Christmas Card Out-takes.

One of my friends/co-worker came over to shoot our christmas card. Ok, seriously, she snapped around 80. Isnt there something incredibly vain about sending pictures of yourself to your friends? Here's some of the ones that were serious considerations:

or maybe this one....

What about this one?
Oh yeah.....

And the finished product.....


Merry Christmas from The Goolsbys.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-14

From Jackson Madison to Jackson Madison.

In a very impromptu jaunt to Jackson MS, I got to see a very BIG Abram Scarbrough, and his great parents Daniel and Shea, and parents to be Lee and Jessica Hill.

Mandi and I headed down ( by the way, isnt it weird that both Jackson Tn, and MS are in Madison County? ) and caught up with Shea and Kellie on Friday night. Then we did a little shopping in Flowood on Saturday. It was fun! Abram has changed so much! He gooed and cooed at me all weekend... felt kinda natural. Isnt he such a pumpkin in this outfit?
Then on Sunday we went to see Jessica and Lee and HPH's nursery! It was so great... and we laughed our way through lunch at McAlisters. It was so fun to see them and catch up!


On SUNDAY NIGHT, I met Jason back in Memphis for a STEVIE WONDER concert. It was so incredible! He sat down at 8pm and didnt get up until after 11. One of the best shows I have ever seen.....

my husband, the decorator.

Sometimes when I start to blog I erase it because I dont feel like I have anything really blog worthy...BUT, it has been a couple of weeks, and I pulled a few pictures off of the camera and I thought you'd get a kick out of this.

My birthday was the 13th and Jason and I had a wonderful day. He took the morning off so we had a little breakfast, then I went to get a facial, lunch with Mandi and then Jason and I went to dinner at Madison's .. YUM.... here in Jackson. When we got home from dinner, he brought me this cake... oh my.

Decorated by himself, complete with 28 candles, and I am pretty sure he isnt too booked for christmas if you wanted to order one for yourself.
What a pumpkin.

Pics from East Tennessee

We had a good time in East Tennesee.... granted, Jason was in conference in Gatlinburg the whole time... and I went to see my Aunt Carol, Uncle Bill and Caroline in High Point, NC. We had a good week visiting at their GREAT home. Then I went back to g'burg and spent the last night with Jason. We did find a great place to eat... the CHEROKEE Grill. May have had the best fried chicken ever...(sorry Paula Deen, and yes, I have had hers). Then we did a little shopping, and went on into Knoxville.
We had a great weekend with Reid and his friends... and even cheered on a UT victory.Finding Jason some orange that he would actually WEAR was a challenge. I mean, no way was he wearing Tennesee colors..(and they would clash with his hair, but I assure you it that wasnt his reasoning.) so after a quick trip to the Gap, we were set.
Sunday was mom's birthday, so we made a cake and grilled some burgers after church. Reid is attending this great church
in Knoxville, called GRACE ... I wish I could download some of their worship, it is so amazing.
Anyway... we had a great time, and here are some pics!

well, we're off again....

Nothing too exciting though. Jason and I just drove through the state of Tennessee and into Gatlinburg. He has a conference here this week, and I am driving in to North Carolina to see my Aunt... so we wont be walking through the village together, getting saltwater taffy or a henna tatoo.

I mean, it has been a WHILE since I have been here... and when we got off the interstate, I thought I might have a seizure from the florescent lights and blinking signs. Serious sensory overload. I just could not take it all in.

Anyway, he is here all week, and I will be here on Thursday and Friday to hit the Tanger Outlets and maybe (fingers crossed) see the dixie stampede.

had to post this bag

Just wanted to post this cute bag new to my stationery world... Can be used for a purse or diaper bag. Cute huh?

A fun weekend in Starkville.

We finally got down to starkville for the UT game this past weekend. This weekwnd was extra special because my whole family came, as Reid is at UT and Dan is at State, Randy and Juanita came down to tailgate with the crew. It was such a blast! We all had friends there... the Hills, the Gaskins, and the Scarbroughs, Kellie and Ryan Berry, family friends The Wheelers from Savannah, Reid had a crew their from Knoxville and Dan had college friends there too. Lindsey made Reid feel better by wearing orange, so he wouldnt feel like the only Tennessee fan in the family.
We should have one of those tags that says house divided UT/MSU..... (not really). Friday night we went to dinner at the Grill, an old college favorite...(yes, we ordered the cheese sticks.... unreal.) and headed down to campus bright and early on Saturday.
We all just hung out and ate lunch before the game, Dad grilled some shrimp and smoked sausage, then we all walked to the Stadium. Ok, was it hot or what?? And, did I mention that we got "lost" driving on campus. Seriously, it was depressing.
After State lost, (it was a great game though, huh?) we had our own little rematch at the tailgate. Reid and his 2 roomates, versus Jason G., Dan, and Ashley Gaskin. MSU won. We could hardly fit the ego in the car.
Dan is in a band called "Jamie Davis and Soul Gravy", for all of you local Starvillers, and after dinner at OV (yum, their bread) we watched them play. It was a great time, despite the loss. It was SO good to see friends... and family... it was just a great weekend. I hope we get to go again soon.

a visit to see abram

Last weekend I had an opportunity (finally!) to go down and see little Abram Scarbrough. He is such a beautiful baby! Daniel went to the game on Saturday so I had Shea and Abram all to my self.
We had a late breakfast, a trip to McAlisters for lunch and I cooked dinner for us all on Saturday night. I loved holding him, and rocking him... he loves to be over the shoulder and patted on the back the whole time.
He and mom are doing great- just coping with life as a tiny infant. It is so bizarre that all of a sudden your life revoles around someone elses... I know most of your are moms, and you are like.... yeah.... but it still amazes me. I came home telling Jason that WHEN we have children, ONE DAY, i have to de-maintence some things. Mainly my hair regiment. All the blow drying, piecing it off, straightening, pommade...sigh.

Anyway, back ot Abram. he is precious- and Shea is a good mama. We had a great time.

look at my sister.

I had to share this picture with you- Lindsey had a "decades" day at HCHS for Homecoming week and she dressed as the 40's.
I mean, how cute is she?
*(And, she is standing in my parents house, in the newly remodeled kitchen, which if you look closely, you can see where she doesnt have her countertops yet.)

Let's Play Catch Up!

Ok, I have been totally out of pocket for the last 3 weeks! it has been a crazy summer.... my parents had a pipe burst in their house, and have had to totally gut most of the inside. New ceilings, floors, walls knocked down, etc. This happened over the 4th of July weekend and they have been without a sink, stove, and actually had to move out while things were getting worked on. They just got cabinets this week. In the mean time, Reid was getting ready for College. We drove to Knoxville to work on his house, and dad was in an accident with a table saw. He cut 2 of his fingers pretty bad, to the point they speculated having to remove them, but LONG story short, a small miracle and an orthepaedic doctor saved them. He has been going to therapy and can nearly make a fist. It has just seemed like the longest, hardest, hottest Summer, and you can imagine our relief that it is over.
Every year I mark my summer over with the Tennessee River Run. It is the country music event that I produce in Pickwick Lake. It took place on September 15th this year (a day after Jason's birthday- I always tell him I throw a great birthday party) This year we had Charlie Daniels, Jason Michael Carroll, Darryl Worley and Trick Pony. It was a great show... and the golf, fishing, 5k, arts and crafts, auction and sponsors dinner were all bigger and better than ever. I think we had about 13,000 at the show. It was so great- BUT, I am so glad that it is over. And now, I can officially pack up Summer and head into fall. Here's an aerial shot.

Last Saturday my friend and editor of the Frankllin VIP Magazine chaired the biggest blank tie event in Williamson County. I wouldnt be there because of my Grandad's 70th birthday party, so I drove up and went to the Patron's party. This whole event is straight out of a movie. Huge tents, ball gowns, amazing food- just over the top. The patons party is a little more casual cocktail, but it was still grandiose.

Friday night Jason, Reid and I headed down to Starkville because my brother Dan is in a band named Jamie Davis and Soul Gravy..(I think you can myspace them) and they were invited to play Bulldog Bash. SO, Reid was coming in for Grandad's birthday and we piled up in the car and left. Ok, first of all.... I felt ANCIENT to see these college students running around. Seriously... maybe the first time I have been like, whoa- I am totally removed from this life. The Bulldog Bash wasnt around when we were there was it? Anyhoo, Dan's band played tons of fun songs, they were incredible, and the crowd was speculated at 17,000 plus 2 out of college married old people named Jason and Courtney Goolsby.


Then we headed to Ripley for my grandad's birthday. IT was so fun! We suprised him with several of his friends coming, a huge cookout, saxaphone player, and a little mini concert from the family. So fun- we had a great time.


Now we are excited about fall!!!

Thank you Lord for the Rain.

This picture is taken of the magnolia tree in our front yard... this is the first rain we've gotten all summer and we were so excited. (See post below to read about my excitement and need for raingear.)
Jason and I enjoyed two rainy nights at home over the weekend... we watched State win! Anyway, we were just thankful for the rain that I grabbed my camera to get a good picture!

Calling all resourceul shoppers.

I usually don't have to ask for shopping help, unless it is for someone to stop me... but I feel like I have hit a fashion wall with this one. I am looking for a rain coat. (I know you are thinking... there is a drought in Tennessee and you are looking for a raincoat?) And believe me, I could have cried when it rained for the first time since May 31st on Wednesday. And since Wednesday, it really hasnt stopped. Sooooo... I am calling on all of you shoppers to help me out.
I had to shoot a cocktail party for work the other day, and I had on a halter and black pants... and carried in my nothface! How collegiate is that? I could have carried an umbrella, but I had all of my camera gear with me.
It's time. Time for a grown up raincoat- who know's, I might get crazy and get some rainboots too! Anyone have any ideas?

Our College Boy.

Well, we moved reid to Knoxville this weekend.
He is transferring as a sophomore; he stayed in Savannah his first year of school and did community college at Jackson State.( Anyone remember my stint at JSCC?) After highschool he was really torn about his next direction, not really feeling comfortable with any school he had looked at, and after much turmoil decided to stay at home. He had a great year and is transferring to UT with not only a great GPA, but a readiness, maturity and focus Even though with Reid it was technically a year late, it still seems pre-mature. It means that we are all getting older. My other brother Dan actually said to me, "Courtney, you are going to be 28! I mean, 28."

Of course, we dont know the first thing about UT. Yes, we always lived in TN, (except for 1 year when I was born) but we have alwyas been bulldogs. I married a bulldog, Dan is finishing up there in May, - please Lord- and so this knoxville thing is uncharted territory for us. It is a big town, and a big campus- and it is 5.5 hours from little Savannah. So, it is a different deal than a tank of gas and 45 South to Starkville. But, his is living with some great guys in a really great house, and he is going to be just fine.

Reid and I are so much alike, and Dan and Lindsey are so much alike. Sometimes I know what Reid's thoughts are before he thinks them. And then we have MAJOR blowout fights too. They usually last 5 minutes, then we laugh and it is over. The thing that he has over us is thta Reid is one of those people that excels at everything he does. He's handsome, funny, an intellect, loves the Lord, kind, he can sing, and can master any sport he touches.I cant help but thinking about the people, (well, all of you), that I met in school. I am exstatic about the opportunities he is going to have. But what I pray for him as he enters college, and life, is that he will see people the way the Lord sees them. That he will place value in his time there, knowing that every relationship is intentional and purposed. That he will develop and grow in the wisdom of the Lord, as he begins to evolve his own convictions and standards. I could go on and on, knowing how those 4 years changed MY life, and how they will shape his.

the windy city

Jason and I celebrated our second anniversary with a combo trip to chicago and then to St Louis, where Jason was in our dear friend Robert Scanlon's wedding. We had such a great time! I thought it was going to be rough when I was on the plane and the flight attendent sloshed tomato juice all over me... to which Jason said..."Something stinks".... but, the smell faded when I was within sight of Michigan Avenue. Jason is always in charge of our room and board on trips, and he rented this great condo, 1 block off of the Magnificant Mile. This was his 1st time to Chicago, my 3rd, so we did some touristy stuff. We dined at the famous Gioradanos Pizza, which was just unreal. Jason says it was the best pizza he has ever had... it is a little too much for me. I would much rather have the flat New York Pizza instead, but when in Rome.....
We went to Navy Pier, and to Millenium Park, and ESPN zone to have dinner and play games. Jason beat me at everything except 1 game of air hockey. On Tuesday Night we went to see Wicked- Have you seen it? Incredible. We both LOVED IT. And get this, we sat beside people from Mississippi! He was a youth pastor in a neighboring town to Jason's parents. The world just gets smaller, doesnt it?

On Wednesday night we took the" L" down to Wrigley to see the Cubs play- it was an incredible game; they won in the bottom of the 9th inning. We went crazy when they won. I think this was the highlight of Jason's week.


Thursday was our big shopping day. Neimans, Nordstrom, H & M, then we took a cab over to the Wicker Park area. A friend had tipped me on it, and it has tons of local boutique shopping and dining. Jason bought a t shirt from the TShirt deli that said "More cowbell", and wore it on the plane home. He actually did better than I did with shopping. We got to the airport and his baggage weighted 57.0 pounds and he had to empty it into mine. FYI: jeans weigh approximatley 3 pounds.

Friday morning we were off to the Lou, where Perry and Nicole Walton picked us up at the airport for Robert Scanlon's wedding. Jason and Robert became dear friends their 2nd year of medical school, and Robert was in our wedding too. We did rehearsel dinner that night, wedding at 2 pm pn Sat, party bus around St Louis for pictures until 6:30, dinner and dancing at the reception until 1 and then off to bed sometime aorund 3 am. Whew.

On Sunday we hit the out of town brunch with the bride and groom and then hit the road back to Jackson. We had a GREAT week, but are welcoming some normalcy back into our lives.

My beloved.

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."

I am so thankful for my helpmate, my best friend, my beloved husband Jason. Happy second anniversary!

aren't these SO cute?

Ok, I had to share this new line of stationery that I just got from BRANDON, MS. These are called Nvites, and they are packaged letter notecards wtih dots, stripes, etc. They are darling! Dont you loke the polka dots? And they are packaged so cute...

The Scarbrough Bunch

Jason and I had to "run" down to Tupelo last weekend because he was in a wedding. We stayed with my grandparents in Ripley and then went back and forth to Tupelo for the wedding festivities. We were so excited to find out that Shea and Daniel were going to be visiting her parents! So, after the wedding we headed over there to visit with friends. Jason had not seen Shea pregnant, and although he has delivered close to 60 babies this year, it is still weird to see a friend that expecting! We hung out by the pool and then Shea's parents cooked ribs for us. It was a great time. I dont know how Daniel got out of these pictures, but he did. And, Jason has this amazing ability to stick his stomach out like he is pregnant...

Happy Birthday EMILY!

Emily and I have been friends since BEFORE kindergarden. We went through elementary school in the same class every year, cheered together in HCMS, did Sub-Debs together, double dated before we could "single date", she was homecoming queen and I was football queen. We were in each other's wedding. We both lived in Nashville after college, and Jason actually lived with she and her husband Marc for a summer. She was 37 weeks pregnant and still stood beside me in my wedding. Now she has a little one Lydia that is PRECIOUS!
Happy Birthday Emily- you are such a dear, dear friend to me! I wish life allowed us more opportunities to see each other. I love you very much.