Our 2010

This year there were happy times, exciting times, sad times, hard times, funny times. Moments when I didn't know how we were going to make it. Moments where the bad out weighed the good and where the good out weighed the bad.  Times when I cried because I was laughing so hard, times when I cried and I had no idea why and times when I cried because of the loss of a loved one, a friend, a family member or someone I had never even met. There were times of loneliness and times I wished I could just get a way and be by myself. Times of not understanding why things were happening the way they were and times of realizing that some of the things had to happen to get me to where I am today.

Through every "time", every "moment", every "emotion", every "situation" one thing stayed the same - and has stayed the same - and the one thing that will never change is that God has been there.

Through all of it... every step of the way. Wanting me to give him the sad times, the worries, the heartache. Wanting me to rejoice in him.

Wanting me to cast my cares upon him and not try to handle everything myself.

So as this year comes to close I decided to reflect on those moments.... the moments of joy, heartache, sadness, pain, excitement, happiness, etc... to remember that through them ALL  ~ GOD WAS THERE!

In 2010:

March 5, 2010 - We got engaged

April 1, 2010 - We bought our first car together

April 6, 2010 - Kent's dad turned 60

May 3, 2010 - I turned 25

June 13, 2010 - We found our first house

July 12, 2010 we celebrated our ONE YEAR together

July 13, 2010 - We became homeowners

August 18, 2010 - We celebrated the life of Kent's grandfather-Wilbur Keith Green as he was laid to rest in Linden, AL
August 20, 2010 - Chelesea (My sister-in-law) turned 20

August 22, 2010 - My dad turned 50

August 29, 2010 - Our wedding shower in Chelsea

August 29, 2010 - Sarah Piper and Sophie Grace were born

September 6, 2010 - We celebrated the short life of Sarah Piper - who we never met, but will always hold a place in our hearts

September 19, 2010 - Our wedding shower in Selma

September 24, 2010 - My PJ/ lingerie shower

October 1, 2010 - Our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

October 2, 2010 - We became husband and wife

October 3-7,2010 - Our Honeymoon in Gatlinburg

October 7, 2010 - Nana turned 70

October 9, 2010 - My brother got married

November 14, 2010 - Kent turned 30

November 23, 2010 (I think) - Kent's parents closed on their house in Alabaster

November 25, 2010 - We celebrated our first Thanksgiving together as a married couple

December 6, 2010 - Found out that we're having a nephew

December 25, 2010 - We celebrated our first Christmas together

December 31, 2010 - We will ring in the New Year together for the first time as Husband and Wife

What a year.... I am so very blessed!

Bring on 2011 ..... because God will be there too!



2010 {pictureless} Christmas

What a wonderful FIRST Christmas we had as husband and wife! Christmas Eve we had two parties at our house...first did Christmas with my mom, dad, Jacob and Chelesea. Then we had added Lee, Leigh Ann, David, Emma, Nana and Granddaddy. And as always we had MORE than enough food! We played three games and even had prizes for the winners!

Christmas morning we went to have breakfast at Brad, Lara and Mary Bradford's with Kent's mom and dad. It was had so much fun! We got to see all of B's gifts from Santa! We had a great breakfast and I had my first taste of Monkey Bread and it was YUMMY!!

Then we left for Adamsville to do Christmas with my mom's family. It was a great time with family. Everyone was there but Nathan, Mal and baby Sophie Grace who was at home growing bigger and stronger! We are all ready for flu season to be over so her doctor will give her the go ahead to leave the house! We missed them, but completely understand the reason for their absence. 

(Can't wait to meet you Sophie Grace)

All in all we had a WONDERFUL Christmas! We got more than we needed!

We're very blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Sunday, Kent and I  went to church and had family Communion with my mom and dad. It was such a special time for us to reflect on the best gift that has and ever will be received.

The baby who changed it all... JESUS! 

Jesus, who gave his life that we may have LIFE!

It wasn't until the Monday after Christmas I realized I had only took a handful of pictures. I cant believe it our first Christmas and we didnt even get one picture together!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

 I hope everyone has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!





We're expecting.....

We're expecting a little BOY to join our family.

Yep, that's right we're having a NEPHEW!!!

We found out on Dec. 6th that

Jacob (my brother) and his wife Chelesea are having a BOY!!!!!!!!!!

Kamden Michael Kiker is due in May!!!

We're so excited!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I have had so much fun decorating our home for Christmas.

Our Tree:

Our goal for next year is a slightly bigger tree! This is the tree I had in my downstairs apt at my parents house. It's a little small but I thought it turned out pretty

Our Fireplace:

Small Tree - Walmart

Star on Tree - Walmart

Santa, Snowman, Presents, "Merry Christmas" sign - Kirklands

Stockings - Hobby Lobby (Monogrammed at Huckabay's in Inverness)

2010 Picture Frame - Kohl's

Our Personalized Christmas:

Tree Skirt - Hobby Lobby (Monogrammed by Huckabay's in Inverness)

The ornaments we got on our honeymoon at the Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge.

The most important part of our decorations.

The REASON for the SEASON:

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures... We did not have any outside decorations this year (another goal for next year!)



Happy 30th Birthday to my Husband

Sunday, November 14, 2010 my hubby turned 30th. I threw him a surprise party at Jim -N- Nicks that night. And I really think he was surprised!

His parents, my parents, his brother, sister - in - law and niece, my brother and sister -in-law and Lee & Leigh Ann all came to help us celebrate!

Computer Down=No blogging

Our home computer has had a virus. Lucky for us one of my dad's friends works on computers and he was able to fix ours for FREE in ONE day when Best Buy wanted to charge us $ 199.00 to fix it and we might have got it back in 7-10 business days!

I can't wait to catch up my blog with the details of our busy life as newlyweds!

Christmas Cards!

I am so excited about having our first "family" Christmas cards done this year... and even more excited that because I am a blogger Shutterfly is offering 50 FREE Holiday Cards to blogger... So, if your a blogger go here to find out more info on this amazing deal!

I have always love Shutterfly and the products they produce! There are so many cute 2010 Christmas cards to choose from. They have such a great variety with very unique designs. Make sure to check out Shutterfly to find the perfect card for your holiday pictures!

Here is some samples of some of the ones I liked:

Peace and Love

More than Merry

Frosty Friends

Just a few samples of the cute cards... I cant wait to decide what card to use for our FIRST family Christmas Card...

Shutterfly has cards for any occasion as well as photo gifts such as calenders ( so you can start planning your new year!!)

Ok, got to go get all my addresses together for our Christmas card!!!

Girl's Day Out

Me, Mom & Chel

Leaving for Christmas Village

Today my mom, sister-in-law: Chelesea, and I went to Christmas Village!
We had a great time... and we got a LOT of GREAT ideas.. And as much as I want to know what Jacob & Chel are having... I am so thankful thatwe havent found out yet... I would have been BROKE after going to Christmas Village today if I knew if I was having a niece or a nephew.

Even though I have a feeling it's a boy, I resisted!

After a fun day of walking around a VERY crowded BJCC we went to eat lunch at Kobe.

Us girls at Kobe

ThUrSdAy NiGhT~ SpEnD tHe NiGhT

Thursday night we had a visitor!

After work Thursday I went to CVLC to pick up my favorite 3 (almost 4) year old. LIZZY BELLE!!

She was so excited to see her LaLa...

We went to Hobby Lobby to put up some supplies to make our "Thanksgiving" craft.

We then went to Alabaster and met Kent for dinner at Lizzy choice: Chick - fil - a.

Once we got home we started on our craft. I had so much fun watching her making it...



One Month

Today, I have been married to my best friend for ONE month. It has been a great month and looking forward to many, many, MANY MORE!!

We got a great present in the mail today....Our Wedding picture!!!

I will post more once I go through them!

Our "Cowgirl" Niece - B

Yes, I am "officially" a proud AUNT! When Kent and I got married I finally got the title --"Aunt Lauren"  and I couldn't be any happier to call this beautiful and smart little girl my niece!

Halloween 2010

She's got to be the cutest cowgirl in town!

Cade's Cove

Honeymoon 2010

Cade's Cove

We have TONS of pictures from Cade's Cove... It was beautiful ... we were able to see around 150 deer... 70 turkeys and 1 BIG BLACK BEAR!!  The black bear picture didnt turn out.. it was too dark outside!



"Heart of Mine"

Honeymoon 2010

Gatlinburg, TN

The Cabin - "Heart of Mine"

The Bed ;)

Living Area

The back porch

The Kitchen

Dining Area

Living Room

Upstairs

Upstairs

Upstairs

Heart Tub - Upstairs

Just realized... we didnt even get a picture of the outside of the cabin!!

"Fall Frenzy" 2010

Saturday Night we had a Fall Festival at our church. We had a blast decorating our trunk for the "Trunk or Treat." Our car won "Sweetest" Trunk -- And here is why...

Day View

Night View

Everyone did such a great job ...

The Arnolds ~ Most Traditional



The Brasher's - Most Patriotic

MuMu's - Most Spiritual

The Grand Prize Winner's: Kelley, Leslie, & Jamie - The Gospel House

Kent's phone didnt get a great picture of this... It was super cute... They set up a Waffle House booth in there trunk, with plates, cups, and actual coffee! The sign said "Gospel House".

It was amazing! Great job girls!!

 

The Youth did a great job with the maze and games... Tammy did a wonderful job in the kitchen with the hotdogs... The Corns provided us with funnel cakes and fried oreos which were GREAT!

Not to mention that Saturday morning we had a wonderful breakfast prepared by Sis. Salser and Jamie... It was a wonderful day!

Got to start planning how Im going to decorate my trunk for next year!

Fall Decorations

The fall decorations at our house...

Our Kitchen Table

(Only Fall decorations we had inside)

  Our Front Door/Porch



Jacob and Chelesea Kiker - October 9, 2010

My baby brother got married the weekend after me! 

 It was a very sweet ceremony with a handsome groom and beautiful bride!

October 9, 2010

The new Mr. and Mrs.

Matron/Maid of Honor: Diana

Best Man: Nick Galamore

Minister: Our dad: Michael Kiker

Musician: Todd Brasher

Photographer: The Bride's cousin - Crystal

She had a wonderful photographer whose pictures I have used on my blog!

Kent and I, my parents and the blushing bride (This was a pre-ceremony picture that's why Jacob isnt in it)

The Bride & Groom with my dad's parents, my mom's parents, my parents, my husband and myself!

The Bride & Groom with the Bride's family

Leaving for Gatlingburg, TN



Im gonna be a blogging queen!

WOW! It's been a while... So much to catch up on... So much for updating throughout the wedding planning process... now maybe that things are not so hectic I can blog more! So please keep a look out for new post on the following:

1. Our new house purchased on 7-13-10

2. Our Wedding Day 10-2-10

3. Our Honeymoon 10-3-10 to 10-8-10

4. My brother's wedding 10-9-10

5. Becoming an aunt ...again!

They may not come in this exact order but these are my what my next couple of blogs will be about!

So keep a look out!

~ Lauren Kiker Walton ~

The Wedding Party

The Wedding Party

Lindsey Howell – Maid of Honor – Best Friend of the Bride

Kristin Handley Nichols – Matron of Honor – Cousin of the Bride

Christy Bradley – Bridesmaid – Best Friend of the Bride

Lara Walton – Bridesmaid – Sister in Law of the Groom

Mary Bradford Walton – Flower Girl – Niece of the Groom

Elizabeth Ann Bradley – Flower Girl – LaLa’s (the Bride) Lizzy Belle

Donny Walton – Best Man – Father of the Groom

Brad Walton – Groomsman – Brother of the Groom

Thomas Hinds – Groomsman – Friend of the Groom

Clint Sweat – Groomsman – Friend of the Groom

Jacob Kiker – Groomsman – Brother of the Bride

 

 

 

 

Note to our Maids, Men & Flower girls,

 

Thank you for agreeing to be such a major part of the wedding. You are all very special and dear to us.

We are so thankful that you will be apart of our special day.

 

 

And to Robbie - the daddy-to-be on or around October 12:

We completely understand why you can't join us.

We are so very happy for you and Amber and wish you both the best!

 We can't wait to meet your bundle of joy!

Praying for you guys and your little blessing!

 

Love,

Lauren & Kent

Ten~Two~Ten

Surprise!!

We’re CHANGING the date!

Yep it’s true we have decided to move the wedding date up.

October 2, 2010

Location: Chelsea Church of God with a small reception to follow.

Time: Still debating because of the AL/FL game… more than likely 2:00 pm.

More details to come...

I love you period. Do you love me question mark? Please, Please exclamation point! I want to hold you in (parentheses)

On Friday, I had my first appointment to look at wedding dress…. And I found one!!! It was the fourth dress I tried on and I knew as soon as I looked in the mirror it was “The Dress”. I looked at my mom and before I could say anything she said “that’s it!” It was completely opposite of what I was looking for… in fact it was exactly what I told my consultant I didn’t want when we first walked in. So, I’m not sure how it got picked out and why I even tried it on, but I am so glad I did! It’s beautiful and I feel beautiful in it. To top it all off I feel in love with the very first veil and headpiece my consultant picked out for me, I didn’t want to take it off so I kept it on with each dress I tried on… and guess what when I got to the fourth dress it looked perfect even prettier with that dress than any other dress before. It was a great day! And to think I was worried that finding a dress was going to be the hardest and most stressful part of the planning. Since this is the one and only detail of the wedding I can keep from Kent I’m not going to go into a lot of details about the look and style of the dress on here. I want him to be completely surprised!

The Headpiece

Today, my parents and I met with the caterers and I just love them! For those of you from Adamsville they did Adam and Diane Hazel’s reception and from my Chelsea friends they also did Nick and Jessica’s reception. They do such a wonderful job and I know they will help make mine and Kent’s day even better! I’m so excited about our menu for the reception it all sounds so good!

They also gave us a name of a lady who they use for cakes and flowers. So I will be in contact with both of them soon!

Also, I found a photographer, Emily Hooten!! For those of you who know Trista and Patrick Cooper it is the same photographer they used for their wedding. She is super sweet and very talented. She had the most reasonable prices of everyone I checked on.

Picture of my dad taken by Emily Hooten at The Cooper's wedding.

Everything is falling together so well… I am so thankful for the wonderful support and encouragement from our amazing families and friends. You all are GREATLY appreciated!

A blog coming soon to list all FINAL details!

**The title of this blog is a song Kent often sings to me. He actually entertained me with this song while I was typing this blog entry!

Thanks baby for  ALL your inspiration and your patience :)