7 Years Together and Life Update

On April 1st 2011, Cody and I went on our first date. We just passed April 1st 2018 (which strangely happened to be Easter AND April Fools Day) which means we have officially been together for 7 years! Wow the time has flown by! (Yes, our dateiversary has always been on April fools day funny enough, but not Easter). I found this interesting fact below:

If that is true than we are officially best friends for life now! What an exciting milestone!!😍

These past 7 years have been the best years of my life by far and I didn't realize how happy I could possibly be until I met Cody. My life has completely changed in the past 7 years and I love every second of it. We have basically grown up together knowing each other since we were 8 and a half, and we have been through every major life milestone together. I value and cherish that more than you can know! I feel very special to have had that with Cody where most couples meet in college or afterwards. With that being said we have had a special bond from the start and even now, we know each other so well. I am so happy to have had him by my side through every aspect of these past 7 years and to have that love and support always there to back me up. I have really grown as a person with Cody and we have both grown up so much from our sweet little 17 year-old selves. Marriage is so sweet and I only wish we could have been married for these entire 7 years but I know we followed God's exact plan for our relationship.

Many people say you can't know the other person fully, or you will change dating someone that young or for that long, or you will grow apart, but that is all a decision. Our relationship and marriage isn't based off of our own stupid feelings and actions, we have placed our marriage and relationship in God's hands from the start and if it is God's will for us, who are we to stop it or think selfishly. I also credit my parents and Cody's parents for raising us to be normal, intelligent, successful, God-fearing people to make the right decisions and not make some of the mistakes others might make at our age. So we did have that maturity on our side too.

We went back to the Lakeside with Nana, Gigi and Granddad to celebrate that three years ago to the day (April 18th 2015) Cody proposed to me. It was next to this very tree with the most scenic gorgeous view in the background with Cody singing Angel by Casting Crowns! It was the most perfect day I could ever imagine. The rest of our lives started right then💗. 

Also, speaking of anniversaries, a year ago on April 1st I cut my hair (drastically) for the first time in my life! I donated 12 inches of my hair to Locks of Love, a foundation that makes hair pieces for children with the incurable illness called alopecia areata. This illness prevents them from ever being able to grow hair. If you are interested in donating, it takes 8-10 people to make ONE hair piece for a child. I plan on doing this for the rest of my life until God keeps my hair from growing so long anymore. So I am currently still on the other side trying to grow my hair back out so I can cut it again. I takes one month for your hair to grow 1/2 of an inch so in this year alone my hair has grown 6 inches. In actuality, my hair is only 3 inches longer than it is in this picture because around last November I cut 3 inches off of it to enjoy having it short a little longer. I had never had my hair that short and in many ways it was really nice but I DEFINITELY miss my long hair and miss it more and more each day. In a year and a half from now, I can cut my hair 12 inches again!

In the beginning of April I also took my third trip to Wisconsin for product development. It snowed more than it had on our January and February trip combined!

I didn't even need a refrigerator for my yogurt 😅

That trip went very well but was so incredibly quick! I will be going to Wisconsin a lot more the rest of the year.

Mid April rolled around and it was time for our nephew, Kaden's fourth birthday! We went over to his house and helped him put together the trampoline I had been dying to give him! I am so incredibly excited to say that he loved it!:):) How can he be 4 already!?!

The assembly crew working away!

Also a few weekends ago, Nana took me to the famous Knoxville zoo! I had an absolute blast! The zoo is where I am in my element, I love animals and I love walking around the exhibits! Nana used to have season passes for us growing up and we would go 10-20 times a year. On this trip, seeing the new monkey and tiger exhibit was the highlight of our trip! I was surprised that the weather behaved! I am so impressed with the Knoxville Zoo, so much has changed and improved from when I went at 4 years old!

Every single animal (except the prairie dogs and the otters😢) were active! I hadn't seen that in literally a decade! We chose a perfect time to go! The zoo keepers were in the middle of feeding the elephants so we were able get a close look just their monstrosity! This male in the picture was 15,000 pounds at 47 years old!

This new exhibit was so special! We were able to see the monkeys eat and interact with each other! There was even a baby monkey swinging around 😍.

The giraffe's are one of my favorite exhibits to visit. With Knoxville Zoo's new updates, there are signs explaining each animals behavior, their names, and personalities. I read that the giraffe way in the back loves looking into the elephants pen and that is exactly what she was doing!!! Haha

I of course had to take a picture of the rhino for Cody! (his favorite animal)

It was perfect seeing the bear at the end because it was as if he was saying goodbye with its foot 😂 SO precious!

This past weekend, Dad came up from Texas to visit and see the orange and white game with us! Wow we had a blast! And for the first time in a while, UT won 😑😅😉.

Fun question, who looks more like whom? I think I have just concluded that we each look like our own unique selves. I will cherish this picture for a long long time. 

We had 64,000+ in attendance which I was really pleased with. Pruitt wasn't but that's ok. I snapped this really quick before the game had started and before it got really crowded. In all seriousness, orange won! We happened to all be wearing orange instead of white! :)

The whole gang!

Me and my daddy! I wish so badly he lived closer. 

My honey 💘

After the game for an early father's day/birthday present we made dad Cody's healthy famous meatloaf. Dad loved it and it paired perfectly with Dad's famous mashed potatoes and Nana's famous green beans, sweet tea, and jello salad. A meal made in heaven! Cody's meatloaf is my favorite thing he makes. 

When it was time to go Morgan and I ran over to the flowers to snap a quick picture in front of these gorgeous gorgeous flowers! I love this picture of us! Another one to cherish! 😇

I had so much fun talking to dad spending one-on-one quality time throughout the weekend getting work advice on projects and just advice in general, and talking about life. It is so much fun talking about the things we have so much in common. Morgan too!

That's about all that is happening as of now, spring football practice has started at Soddy Daisy and Cody is rounding on his one year mark of his two-year masters degree. I am so proud of him. We have some trips coming up down the road into the summer and I am extremely excited for that! 

P.S.- Cody and I have some really really exciting news to share but need to wait a few weeks until we can share! Tune in later for the info! (no we are not pregnant, I promise!)

Love, 

Kayla Raborn

4/28/18

2nd Business Trip and Easter!

I went back to Wisconsin for Shaw! Second business trip ever is down in the books! And when you are reading this, I will be on my third business trip to Wisconsin again! I have really taken a liking to traveling. The second trip I took with my co-worker was quite productive and actually fun! We were visiting to help launch a new product of ours!

On this trip we had a smooth airplane/flight experience on the way up but the way back proved to be trying again as our plane almost broke down while trying to take off. At least we weren't in the air yet and they let us switch planes! We have really bad luck. Last time on the way back we ended up in Texas 😳. Just how does that happen?

I don't know why, but it was still a shock for me to see snow on the ground. I should have expected it but it had been 70+ degrees back at home and it didn't even cross my mind. It was beautiful though!

We worked three 19 hour days in a row again doing physical labor but we came back with some great product! In the mirror above it was the start to the first day, I was fresh, excited, and eager to succeed on this trip!

The best part about this part of Wisconsin we were in is that it reminds me of back home...just with snow. There were a lot of open roads and beautiful fields of cows. It was very pretty!

And of course, this time we couldn't leave without some cheese, the company we worked with joked that this was our lunch 😂, I LOVE it! Sounds good to me! Well we were in the place of the cheese heads weren't we!?! When in Rome do as the Romans do!

On our way out we drove by the Wilderness Water park on the way to the airport! I mean, you only hear about these amazing things on TV but I saw it in real life!!! I was SO EXCITED! 

One of the exciting parts about this trip was that we got to stop at the mall of America on the way to the airport. HOW AMAZING IS THIS PLACE. I could absolutely live in this mall forever. It is crazy amazing. I had never heard of it and I just thought it was just that, a big mall. Boy was I wrong. THERE IS AN AMUSEMENT PARK INSIDE!! I had no idea! Someone told me after the fact that that was the mall that Mall Cop was filmed in!! How did I not know this! So I was in absolute heaven walking through this heaven-in-mall-form mall. I went inside as many stores as I could and I even saw a Lush store!!:D. So cooooool!!! 

I also found a store that scooped cookie dough instead of ice cream in ice cream cones. I wished I hadn't just eaten or I would have DOVE into that store to eat some. 

The best part about the amusement park was that it was Nickelodeon themed! So Sponge bob was one of the main attractions and that just made my world. I couldn't stop watching and taking pictures!

Flying Dutchman ropes course!!!!!!

And finally, getting ready for our 2:30am flight out. 6 hours of sleep in almost 4 days. I was about ready to travel home at that point but had a blast and felt satisfied with our progress. 

.......

The next weekend mom took us to Ijams nature center, run some much-needed errands, ate her birthday dinner, and we all went to a Disney Orchestra mom had set up for us/her. 

Ijams was so much fun! We took Sasha and hiked for 2 1/2 hours. We even managed to dodge the rain! It is so much fun to be outdoors and be in God's creation together exercising. 

Best friends!

Mom's buddy!

My twice-annual bridge picture! Can't leave without it! The weather is so odd now that our spring trips feel more like fall and vice versa.

On the way to run errands after the long hike! Who knew we ever had another "sister". :)

We had to leave Sasha in the car while we ran into places (very quickly). Don't worry, it was 35 degrees outside and we left the back windows open! She always gravitated to her rightful seat (or so she thinks 😅).

We went to the orchestra later that night after eating delicious Buddy's BBQ and boy, that Disney orchestra was an absolute blast! The Knoxville symphony was so talented! It's amazing to see the gifts God has given some of us. They played the main songs to all of the main Disney movies right now and had a video playing in the background with live singers. The sheer talent in that room is breathtaking. I am so grateful for mom letting me, Morgan, and Nana tag along on her birthday adventure. 

The next weekend was my mom's actual birthday. See, we told her we were going to Chop House to celebrate her birthday for dinner but we took her to me and Cody's apartment and we had cooked her favorite dinner she had been asking for for MONTHS. She was so surprised to say the least! I even had her a small little present and her favorite brownies made. She is such a sweet woman that deserves the world. I wish I could do so much more for her. She is my greatest role model and I strive to be like her every day. I love you mama!

Everyone wants to celebrate mama! Gigi and Granddad has this set-up when mom got home! Day of celebrations!

The three Dyar girls!

Gigi and Ada even made mama a cake even though Gigi wasn't feeling very good! I wish I could have been there!

Me and the birthday girl!

LOVE this picture. Has a lot of meaning!

Cody was such a trooper to make this all happen. This couldn't have all worked out like it did without this man. Cody dropped everything and pitched in to surprise mom with his famous bacon chicken cheese ranch wraps while we were out. Thank you so much Cody, you have a sweet heart!

...........

The next weekend was palm Sunday and then Easter! Of course we decorated our house full of bunnies and eggs! (Bears and bunnies are my favorite:)). Easter was such a sweet time spent with Cody preparing for my next business trip and Cody coming back from his. It was a quiet time filled with time with the Lord and in prayer. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for us, his life for our sins. I can't even fathom how difficult even for Jesus this must have been to go through. He still felt pain the same way we did. He was completely selfless for what, man? We fall short every single day and he knew that, but whole heartedly followed out his and Gods plan, giving up his life for us. 

On Easter day we weren't able to travel to Knoxville but my mom was so sweet, she still gave me a sweet Easter basket! She is so thoughtful and always thinks of Morgan and I. I am forever grateful for her!

Our island decor!

My sweet Mama and Gigi bought this Easter decorations for me and I am absolutely in love with them!

My cute little chickie!!

And our glittery egg! I can't wait to have kids one day so we can dye eggs!

If you want to refer to my lent post feel free to click here.

The day before Easter Cody and I hiked at Harrison Bay State Park. My grandfather used to take me and Morgan camping there all the time growing up and I have some of my finest childhood memories here because of him! We loved it. It was so much fun showing Cody around our favorite spots and trails! I love this trial above because of the hay blowing in the wind. It was gorgeous. It reminds me of Fall and how much I wish it was haha.

This was the view from one of our island trails that is usually covered in water in the summer. It is so incredibly rare to hike here so it was so special to venture this side of the island!

So peaceful! PERFECT for a photo shoot one day ;). *I love pictures so much* And I love how active outside Cody and I are!

Cody snapped this while I was tying my shoes lol!

Also later that night I was so jealous, my dad got to see the final four in person and man that is a dream! By the way, isn't my dad so cool! He looks so young and fit! I am fortunate to have young fit parents inside and out! I value that and hope to be just like them one day!

Easter morning we got up and went to Easter service and Sunday school to celebrate what a glorious day. We then came home and opened our baskets! Cody and I got a little something (candy) for each other and Mama, Morgan, and I skyped as we opened our Easter baskets! We were so excited!!!

He is alive! Our savior has risen!

I wish we could have spent the day with my family too in Knoxville but just couldn't be two places at once unfortunately. But Gigi sent a little Easter care package for Cody and I and it was just the perfect thing! Gigi is so sweet and thoughtful and never leaves anyone out. She has one of the biggest hearts I have seen in people. She is beautiful inside and out. This picture of her is the prettiest picture in the world! I wish I had as much love to share as she does!

I was so excited to finally be able to wear my Easter dress that I got for last Christmas from my mom!

PERFECT for Easter and super comfortable! (I'm all about that comfort)

After Easter service we went to Cody's grandparents house to have Easter dinner with the family! I even brought a pink lemonade pie! It was my first pie and I was so proud of myself! It was so delicious and everyone loved it! It is 3 ingredients (besides the pre-made pie crust): pink lemonade coolaid pack, a 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk, and an 8oz tub of cool whip. You just mix those three ingredients together and dish it out into the pie crust and refrigerate for 4 hours before serving. *Keep cold

We had a very pleasant time at Cody's grandparents house with the Raborn/Wamack clan. I really wish we could have stayed longer but I had to get ready for my third business trip to Wisconsin the next morning. I really enjoy their company. They are so sweet and always so welcoming to me. They make me really happy!

Also one of my favorite gifts is the journaling bible from my mom. There are columns on the side to right notes, and special highlighters and pens to highlight text and not have them bleed through the pages. I love taking notes in my bible but never have enough space. This is a perfect bible for that and can't wait for my first scripture reading in it tomorrow morning!

Cody and I gave each other a small little collection of Easter candy which we love! I found this awesome carton of Reese's Easter eggs and immediately thought of Cody! He of course loved them!

My all-time favorite gift was these Enso stackable Silicon rings for me to wear on my business trips and to work. I finally can visually be married in public when I am working. I get so sad without my wedding rings. I have to go without it most of the week :( but that's ok. Mom was so thoughtful to pick out my wedding colors for the bands!!!!! I was in heaven!!! This was very important to me. 

A close up! :)

One of my favorite presents is my new vlog camera stand! I have been wanting this for a while now so I can start my family vlogging. Mom is so thoughtful and had been listening to what I have been wishing for. She is so sweet! I have had this video camera around since I was little and wanted to pick it up and use it. My grandfather actually gave it to me so it is very special. Also I have been giving some serious thought into starting a youtube channel to film some big moments of me and Cody's lives. What do you think? Would you be interested? I love blogging more than anything so I think I might love vlogging (video blogging). I might be nervous, who knows until I try!:)

For our surprise beach trip coming up early this July, I asked for this sweet new swimsuit! I love it! Boy do I wish I was always on vacay. I wish that now but know it won't be vacation if I am on vacation 24/7 for years, ya know. 

My favorite candy in the WHOLE world! I love Cadbury eggs so incredibly much!

I also got some wicked sweet mesh workout leggings that I can't wait to put to good use in the gym! So cool!

Easter baskets and bunnies are fun and all but we must not forget the real reason for Easter, our savior conquering death and dying for our sins. He is waiting for us in heaven. He gave up his life and experienced grave suffering just for us. We are so undeserving and ungrateful for his sacrifice but even with him knowing that he gave his life up just for us. Even when we make mistakes and sin, he still loves us and saved us from our sins. It is absolutely mind blowing just to think about the amount of selflessness and sacrifice he gave. Can you imagine even being able to be just a little more like him, how amazing that alone would be! I always strive to be like my savior but fall short every day. I love my relationship with the Lord. I ask for forgiveness daily 😌.

Happy Easter Everyone! God bless! 

Love,

Kayla 

4-1-18

P.S.- Stay tuned for posts about life updates, and career/self development posts!

P.S.S.- Today is Cody and I's 7 year dateiversary! More on the next post! 7 years ago today we went on our first date! :) Time sure does fly!

P.S.S.- The last time Ash Wednesday was on Valentine's Day AND Easter was on April Fools Day was the year 1945! Wow! I looked that up the other day! The next time that happens will be in a few centuries! This is a very special year!