Terror Weekend and Halloween

Hey everyone! It hasn't been long at all since the last blog but I HAD to post about this past weekend and today because Halloween was so much fun and to keep in my memories forever. Well the beginning of this Weekend/Halloween started off as the scariest weekend of my life. I actually feared my life, Cody's parents life, and Cody's life for a little while Friday night. 

So the weekend started off as any weekend for us, on Friday at 4:00pm I left to Cody's parents house to drive to Codys football game together. Towards the end of the game were losing like usual 40-0 with 5 minutes left of the last game of the season, and then a fight broke out. I have trouble writing this because it was slightly traumatic. But basically Brainerd and Tyner are both rival inner city schools and they got mad at each other and the fans erupted out of the stadium to fight the Brainerd coaches and players and the other fans started attacking us and they trapped us all in the small high school stadium. Kids were being hit, I was shoved, kids were thrown in front of moving cars, it was like rabid animals gone wild. Cody's parents and I couldn't get out and were trapped between the TWO police men and the Brainerd team fighting the fans, and they gassed us. THEY TEAR GASSED US. THEY FREAKING TEAR GASSED US. The worst part is is it didn't even phase the 300 people fighting. The most terrifying part is we couldn't find Cody. But then I saw him. RIGHT. IN. THE. MIDDLE. I literally couldn't breathe for like 10 seconds. I didn't know what to do. I wasn't sure if he was hurt, being punched, or worse stabbed/shot. Cody's dad ran in there and got him away from the center and we all ran to our cars only to realize the Tyner kids were walking around bashing car windows in with spiked clubs. We got out of there after dodging kids only to find the Brainerd kids fighting each other now back at the Brainerd school. It was terrifying and scary especially with no control or order. So once we all got home we soaked our faces in milk because we had 1st degree burns on our faces from the tear gas and mace. :( :( Worst night of my life. I praise God we made it out unhurt for the most part and alive. Cody dislocated his finger trying to get out of the riot so we're dealing with that. It was just terrifying and the worst experience. I will not be attending any more football games of inner city schools or against inner city schools under ANY circumstance. EVER AGAIN. :( 

So the next day after we got over that night, I woke up early to run errands with mom! We got me and Cody's large wedding pictures framed at Michael's, and got lunch. We finished up the afternoon walking Sasha at Imagination Station. She's not quite that ready for social interaction but we're getting there very slowly. 

Look at my beautiful mama! She is radiant inside and out! 50 looks so good on you mom! I only hope and pray I look just like you when I'm your age. Seriously. 

The fall colors on the walk were to die for. My personal favorite thing about fall/October. 

So jump forward to Halloween. I woke up early and made us cinnamon rolls! The best part about marriage is the realization that you get to make your own traditions for your little family to follow forever! So I am starting to think now what Cody and I would like that to be. So for Halloween I decided we will eat cinnamon buns/rolls for breakfast, have as much family over as possible, grill out hot dogs and chili for dinner and have jello shaped with pumpkins for "dessert", and trick-or-treat till we drop. This will be the best when we have kids one day!!!

Here is my attempt of the jello pumpkin, skull, and ghost along with our other Halloween decor! Even though the jello was not cooperating in being the exact shapes I wanted them to be, they tasted AMAZING!

So when Cody came home after a long day of work, we quickly dressed up and headed out the door. We had a lot on our list for the night! We couldn't find Cody's ax murderers mask so we went with the matching theme. And get this...if Cody and I are ever matching, know it was not planned and we have found that we just have very similar taste in like, everything. But yes, it worked out perfectly and we were our honeymoon Mickey and Minnie bride and groom! My shirts says wifey!! (Yes I wore the skirt and shirt to one of my bridal showers but that's ok!) And I've already got next years costume planned out!

Never grow up. I know I am, and always will be a kid at heart. And I love that about me. There is a time for work and a time for play. I think the time for play is slowly diminishing in this world. 

Our first stop out the door was to surprise my aunt and uncle at their house! They haven't had a trick-or-treater visit them in their neighborhood once in the 5 years they have been there, weird. So we decided to stop in and surprise them! Let me tell you what, they were SO surprised and got a kick out of the fact we dressed up! We stayed with them a good hour before we had to leave to Cody's  families house for dinner. We had a great time and loved spending time with Wade and Jody so much! #favauntanduncle We can't wait to see them for Thanksgiving! Oh and the picture above is the gorgeous sunset on the hills my aunt and uncle live on. It is like fire in the sky! So breathtaking!

We headed to Cody's house and his mom made us a good southern comfort meal, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans. We are so thankful for having us over to share a meal. You have no idea. #newlywedbudget We had a great time with them and showed them our costumes and about after an hour went on our way. 

Next we surprised Cody's Grandparents and they were SO surprised too, and also got a huge kick out of the fact we dressed up. It brings you such joy to make other people happy and it makes you happy too! And you both get good company! Win win! We had so much fun with Cody's grandparents chatting up a storm and catching up  with each other. After an hour of chatting, they dumped us with a bag of their left over candy :) and drove home. 

We finished out the night coming home to this, our bowl of candy half empty!! Oh I was so happy!! They ate our candy!!!!!!! Eeeeks! Someone or hopefully lots of people and kids got to enjoy our candy!! And yes the sign says 'Please only take 2 pieces of candy, Santa is watching" Had too. We wanted to make sure everyone who was going to come got candy and we had to hold them accountable to remind them that Santa is watching them! ;) 

Cody and I made a warm cup of hot chocolate and then went to sleep. Now bring on November!! I am SO EXCITED!!!

Love,

The Raborns

11-1-16

P.S.- Cody and I managed to get tickets for the Vols game this coming weekend for homecoming (my first alumni homecoming!) so we will be heading to Knoxvegas soon!

The Maize Maze! (Updated Pictures!)

Hello everyone! I of course had to do a whole blog post in dedication to my absolute favorite 3 months of the year, and my families annual corn maze adventure hence the fancy play-on-words title ;), get it maize is corn, and it was a corn maze. Ok ok, I know you knew, just had to say;)

So we drove to Cleveland TN after a rather chaotic morning (wont get into that) and met Nana there to spend the day. Let me just start with this corn maze was AWESOME. We have been to a different one for the past 10 years and this one by far is our favorite. It has the most things to do, is the most beautiful, and was just plain fun. We spent only about 3 hours there and still had so much more we had to see. We only left at that time to eat dinner. But there were so many things to do for people of all ages. It probably was geared more for middle/high school kids but that's right up our alley. We love to let go of our stiff stressful lives and be like kids again. I think that is very important for adults and our health. We have so many expectations and stress to meet them, and difficult jobs and overbooked schedules, if you look and be with the kids and let your mind marvel at the little things in life, for that day/moment everything is going to be ok. Then you can get back to your normal life refreshed! Ok that soap box speech is over. :)

So we went through the corn maze, soybean maze, rope maze, jumped on the bouncy mat, petted goats, explored the river trail, shot corn at targets, picked pumpkins, rode hayrides, played in corn kernels, through footballs and basketballs through targets and so much more!

Sorry for the slightly blurry picture #phonequalitylife but here is the gang minus Nana the super photographer! We were so blessed to have Nana move around her schedule for us and be able to share the day together! 

A celebratory end of the maze group picture (minus Cody and Edgar). It took us approximately an hour to get through. There were 10 stations to mark off and when we were looking for 6 we found 1. We had made a HUGE loop. But that's ok! That's the fun in it! The River Valley corn maze was very impressive, it was Christian based with christian music and biblical trivia to get us through the maze at the checkpoints. This was very special and important to my family to see a small family owned "business" open to the public and Christian!

Bull in a china shop this one is. But in the corn maze he was right at home, leading the way, charging across the 1 acre maze. At one point I looked up and he was clear across the field almost to the point I couldn't see him he was so far away. Nana asked what I gave him and I guess it was the coffee? He was the most hyper I had ever seen him! Right up my alley!

So we rode on the hay ride on to the pumpkin patch we went! Cody found a "special" pumpkin. It was flatter than a pancake. 

I found a cool warty looking pumpkin so of course I had to take it home!  

He is such a sweetheart! 

Cody, my favorite photographer ;) had to take my picture. He said hurry dear, stand right here, you look like an angel in the lighting :):) he knows how to make my heart smile!

Yes that is my husband standing on a log in the middle of the river. He was feeling very adventurous. I'm so glad he didn't fall in the icy water!

About 5 minutes after this picture above was taken, we found a grey and black snake blocking the path back to the corn maze. We freaked out to say the least. Ok so Mom, Morgan, and I freaked out. It took everything in me to get Cody NOT to touch it.

So after the corn maze we all met our cousin Nathan at Red Robin to eat. It was delicious and we were probably the loudest table there. There's no other option when you have Nathan AND me in the same spot. People kept staring at our table but we couldn't help it! We were having so much fun! We never get to see each other so take in every second we can when we are together. I haven't laughed so much in a long time!

After that we all headed to me and Cody's apartment to show cousin Nathan for the first time and to show Nana our finishing touches! We all played board games until about 11pm and then Cody and I surprisingly stayed up late talking, and watching tv! He NEVER stays up past 10 so that was the best treat of the day. And of course it ended with snuggling. I think that is very important in a marriage; Being close to each other is extremely important because through the hustle and bustle you forget to really stop and just be. The next morning we were super tired for church but love our church and newlywed bible class so much!

(later the night before) We indulged in hot chocolate with pumpkin marshed yellows as my family calls it, and when I say my family I mean only me haha ;)

And yes you are seeing correctly. This is part of the photo chaos from picking and choosing for our frames around the apartment. So much fun but soooo many pictures. I love pictures more than anythings so that was my birthday present! Hey if you think this is bad, wait until we have kids!! Pray we don't have any for a while for your own sake ;) 

With so much love,

The Raborns

10-27-16

Life Lately!

Hey guys! Long time no see! Sorry for the lack of posing for the past 3 months, I have been trying to decide what direction this blog will take since the wedding is over. I still think I will use this blog to give updates, newlywed advice/updates, maybe dating stories, and for future kids. So here is an update of life lately!

First of all, we have been married for over 4 months now and it is beyond incredible. I couldn't imagine my life any different at this point. Cody is truly my best friend and we have each other's backs. It is just fun being with your soulmate doing everything together. So in the last 3 months, we have been settling in adjusting to our new normal and events. People who say that those who don't live together before marriage have a rude awakening when they finally do, are wrong! It has actually been the easiest transition. I have been with 4 roommates in college, and this has been by far the easiest living transition. We had about a month of miscommunications about each others living expectations such as cleanliness and organization (since I am the neat freak) but once we butchered through a rough and frustrated day-long-conversation at the end of July it has been smooth sailing since.

So to end the summer, Cody and I spent a lot of time swimming in his parents pool and walking around their gorgeous farm.

Also on July 18th I started Shaun T, T25 and have been doing it ever since, planning to continue until the end of January when I have completed 3 whole rounds of the two months cycles. I have seen definition results and a little bit of weight loss. (I hold on to weight really really well :/) (I guess that will come in handy if I'm ever stranded on a desert or something) But I'm keeping on keeping on!

So early August when the teachers were in meetings before the kids started, Cody let me come to school with him and I was happily put to work! We spent all day setting up his classroom! Besides the snakes, rats, roaches, and a million ants, the room is spacious and nice! I hope in the future to be able to help Cody set up his room every year just like I have done for my mom a bunch of times!

At Brainerd High School, the teachers are supposed to dress in a suit for the school day to show professionalism! Isn't my honey so handsome in a suit!

In early August as a late birthday present (since I was so sick on my birthday) Morgan and I finally got to go rock climbing at that new cool place in downtown Chattanooga! It was really cool and we rock climbed until our arms about fell off. I forgot how much it stresses your arms/fingers when you're not used to it. We totally temporarily lost use of our hands later that night. I literary couldn't grasp or hold on to anything. 

One neat thing about marriage, is Cody and I can go at all times (mainly late late at night) or on a whim for a Sonic run to get tea or a slushie or even ice cream!  I love these times together and we can have some of the best conversations together.

The joys of wedding season and getting to bring my husband as a date to weddings ;), has given us the opportunity to attend numerous weddings we have been invited to during July and August and they were awesome!! Well first I enjoy weddings immensely and wouldn't miss one for the world. And one of the weddings we were invited to was in Nashville and we got to enjoy the gorgeous views on the way there. Tennessee is so beautiful. I am so happy to belong in such an amazing place!

The devil/cutie dog Sasha and a piece of her destruction on her nose. (I know I've already showed this but she still hasn't improved with her everything) poor dog. 

So early July until mid August, we took advantage of Cody only having football during the day before school started, and weekends were filled with amazing hikes and adventures. This is from hiking at Harrison Bay. We hiked here many times every few weeks. I just think this picture is so interesting and there is just something so beautiful about being in the middle of the forest seeing something like this. 

Of course we have squeezed in many date nights throughout the months of marriage and both think it is extremely important to still "date" once you are still married. We love our date nights together more than anything in this world! (I also love the opportunity to dress up and look nice for Cody :))

Now going back to our hiking trip from heck. It was the worst decision Cody and I have ever made. STORY TIME: Well way back when, my granddad took Morgan and I (8 and 5 at the time) on THE mud trail and we didn't make it. There was mud to our waists, reeds over our head, and no direction of the path. We were stuck, lost, without shoes due to the suction-like mud, and to be honest, scared. It was starting to get dark, (because when is it not when you're lost) and our bikes were 3 feet deep in the thick mud. It took us 4 hours to get out of there with Granddad leading the way and we had to be hosed off outside once we reached the camper along with our bikes we had to dig out. BAD experience.

So back to now. Cody and I decided it was time to conquer my fear and re-write the bad memory and give it a try because it hadn't rained in like a month and it was the middle of the day, and we didn't have bikes. So the map of the trail is above, We smartly took a picture before heading in (it still didn't matter) and kept walking, and walking, and walking AND walking. 4 hours passed and I calculated how much time it should have taken us to go 4.5 miles on flat terrain and it was defiantly not over 4 hours. The trail started to not look like the directions of the map and it of course was starting to get dark at this time. Cody and I realized a heart-stopping thing around the 4th hour. What if this was all one way and we had to turn around and go back at some point once we reached "the end". The map wasn't very clear if it was one way or one large loop. So we slightly panicked because at this point our legs were on fire and it was a struggle to put one leg in front of the other truly because we seriously SPED walked the ENTIRE 4 hours. We decided to still keep pressing on and not to turn around anyway because even though we knew we definitely would make it back if we turned around but 4 more hours and in the dark!?! No way!! It was scary enough in the trail with no one in sight and creepy looking bear sized lumps randomly in the forest. After another hour we finally saw a post in the ground that said 1.2 miles left. We about cried, we were so relieved. We picked up the pace even more and practically ran out. We made it back to the exact point we started, thank the Lord, and ran to our car and downed like 5 water bottles. (It was 95 degrees). We left and never looked back. I don't know about the map but I promise with everything I have, that that trail was not only 4.5 miles. It was at least double. I am a fast walker and in shape and it definitely wasn't 4.5 miles. So yes. That is our true story and we will NEVER do that again. EVER. 

A picture of us like 20 minutes in. We looked so happy. If we only knew what was ahead. 

Now one weekend Cody and I drove to Knoxville and explored my favorite place, Ijams Nature Center. This is my favorite spot in the entire place. It is so calming! It only takes an hour and a half to get through the entire place at Ijams going through 10 trails. Now that is my kind of place!

The next weekend was UT family weekend and sadly Cody couldn't come because of football so I went up alone and had a good time with Mom, Morgan, and Nana! Morgan and I also went to Ijams nature center for her fall break!

Here is me and Nana before the UT game trying to find Mom and Morgan in the crowd. 

And now I'm going to grace your presence with a picture of me in this pink wig and my too-long hair poking out underneath. Nana's house is great!

The Dyar girls after the win and the 97 degree game. We almost died from the heat. 

Now I have an official coaches wife shirt I get to wear every football game with Cody. I have enjoyed being a coaches wife, traveling with Cody, staying after for the meetings, setting up, talking to the players and making snacks for everyone!

Brainerd High on a late sunny afternoon before game day.

I love this time of personal reflection and time to deeply think as I am able to walk around the local park through the crisp autumn air some days.

On Cody's by-week, we stopped by our old stomping ground, East Hamilton, and saw their homecoming game! We had so much fun! It was nice both being on the bleachers side of the game rather than the sideline. 

The next day we went to UT's checkerboard game against Florida and it was the absolute best game of our life. UT is good again. I can't even explain how happy we were! For the first time in about 17-20 years we are good again! Truly good!

So the first game we lost after our winning streak I sat here in my UT clothes defeated after 4 straight hours of willing us to win in the second overtime with all my might, but we just couldn't make it. I was so sad to give up our 9th ranking too.

This is what Cody looked like the rest of the night. (We were at Crackerbarrel here).

So on Codys Fall break, he still had 4 hours of football a day but no school, so one day we went to the Mayfield Dairy Farm and toured the factory. That is my favorite thing ever! We got free ice cream below!! Also above, I hope seeing Cody overjoyed to wear his two hairnets has made your day!

A few days ago I just set up all of our wedding pictures around the apartment and I am so beyond excited! I am so proud of them! It has taken so incredibly long to handle, sort through, put in albums, and hang the photos. I have been working on it since late July.

To get you all in the fall mood, here are beautiful images of my Grandmothers house decorations for fall. I always loved her style and hope to have my future house look at least a fraction of the way her beautiful house looks!

Well I'll see you guys sooner than later as Cody and I prepare to host our first family Thanksgiving at our apartment expecting 11-16 family members! We can't wait!! And I can't wait to especially take pictures and write about it! I am honored to host everyone and spend quality time all together with good food. Oh and when Cody and I say we are hosting Thanksgiving that means we are providing the place and you bring the food;). Ha

Also I plan on going to UT's engineering alumni game and tailgating in a few weeks. Can't wait to go as alumni! #proudtobeavol

Love, 

The Raborns!

10-25-16