traveling to and from that city, well, I could take a very nice vacation! So I have to say that I do love that place and I don't mind spending an afternoon catching up on some shopping, eating, and campus events. Actually, MSU holds a very special place in my heart for a another reason; I got engaged there.
Now let me tell you, even after the wedding and nearly two years of marriage, I am still shocked on how sneaky he was- or how oblivious I am. All the signs were there, I just failed to see them! To tell you truth, I wouldn't change a thing. Well, to be honest, 
I might have freshened up my make-up and dabbed a bit of perfume on! Oh well. You know its love when you get proposed to in sweats and no makeup right?!!
With that said, it is truly a wonderful engagement story that couldn't be more " Jessica and Cody. Enjoy!
So here's how it went down :Cody and I were scheduled to board a cruise headed to Cozumel. To shorten the drive to Mobile, we decided to stay at Cody's apartment in Starkville. (Well little did I know, Cody had an alterior motive.) So once we arrived to a deserted Starkville and Miss State campus, I decided to take rest on the couch. In the meantime, Cody said he was going to run down and check his mail while he was in town.. (Hello Jessica, here is your sign) I guess I was oblivious to the backpack he was wearing with a change of clothes! Well, you know what happened next. I got a call from Cody advising me to read the trail of notes he had left. And after a very thought out scavenger hunt around the Miss State Campus, Cody completely caught me off guard and proposed at the most perfect place, the Chapel of Memories-in true Miss State style of course. Considering it was Christmas break, no one was around 
but the church, the two of us, and a gospel choir. How perfect! (FYI-the choir wasn't planned, but was definitely a plus) 
Sing, which I absolutely can NOT. But If I could, I think I would jam out to this song. Who doesn't love Benny and the Jets?!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBbSvcJdGO4&feature=related
Famous words from that loud mouth cook, Paula Dean.. You know you have heard them before. (Loud mouth or not, she is still a genius!)
Friday was my Dad's 53rd birthday. Considering that he has EVERYTHING, I was at a loss as what to buy him. I've been racking my brain to come up with the perfect present.. Sadly, time ran out and I was unable to purchase a gift. However, at a last minute attempt to do something special, I organized dinner plans at the Paula Dean buffet in Tunica. I was a little hesitant at first because I have never been myself, but I was banking on all the good things I have heard. And I am glad I did-It was fabulous! Not only the food, which was unbelievable, but the atmosphere was fantastic.
Our family was seated in a private dining room, right next to the dessert bar! I was in Heaven! It was a delicious meal and a great way to celebrate Dad. Kudos to Paula Dean and all her success. I must say, she is quite inspiring.. even if she does say Ya'll.
Paula Dean's Toffee Brownies-Yum!!
Servings: 24 large/48 small brownies
Prep Time: 8 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients Add to grocery list
3 (6-ounce) candy bars with almonds and toffee chips (recommended: Symphony brand)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 (17.6-ounce) package brownie mix with walnuts
Directions
Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions.
Line a 13 by 9-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil cooking spray. Spoon in half of the brownie batter and smooth with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place the candy bars side by side on top of the batter. Cover with the remaining batter.
Bake according to package directions. Let cool completely, then lift from the pan using the edges of the foil. This makes it easy to cut the brownies into squares.
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Or at least I plan to be. Hopefully! With all the weddings and engagements that have recently occurred in our circle of friends, I have found 
myself reminiscing about my own bridal days. It also may have something to do with the annual Mississippi Magazine: Wedding Issue that I received in the mail. Oh what fun those days were! Stressful? Heck ya. Worth every minute? Without a doubt. I must say the overall result was totally worth it. I wish I could relieve our wedding everyday.
Sadly, that day has come and gone.. It makes me blue to think we only get a few short months to bask in the glory of our "Bridal Bliss" and be showered with gifts and well wishes of love.. Or maybe I'm crazy... oh well, there is always the renewal of the vows to plan, right? In honor of the wonderful weddings to come, I decided to take a trip down The Bunyard Wedding memory lane. Considering that it was a years worth of wonderful festivities, I'll add them separately.. Enjoy!
That's right, I'm officially, official! After a years worth of hard work and praying, I have been accepted to the Ole Miss Counselor Education program! Whoohoo! Grad School here I come! It's been awhile since I've been the student, but I'm more than ready to be siting in the desk again-versus standing in front of the room. I love to teach, but I also love to learn. Can you tell that I am excited or what?!
Oh and it gets better. I think Cody has also caught the "back to school" bug. He is considering going back to get his MBA at
Memphis. You go babe! Two of us in school again..Lord help us!
It feels great to have the opportunity to continue our education. I feel blessed to have the support of friends and family, but most importantly, Cody. Now we just have to figure out how were going to pay for tuition.. Yikes! Donations anyone?
Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Henry L. Doherty
Say that five times fast! Whew!
I first discovered Scentsy earlier this year and I must say.. I love it! I wasn't sure what to think of it at first, but it quickly grew on me. Before long, I had a warmer and a large collection of smells. Just when I think I have found my favorite, a new one comes out and I just have to have it! Right now I'm loving the Mums and Marigolds and Shades of Green scentsy bars. They are p
erfect for Spring and they fill your home with wonderful smells.
Lucky for me, a near and dear friend of mine is a Scentsy consultant. Sarah Sartain is so very sweet and I know she will do great with Scentsy. She has the support of her husband Clay, who seems to be quite the Scentsy sidekick. Sarah seems to be doing great and I am proud of her for venturing out and trying something new. Don't forget-Sarah Sartain Sells Scentsy!
For those of you who aren't familiar with Scentsy, check it out!
