I don’t even know who you are.

Conversation between Marc and myself while watching the Glee episode from November 30th:

Scene where Quinn and Sam are singing “Time of my Life” during the Sectionals performance:

Marc: “What song is this?”

Me: Blank stare

Marc: “Is it from a movie?”

Me: Blank stare

Marc: “What? Is it from Dirty Dancing?”

Me: Blank stare, followed by, “I don’t even know who you are.”

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Background info: Dirty Dancing is one of my absolute, all-time favorite movies.  When I was a kid, and I didn’t understand any of the more ‘adult’ scenes, I would watch the movie all the way through, then rewind (because we’re talking VHS here), and watch the last dance about 10 times before I turned the movie off.  Our VHS also had the best Mt. Dew commercial at the beginning – they were pulling someone on water skis with a horse. Classy, right there.  I’m pretty sure that just cemented my undying love for Mt. Dew. :)

Since this is one of my absolute, all-time favorite movies, my husband, whom I’ve been dating for over 10 years now, should definitely know that “Time of my Life” is the theme song from Dirty Dancing.  Anyone with me on this?

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Okay, I’m not completely nuts, but this was just a funny conversation we has last week, and I wanted to preserve the memory! :)

It’s time to start thinking Christmas!

Yep.  It’s already that time.  Can you believe it?  I can’t.  This year has absolutely flown by.  So much fun in a little year!
And now, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas.  And Christmas cards.  And I'm so excited for the chance to get 50 free prints from Shutterfly!  Here are some of my favorites from Shutterfly.com. :)
So many choices!  I don’t know how I’ll choose! :)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

I’m really loving the brown with modern colors.  And I like the multiple picture option.
And I’ll definitely be one of THOSE people – you know – the ones who include their dogs in their card and signature.  Because I don’t have an adorable baby to put on my card.  I just have adorable dogs. :)
So, help me out – which is your favorite of those listed above?  Each card has a number above it.  Sound off in the comments section. :)

And I'm really loving the photo books.  All of the grandparents always get these from Karleigh and Allie & Ava.  Again, as a family who doesn't have adorable baby faces to capture, I don't think they'd get as much enjoyment out of a photo book filled with my dogs. :) It matters how cute they are! :) Me, on the other hand, I think I'll have to create one for my memories...can never get enough pictures of them.  :)

And MERRY CHRISTMAS!! {Almost :)}

Faith

This Bible verse sits on my desk, and it’s been speaking to me a lot over the past few months.  Just thought I’d share. :)

 

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

– Ephesians 3:20

 

So, no matter what I’m going through, God is perfectly capable (overly capable, in fact) of accomplishing anything.

While I might feel as though it’s taking forever (seriously, forever) for this one thing to happen, I know God can handle it.  He’s going to handle it.  God can do anything.

Now, I just have to really, for real, let GO and let Him do his thing. :) Prayers for that, please? :)

Crazy Busy Month, Y’all

Hi!  No excuses, I’ve just not been blogging.  But here’s what I’ve been up to for the last month! :)

Warning: Photo Overload!

October 2, 2010 – Cedar Grove Horse Show

Allie was in her third horse show, and she wanted to do more than just the one “Children’s” event that she’s done for the past few years.  So adorable! :)

Allie with her great-aunt Lisa and her pony, Sugarfoot

Riding Sugarfoot by herself!! :)Riding Lisa’s horse, Ginger Ava loved watching Allie – she’ll participate next year! :) She had a blast riding the big horse PS – Her shirt has a rocking horse on it, and it says “Rock On”.  I absolutely LOVE it! :)

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I guess in the Spring, I volunteered to be on the Finance Team at our church.  I’m good with numbers, it’s what I do for a living, so I wanted to put my ‘talents’ to use for God.  It’s been really good.  I feel valued by the team and our church.  I feel like I’m doing something good.

However…I’m tired of budget meetings! :) We’re still trying to nail down the budget for the church for 2011, and I’m exhausted.  And I haven’t even really begun to do the budget for my job-job.  Oh, well…I know that God has given me this gift, and I’m happy to use it for Him. :)

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October 16, 2010 – Costume Birthday Party

One of our friends threw a big party for his mom’s 50th birthday, and it was 70’s themed.  We went with hippie/pimp?  It was such a fun night, and the costumes were great! :)

Marc & IMarc and Grant – Please notice the 3 inch white platform shoes – they actually lasted about 3 hours. :)  He sent a picture to his dad, asked him if the afro looked familiar.  His dad had a for-real afro back in the day.

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Our office held a fundraiser to benefit H*abitat for H*umanity a few weeks ago.  It was a fun, nice fall day.  Perfect day to be outside instead of stuffed up in an office.  And we raised money for a great cause.  We’re looking forward to paying for and building a house for a family in need in May 2011.  Such an awesome thing to be a part of!

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October 31, 2010 – Halloween

Every year, we help with our friend’s family Corn Maze at Halloween.  For 4 or 5 nights, they do a Haunted Corn Maze.  They block off parts of the maze, set up a few black plastic tunnels, strobe lights, and some monsters.  It’s a ton of fun for the guys who haunt the maze, and it’s funny for us to watch some of the guests come running out of the maze being chased by a big guy with a chain saw. :) It’s our Halloween tradition, now. :)

As the “greeters”, we girls dress up for at least one night…it’s the only way for us to really celebrate Halloween.  And we choose not to be ‘slutty’ girls – we dress for warmth.  I mean – we’re outside, under a tent, beside corn for about 4 hours a night.  I’m not trying to be cold! ;)

This year, we went for snow bunnies. Cute, simple, cheap, and warm. :)

Snow Bunnies :) Bunny Tails Monsters of the Maze Monsters Unveiled Allie & Ava as Hannah Montana & Minnie Mouse :) Karleigh as a Princess (and Baby Brayden in Tammy’s Belly) :) And I just love this one of Ava :)

Alright…thanks for making it this far! :) I love you, all of my faithful followers! :)

Happy November!

L is for the way you look at me…

“As we grow older together, as we continue to change with age, there is one thing that will never change…I will always keep falling in love with you.”

– Karen Clodfelder

Where did September go???

Crazy how time seems to speed up as I get older.  Remember in high school (for me, at least) when it felt like you would NEVER get out?  I went to school, went to cheer practice, went to dance, went home.  Repeat.  For four years.  Add softball practice in there for my sophomore year.  I was crazy busy – always doing stuff – but time seemed to pass impossibly slow.

Now?  I don’t know how it’s already October.  Christmas will be here in less than 3 months.  That’s sheer craziness!

However, I have started Christmas shopping!  I think I actually started in July for the nieces. :) I absolutely LOVE Christmas shopping.  I love trying to find that one thing for the intended receiver that came from me, and that I just know they’ll love. :) And I love it even more if I can make it, or assist, at least.  Can’t wait for all of the holidays coming up! Halloween, Thanksgiving, tons of birthdays in December, a NEPHEW in December, and Christmas. :)  Can’t.wait!

Before we even get to holidays, though, I’m so glad that fall has finally made an appearance! So glad for cooler weather, jeans, sweaters, boots, hot coffee.  Love it! :)

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We had a security system installed at the house yesterday.  Sadly, there have been numerous break-ins around our area, with tons of reports on our community watch’s crime log.  So, with Marc going out of town in October for a guys weekend full of 4-wheeler riding, he knew he’d feel better leaving me with some type of security system in place.  Granted, I thought that’s why he bought me a gun. Oh, well…whatever makes him happy! Now, I just have to remember to turn it on! :|

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I’m so looking forward to watching Allie ride her pony, Sugarfoot, in a horse show this weekend.  Too cute! :)

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Happy Friday, y’all!  Have a great weekend! :)

Where I come from

Do you ever look at where you’re from - town, family, church - and are just filled with thanksgiving?  I am.  Especially recently, though I’m not sure why.  For me, my church is a huge part of ‘where I come from’.  Church has always been a big part of who I am.

See, God’s been working on me for months, now.  And for some reason, I keep pushing Him away.  Acting as if I don’t need His help, when I so desperately do.

Let me give you a little background about my church life, and how it’s evolved.  My experiences with God have opened my eyes, and my heart, to how I WANT my relationship with God to be, and now I just need to make it a priority and make it happen.

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From the time I was born, I was raised in the church.  Meaning, I’ve always gone to church.  I’ve been a member of only two churches in my 27 years.  And I feel like I’m blessed for that.

My first church is a traditional church.  It’s an old building on a hill with a steeple, stained glass windows, baptismal pool behind the choir loft, pulpit in the center, rows of pews, a piano, two organs, and a cemetery.  It’s not a large church.  But it was ‘home’ to me for all of my teenage years.  It’s where my grandparents still attend.  It is filled with an older generation that is steeped in tradition, faith, love, support, and hope.

This church met on Sunday mornings at 9:45 for opening assembly (yep, that’s what it was/still is called), 10:00 for Sunday school, and 11:00 for worship/sermon.  You sing hymns with the piano and/or organ.  There’s a choir up front.  There’s only one pastor, and he lives with his family in the parsonage on the church grounds.

About 2.5 years ago, I went from the above mentioned, traditional church (and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this type of church; it’s what I grew up in, and I wouldn’t change that for ANYTHING), to a contemporary church with a full band, worship pastor, 2-service Sundays (one at 9:30 am, one at 11:00 am), youth pastor, senior pastor, and family ministry pastor.

It was kind of an adjustment. But a GOOD one.  It had gotten to the point at my old church where I was just going through the motions.  I wasn’t growing, and my relationship with God was suffering.  I needed a change.  I needed more.

And God answered.  In a big way.  See, it wasn’t hard for me to leave the church – the building and traditions – it was hard to leave the people.  These are people whom I’ve known my entire life.  That’s what small-town living is.  And I still miss some of those people more than I thought possible.  Especially the ones that are no longer on this earth.  Oh, but how I know they’re happy and rejoicing in heaven. :)

God led me to Crosslink Community Church.  And He led my brother there, too.  And it has been the biggest blessing in my life to watch my brother grow closer and closer to God.  So close, in fact, that the leadership of the church saw Brock as man of distinction – someone they wanted as a deacon of our church.

God led me to meet new people who are excited about Jesus.  He has surrounded me with people who are in love with God, and I’m so thankful. They make me want to be a better person, a better Christian.

So, now, Crosslink is part of ‘where I come from.’ And I cannot wait to see what else God has planned for my life.

I just need to let go of the reigns I think I have on my life, and let Him take over.  God knows best, anyways. :)

Where do you come from?  Small-town living or big city life? Did you grow up in church, or are you still searching for your home?

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Have a great Wednesday, y’all! :)

Questions, questions :)

Brittany Ann from Living in the Moment tagged me, and I love playing along, so here goes:

1. If there is one moment in your life you would "do-over," what would it be?

I imagine in the moment, I would have loved a  do-over a few times, especially when I embarrassed myself, which I can do easily, but I think everything really does happen for a reason.  You learn and grow, and I learned to laugh at myself, even if it was through a raging blush that made me look like a tomato. :)

2. What's your signature dish, i.e., what's your go-to meal that you make like no one else?

Hhmm…I’m not a great, accomplished cook – I really just don’t take the time to do cook.  However, I always take along to family events and reunions a broccoli and cheese casserole.  I love it!  Makes eating broccoli so much more enjoyable. :)

3. Would you want to be able to read minds? Why or why not?

I say no, I wouldn’t want to be able to read minds.  I don’t want to know all the bad and mean things people think about others.  I think it would get depressing to know everyone’s deep and dark secrets.

4. What item of clothing flatters you most?

I think blue jeans…they’re comfy, I don’t have to worry about sucking in to be flattering.  And it contains my hips. :)

5. What do you enjoy doing most when you're home alone?

I love curling up with a good book and the music on low.  It’s my favorite way to relax.  If Marc’s out of town, then that’s what I’ll spend most of my time doing. :) I don’t feel guilty about it at all…it’s really my favorite thing to do. :)

6. If you could pick a different accent to have, what would it be, and why?

Oohhh!  I think either British or Australian.  I don’t think I can pick.  They’re both just sexy. :)

7. How do you keep up-to-date on current events?

I’m really bad about keeping up with current news.  Usually, I catch it on the local news, or on their website.

8. If you could have any other job but the one you have, what would it be?

I have two other jobs I’d want.  First and foremost, more than anything else in the world…I want to be a Mama. :) Praying that God’s plan has that in my future. :) And in terms of full-time occupation, I think I’d really like to be a librarian. I could rock the glasses and messy bun. :)

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And I’m supposed to come up with 8 questions and tag people, but I don’t want to!  If you want to play along, just use Brittany Ann’s questions above and have fun! :)

Happy Monday, y’all! :)

Eight Question Friday :)

Alright…not much is going on.  I came across these questions over on Sonja’s blog, and it sounded like fun! :)

1. If you're a reader, what's your favorite book?

This is a tough one!  I love reading, so it’s really hard for me to single out just one book…how about I single out one author? :) I love me some Nicholas Sparks.  And I’m excited about his new book coming out soon, Safe Haven.  I think part of it is because ALL of his books are based in North Carolina, and that’s the only place I’ve ever lived.  And I love a good love story. :)

2. Why did you choose the career you are in?

Well, I took an accounting class my senior year of high school, and it just seemed to fit.  I thought I would go into teaching prior to that.  It would have been a mistake!  I can’t deal with other people’s kids, especially those that aren’t family! I’m awful, I know!!

3. Dream car, something practical or something flashy?

Probably a little of both?  I love SUVs.  So, it would definitely be something like that.  Hhhmmm…probably a Range Rover?  I think they’re sexy…all black, with tinted windows, and nice rims. :) It’s a dream, right?  However, I do appreciate a muscle car.  But it has to have custom exhaust, nice rims, and tinted windows.  Marc has so spoiled my tastes! :)

4. Would you rather be a giver or a receiver, be honest?

Well, while I do love to receive a great gift, I’d much rather give.  I love to see a person’s face when you’ve picked a gift just for them, and they absolutely love it.  That’s one of the best feelings! :)

5. Are you a spender or a saver?

I guess I’m a little of both.  I like the money I’ve earned!  I try to save my money and use it on something that I really, really want.  Especially if it’s a large purchase, I’ll debate whether I really want/need it, and then save up for it. :)

6. Where did you meet your significant other?

I met Marc at church.  My youth pastor’s husband sold Marc’s mom her house, and invited them to church.  It was super intimidating, as it was a Youth Sunday (where the youth group does the entire church service and lessons, etc), to look out and see someone new, semi-close to my age, and have to give my testimony.  Oh, well…we’ve been friends ever since, and we’ve been a couple for almost 10 years. :)

7. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Neither…I usually get all of my motivation and energy in the afternoon.  That’s when I can really get most stuff done – work, crafts, cleaning.

8. What has been your biggest achievement?

To date, I would say graduating college and obtaining a job that I enjoy.  I like what I do, so that means a lot to me. :) Having a family of my own (larger than Marc, myself, and our four-legged pups) would be a bigger achievement.  That’s our dream. :)

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Alright…time to get back to work! ;) Happy Friday, y’all! :)

I have nothing for a title…

I’m in a list sort of mood, so here goes:

1. Go read this blog.  I love reading about Suz’s life, and I love her preacher’s thoughts on skinny jeans…I think I agree! :) Really, please, go now, and read! :)
2. The picture “sneak peak” of Tiffany’s gift that I showed y’all a few weeks ago, from this post, was an apron.  I made it for Tiff because she makes amazing cupcakes, and because I love her.  I wanted to give her something special, so I made her this: Unfortunately, it’s blurry, so you can’t see how beautiful Tiffany is.  You’ll just have to take my word for it.  Maybe, after she reads this, she’ll model and have her hubby take a new pic! :) [Please?] I need to start remembering to take pictures before I give them away. :)
3. Marc & I spent the weekend in Lexington, SC visiting with his dad and stepmom.  It was nice to relax and hang out with no plans.  And we definitely spent some time playing Spades.  And the girls won!  The first night, anyways…we let the boys win on Saturday. ;)
4. I’m so unbelievably ready for this long weekend.  I don’t know what we’re gonna do, but I’m just ready for a long weekend! :) Aren’t you?
5. I forgot my phone at home this morning.  I’ve felt lost without it.  That’s sad, considering I sit at a computer all day, and my phone does basically the same thing, only it’s more basic.  I hate that I feel this way.  Means I’m too dependant on a phone.  Ridiculous. :)
6. I need to take more pictures.  It’s weird – I take my camera EVERYWHERE, but I don’t actually take pictures.  This weekend, for instance – had the camera with me the whole time – didn’t take a picture ONCE.  Grrr at me.

Alright…felt the need to end on an even number…anyone else do things like that?  I think it’s my semi-OCD manner.  If I eat candies, I have to eat them in evens.  However, if it’s an odd number, I won’t put one piece back in, I’ll pour out one more piece. :)

Happy Tuesday, y’all! :)

FYI

So, I’ve had many month’s of blogger’s block, so I’m going random, now.

In case you’ve ever wanted to know more about me, I’ll share 10 random things.  Some you might know, some might be a surprise. =.)

1. My best friend, besides Marc, has been my best friend since we were in 10th grade.  Before that, she hated me, because she thought I was a “stuck-up cheerleader.” You know, one of those types of girls.  I wasn’t. =.) We sat beside each other avoiding Honors English in the 10th grade, stared at a cute boy (I even have a portrait of him in my year book, because Tiffany drew me a great picture of him to have forever), endured some strangeness that we were BOTH too naive to understand (which we’re still pretty amazed by?), and played softball.  That year was the start of an amazing friendship. I will always consider her my “roomie,” and I’m blessed to have her in my life, still! =.)
2. I work for a real estate company.  It has a great core belief system, and I’ve worked here since I graduated college.  I took one last summer class to graduate, finished classes on a Thursday, moved home on a Friday, started work the next Monday, my 25th birthday, and I’ve been here ever since.  Sometimes, I wonder what else there is.  Let’s be honest, real estate is currently slow.  I need more to entertain my brain on a daily basis. =.) God has a plan…
3. I have three nieces – Allie Katherine, who is 5, Karleigh Caroline, who is 3, and Ava Reese, who is 2.  And, I’ve got a nephew on the way! =.) He’s expected to bring in the new year on January 1st. =.)
4. I live beside my Mama and Daddy.  We have 10 acres of land, and my parents land is on 2 sides of our property.  The house Marc and I live in, we purchased from my parents.  So, I’ve been living in our house since I was a sophomore in college.  It was weird to go from sleeping in my ‘kid’ bedroom, to the master bedroom, which used to be my parents.  Weirder still, we stayed in my grandmother’s house (not with her, mind you, she has 2 houses) our first month of marriage.  It made me REALLY uncomfortable to be a newlywed, if you know what I mean, in my grandmother’s room.  Awkward…
5. Marc gives me gifts on his birthday. =.) Seriously, he does.  On his 18th birthday, he proposed to me (and that’s a story for another day).  On his 21st birthday, he gave me a dog.  I love my Paisley girl. =.)
6. I’m a bad wife.  I forgot to show my love of my husband on his birthday!  Marc turned 25 on August 14th.  I’m not sure if you remember reading, but I turned 27 in June.  According to my BFF Tiff (from #1 up there), I robbed his cradle.  Seeing as how we met when I was 14, he was 12, and we started dating when I was 17, he was 15…that might be true?  We were friends first, otherwise…weird! But we lasted through long-distance college and LOTS of drama (usually on my part) in between. =.)
7. Marc was only 20 when we got married.  I had to sign “permission” on our honeymoon (we went on a cruise) so he could drink beer.  He still wasn’t able to buy liquor drinks.  Yep…that’s us. =.)
8. I’m an avid reader.  I love books.  So far this year, I’ve read 36 books.  My goal was to read 48 – 4 books a month.  Want to know what I read?  Be my friend on goodreads.  I’ll like you even more! =.) You can find me by my email. =.)
9. I was in a Christian sorority when I was in college.  I pledged with my BFF, but she decided it wasn’t for her.  I’m so glad that I chose to join.  It was the best decision for me and so strengthened my walk with God. =.)
10. I’m helping lead a Bible study (we call them life groups) at church starting in September.  It’s for young couples in our church.  Our life group outgrew itself.  The model is to have 8-12 people in each life group.  Our life group had grown to 8 couples.  So, we had to split up.  Kind of sad – I’ll miss seeing everyone – but it’s exciting to see what we can do on our own, as well. =.)

And, there you have it.  Ten completely random things about me that you previously did not know. =.)

If you made it all the way through, congratulations! =.) And thanks.

Happy Wednesday, y’all! =.)

Random Tidbits…

Tonight, I will be celebrating birthdays of two of my favorite girls! =.)

And I got creative with one of the gifts.  I can’t show you completely (yet) what it is, but I’ll give a sneak peak.  Tiff might read this before our dinner! =.) Sorry for the poor quality – I took it with my phone. =.) So excited to give it to Tiffany, though! =.) Hope she loves it! =.)

Other than that, there’s just not a lot going on.  I’m just working and living.  I’ve been blessed with 2 great relaxing weekends at home.  I cleaned so much last weekend, that I boycotted this past weekend.  So, now I need to vacuum and unload my dishwasher. =.) And fold clothes.  I so don’t mind doing laundry.  I just wish someone would put them away once I had washed & dried them! =.)

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I’m still in love with my B&N nook.  I’m constantly on it.  I wish I could find a job where I could just read.  I’ve actually looked at trying to get a job at a library, because I seriously love books.  But you need a degree specializing in that, which I don’t have.  However, if you know of a job that needs a graduate with a business-accounting concentration 5 years out of school with some real estate background…I’m your girl! =.) If only…

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Marc and I are going to have a NEPHEW come January (if not sooner)!! =.)  We are so excited to be Uncle & Aunt for the 4th time!  And it’s the first boy! =.) We are so excited for Matt, Tammy, & Karleigh, and can’t wait to meet the handsome fellow in a few months! =.)

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My grandfather turned 75 on Tuesday, August 10th.  That same day, he went in for surgery to have a pacemaker put in.  He pulled through, and is doing great!  So blessed to have that man in my life…Just love, love, love him! =.)

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I feel like I should have so much more to tell you, but I really don’t. I will be taking a picture of Tiffany’s gift, hopefully with her modeling it!  I’ve already been commissioned to create one for my boss’s wife for their anniversary in December.  I seriously love being able to craft my creativity into something other people like! =.)

Now, if I could just figure out how to make fabric flowers, I’d so have my nieces Christmas gifts figured out… =.)

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Have a great week, y’all! =.)

Finally, a break!

July was such a busy month!

Remember all this from my last post?

• Beaufort for July 4th weekend
• Softball games
• Chaperone for Youth at their Summer Camp
• Eclipse with my girls (and the husband)
• Weekend at the lake
• Softball games
• Weekend at the lake
• Softball games
• Sewing on a very important birthday gift =.)

Well, softball is finally finished!  I had so much fun playing this year!  I think it might have helped that we won a few more games than in years past? I don’t know. But I had a great time getting together with friends every week! =.)

August should be much more relaxed, but our days, weeks, weekends always seem to fill up fast. I have a ton of birthdays to celebrate this month!  I can’t wait to celebrate with Tiffany and Kelli for their birthdays! =.)

Our circle of friends is growing, and I love that! =.)

Here are a few more pictures of the past month…I love my life! =.)

KarleighAva, Allie & Elixir (Lixir), Mama’s new puppy AceLixir with her big sister, Roxy Paisley, Lixir, & Ace

It’s crazy how fast that little puppy is growing!  My Mama hasn’t even had her a whole month, but she’s getting taller and gaining some weight.  And she just loves on Ace!  I love watching them all play together! =.)

This weekend will consist of LOTS of cleaning!  My house has taken the brunt of my busy schedule.  I keep putting off a true cleaning!

Unless, that is, Marc guilts me into going to the lake tomorrow. =.) Hah! =.)

Alright…an hour of work left…I can do it! =.)

Have a great weekend, y’all! =.)

Where, oh where, have I been?

Wow! I guess it’s been about a month since I’ve been on the blog.  I’ve been busy!

So, here’s a semi-recap in photos:

Kurt & Krystle’s Wedding…

These are from the photographer, Penny…so awesome!   Aren’t those gorgeous?  The ceremony & reception were at a vineyard.  So, so pretty, and one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever attended! =.) They had a photo booth as the wedding favors!  So funny! =.)

And then these are just some of the photos that I took:

Marc & Krystle

The next weekend, we had a water day at my brother’s house.  And Ava had broken her arm, so she had this awesome pink cast, that she couldn’t get wet…  The Slide The Pond

The next weekend was my 27th birthday, and it was super low-key, but I got this awesome gift, from my boss…

with this cover…

In case you’re wondering, that’s a nook, from Barnes & Noble.  And I’m in LOVE with it! =.)  And, since my boss gave it to me for my birthday, Marc had to find something else to buy me!  So, we went shopping, and I picked out a new watch.  I love it, too! =.)

The next weekend, we headed down to Beaufort to celebrate the 4th of July with some of our favorite people!  Here we are on the beach July 4th…I’m seriously the palest person there…it’s a wonder I don’t sparkle in the sun.  Too bad I’m Team Jacob! =.)Our hostsChad lost his wallet in the water Friday night…he went scuba diving trying to find it.  Seriously…he really did… Then Marc & Chris wanted to learn how to scuba… And while the boys were diving, we were hanging out on the Grady… And some just for fun…it’s nice to meet you… And my favorite picture of the weekend…I finally got to see some of the horses that hang out on the islands on the coast of North Carolina!  I took SO many pictures, but they were absolutely gorgeous and magical!! =.)

And, you are now caught up with my life through the first weekend in July!

Since then, I have:

1. Seen Eclipse with my girls (and my husband!)
2. Played a few softball games
3. Travelled with my church’s youth group as a chaperone to camp
4. Spent some time at the lake
5. Welcomed a new puppy to the family
6. Played a few more softball games
7. Helped out with Vacation Bible School a little
8. Missed being home!

Can’t wait for this weekend…headed back to the lake and hanging out at home…it’s too hot to do much else!

I’m sorry for the long reprieve, but hopefully, I’ll be around more often! =.)

Have a wonderful weekend, girls! =.)