Monday, January 31, 2011

Thank You, Jesus!


I am on day five of Project 31. Today I am supposed to write a blog thanking someone who has made my heart come alive. I could easily blog to any of my wonderful friends, family, or fiance who have all in a way, made my heart come alive, however, I am going to actually thank my Savior, Jesus Christ today. Truly my heart came alive in 2008 when I started attending church, and became saved. Before that, I was unhappy deep down, with various situations in my life, I literally had a hole in my heart, that only Jesus could fill. After becoming saved, and turning it all over to the Lord, I saw so many changes in myself. Changes that I loved. Accepting Jesus as my Savior made my heart come alive. It blossomed after 2008. Things I would normally go crazy with stress over (such as not making enough to pay the bills) I know knew to pray and turn it over to God, and it WORKED. I'll never forget one time I was worrying about how I would pay some bills, since my work had slowed down quite a bit, and my dad was unemployed (I was handling all the bills at that time as he was unemployed) I decided worry was getting me no where, and I just prayed for God to show me how to handle this situation. That same month my dad received a surprise extension check from unemployment! What a blessing! All the bills were taken care of. It's small things like that. :) Now I know (though I still am battling my issues of being a worry wart) that worry gets me no where, and can actually make me sick, so I don't stress about the small stuff NEARLY as much as I used to.

So I say thank you Jesus, for being my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you, that it is by the grace of you and our heavenly father, the Lord God Almighty, that I am awake each day to see another beautiful and glorious day. Thank you for all you have done, and will do in my life. Thank you for awakening my heart.

XOXO

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Pig Fest & Day 4 of inspired beauty (outfit post)

I must say people in the south love their BBQ. Mhm! (I am even having BBQ catered for my spring wedding this April) Over the weekend I had the opportunity to attend Pigfest. Pigfest can be described with four words: food, music, friends, and charity. This year marked the fifteenth annual pigfest here locally. The events main goals are to raise money for local charities(to date, they have raised over $500,000), bring people together, and eat some first class BBQ. I didn't bother with attempting to take any pictures as the crowd is UNBELIEVABLE and with me being 5'2" I could barely see a foot in front of me. I did have the chance to try my first fried snickers bar (chocolate deliciousness) this year, as well as a fried twinkie, an atomic pork terd(a jalepeno with cream cheese and a little smokey put inside it, and smoked), some AMAZING Italian Ice(it really hit the spot when I was hot and dehydrated) and dump cake(which my fiance said was actually just cherry cobbler dumped into a cup). Everything I ate was delicious though I wasn't a huge fan of the fried twinkie. When you attend these BBQ events, you always see the weirdest team names. This year I saw Kathleen Roadkill (was a bit turned off by that one), Porkin' aint easy, Serial Griller, Smokin' Taters, Whiskey Bent BBQ, Big Bellies Butt Rubbin, Buttweiser, Grannies Nutz, Swine Fever BBQ, Limp Brisket, and my favorite, Good Buddies BBQ (they are doing my wedding :) So yeah, Pigfest this year was definitely interesting, The crowd was intense. Can't wait for next year!

And now, for day 4 of:

Day 4:  Post a pic of your favorite outfit

Fall/Winter is my favorite time of the year as far as wardrobe goes. I love being able to wear boots and a cute jacket. My favorite shirts are mostly plaid. I am posting a pic of one of my many "favorite" outfits. I even wore this shirt for some of my engagement photos. It's a greyish plaid shirt with hints of pink on it, so a pink undershirt really makes it POP! and of course, some black boots. :)


Shirt is from JCP, one of my FAVORITE places to shop.




Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

Don't forget to check out the She Breathes Deeply blog. Mandy is the creator of this Project 31 deal and she is pretty awesome!
 XOXO

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Inspired Beauty. AF & SH

I like to try to surround myself with positive people and influences in my life, therefore, to me, I am surrounded by beauty in every which way. Each and every one of my loved ones inspire beauty differently, in their own way.

If I blogged about all of them, this entry would go on and on and on, SO, instead I am going to narrow it down to two of them that I think are the epitome of beauty, to me. A.F & S.H

A.F.
I met A.F in 2006 through a mutual friend (though that friend is now her sister-in-law). I was instantly drawn to her caring and nurturing nature. She didn't even KNOW me before that night, but about a week later, she found me online, and wrote me asking how I was feeling and if I'd got any answers from doctors (I had just started suffering dizzy spells about a month before we met). The fact that she took time to personally check up on me, someone she had met ONCE, really struck me. We stayed in touch after that, and though we don't get to physically hang out often, we have been able to keep up to date with each others lives via facebook. I have watched her blossom into an amazing wife, and mommy of twin boys. I find her to be beautiful not only on the outside, but more importantly on the inside. She is a woman of faith, and is not afraid to show it. That in itself is a beautiful thing. Even in the midst of her busier than ever life (she recently started her own business venture, Deceiving Desserts) she has committed to helping me plan and coordinate my wedding. I am thankful to have her in my life to inspire me.

S.H.
S.H. is another amazing woman in my life who inspires beauty. Yes, she exudes beauty on the outside(look at that bright smile!), but more importantly, the beauty of her heart is never ending and it shines completely through her. She is very compassionate, and always understanding.  She is one of the most accepting and welcoming persons that I have ever met. She cares about others in a way that you are supposed to, without judgment. She is one of those people that though she may not agree with you, she will give you her honest opinion, yet still support you if you don't take it. Friends of her children (myself included) fondly refer to her as "Mama H" as she has made us all feel welcome at her home, any time. She is as passionate about animals as myself, and is the proud mommy of three goats, two dogs, a cat, and numerous fishies. I am so thankful to have had her in my life, as I have received countless pep talks with much wisdom from her. The way she handles all situations her family may encounter with such grace, is one of the many reasons I admire her, and she inspires beauty to me. I hope that one day, when I have a family of my own, that friends of my children can look at me with the same fondness that I feel when I look at her.



I am inspired to do this project thanks to the creator, Mandy, at She Breathes Deeply. Her blog is pretty amazing, so if you haven't checked it out before, please do so. :) Maybe you will be inspired too!

XOXO

Friday, January 28, 2011

What makes me uniquely ME?


Day 2: What makes you uniquely you?

I decided instead of listing the things I believe make me "uniquely me" that I'd ask some of my loved ones, and after reading a text that said "for a project I am doing, I need to know what makes me *uniquely me*?" this is what they had to say:

S.H - your unconditional willingness to give to anyone or anything who needs it no matter the toll or cost brought upon yourself.

A.W - your loyalty and commitment to your family, friends, and community make you unique. The compassion you show to animals no matter if it's a cat, dog, or snapper turtle certainly make you unique. :-)

S.S - You are the best, most amazing friend I've had in my life - even from another state. How much you love butterflies and pretty much all animals and your commitment to pets. And I love you! :) <3

J.L - You have a big heart. You are sensitive to peoples needs and feelings, and to all living creatures. You have trouble saying "no" because you want to help. You are passionate about your interests. And since getting saved and getting closer to God you've really made changes, and been honest about your faith - not hiding it from friends who might disagree, but not being judgmental either. :)

J.A - In the worst of situations, you are still chipper. :-)

C.B - Your charitable side. Not too many people your age thrive on your SPCA volunteer work or the Leukemia bake sales, walks, fund raisers or the time you spend at the FBCH. But where others would see it as something not worth the time, you live for it and take time out of your life that you could be doing other things just for yourself, to help others and make an impact on their lives. 

G.B - The fact that you always have a positive outlook on life, and your cooking. Love me some of the food you make!

K.H - One word. Kindness.

R.B - You can't properly pronounce words with "ea" definitely makes you uniquely weird and another reason I love you! :)

C.K - Your heart is SO big. You are one of the most forgiving people that I know and that says a lot about your character and personality. I want you to know that no one can ever take that away from you.

Side notes from me: S.S makes reference of being a great friend even from out of state, that refers to the fact that we became friends ONLINE after meeting in a chat room when we were barely teenagers. We kept in touch and even were pen pals through the years, until she actually moved TO Florida, where we met in person, and became even closer friends. R.B is referring to the fact that apparently I am too lazy to properly put the effort into EA words. For instance if I said "Lets make a deal" it sounds like I say "Let's make a dill" or "Do not steal that" would sound like "Do not still that". My grammar is an ongoing joke for us.

If you'd like to tell me what YOU think makes me uniquely me, please feel free to do so in the comment section below. I'd love to hear. :)

Click HERE to learn more about Project 31, Celebrate Beauty.

XOXO

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Preoject 31. Celebrate YOUR beauty.

Well hello blog world. :) I must apologize because I have been neglecting you. In my defense, I will say my wedding is right around the corner (82 days to go) and that has been keeping me pretty well occupied. 

Anyways, a blogger I follow regularly, She Breathes Deeply, has decided to start Project 31. Celebrate your beauty. Here is how she defines the project:

What is "Project 31"?  It is a collection of thoughts, ideas, and women who potray beauty in a inspired way.  "Project 31" is you celebrating your God given beauty, and celebrating the beautiful women around you. The meaning behind the project is taken from this:


Proverbs 31


    10 Who can find a virtuous wife? 
      For her worth is far above rubies. 
       11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; 
      So he will have no lack of gain. 
       12 She does him good and not evil 
      All the days of her life. 
       13 She seeks wool and flax, 
      And willingly works with her hands. 
       14 She is like the merchant ships, 
      She brings her food from afar. 
       15 She also rises while it is yet night, 
      And provides food for her household, 
      And a portion for her maidservants. 
       16 She considers a field and buys it; 
      From her profits she plants a vineyard. 
       17 She girds herself with strength, 
      And strengthens her arms. 
       18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, 
      And her lamp does not go out by night. 
       19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, 
      And her hand holds the spindle. 
       20 She extends her hand to the poor, 
      Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 
       21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, 
      For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 
       22 She makes tapestry for herself; 
      Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 
       23 Her husband is known in the gates, 
      When he sits among the elders of the land. 
       24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
      And supplies sashes for the merchants. 
       25 Strength and honor are her clothing; 
      She shall rejoice in time to come. 
       26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, 
      And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 
       27 She watches over the ways of her household, 
      And does not eat the bread of idleness. 
       28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
      Her husband also, and he praises her: 
       29 “ Many daughters have done well, 
      But you excel them all.” 
       30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 
       31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
      And let her own works praise her in the gates.



THE LIST:


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!






SOOOOO, here I go with day 1:


The worlds "definition" of beauty is not accurate. 1 Samuel 16:7 says The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.  You can look at someone that you may perceive as the most beautiful person you have ever seen, on the OUTSIDE, but they could actually be the ugliest person you have ever met on the INSIDE. I truly believe beauty comes from within.

* Beauty is my Heavenly Fathers love for me, little ol' sinner me. He loved me enough to give his only son, so that I could exist. He knows me inside and out. His plan for me is beyond my comprehension.
* it is me being able to love myself for who I am, not what I can become. I am a work in progress, every day. Yes, I can become a better person, and I will, but I will still exude beauty every step of the way
* is my ability to feel comfortable enough in my own skin to rarely wear make-up. (I am not saying if you do wear make-up you are not beautiful, I know you are!) I actually do enjoy wearing make-up, but it makes me incredibly happy that it is not a requirement of my day. I can go with or without.
* is my relationship with my fiance. We have definitely had our share of road bumps in our relationship, and we are stronger than ever. I truly feel he is God's provision for me. I am so thankful to have found him. 
* is my mother. May she rest in peace. She always made me feel beautiful and loved.
* is my father. Our relationship is unique, but I will always be daddy's little girl
* is my doggy Chico. 
* is being able to forgive someone, and being forgiven.
* a sunset or a sunrise. They are equally beautiful but I prefer a sunset at AMI.
* being able to love unconditionally. Much of todays love is conditional and it should not be.
* generosity. I am so moved by acts of kindness. Many times I have stood in a line waiting to donate something and literally been moved to tears as I watched the other people around me doing the same.
* finding lost loved ones. watching a reunion of loved ones is so beautiful. 
These are just a few of the ways I perceive beauty. What is beauty to YOU?


XOXO

Monday, January 17, 2011

Winter Jam 2011


I attended my first Winter Jam this year. If you are not familiar with what Winter Jam is, it's Christian Music's largest annual tour. 10 bands for $10. The most significant aspect of Winter Jam is introducing people to life-changing truth through Gospel. Over the past fifteen years of Winter Jam, tens of thousands have made a public commitment to Jesus Christ at a Winter Jam event.


This year, while my church took a huge bus load of people, myself and four others drove separately as since I am a More than music partner with one of my favorite local radio stations, The Joy FM, we were able to get early entrance into the event.

I was thrilled because my Dad had invited a friend of ours that is going through some tough times, and I think it's awesome that he was able to hear the word of God through music and have a good time. You never know who or what might hit a person, and make them decide to change their life.

Tony Nolan shared his testimony and it was amazing. This man has overcame so much. He was born in an insane asylum to a prostitute. The first three years of his life were some of his darkest times ever. He said during that time he was sexually abused, beaten, burnt with cigarettes, all kinds of horrible things. He was finally adopted for the cheap rate of $200 (he calls himself a walmart special) when he was three. He ended up growing up with a father that had problems with alcohol, and in a bad area. He got lost in a world of narcotics and alcohol himself. Thankfully, through the grace of God, he found his way home. He was able to meet his mother ONE time. He went and saw her in a mental hospital. He did not know it then, but his mother would pass a month and a half later. He asked his mother while he was visiting her if she knew Christ as her Savior and she said yes. He said he'd never forget the way his mother looked at him, toes to head, and then looked off into space and started mumbling over and over again "they told me not to have you, they told me not to have you" then she came back, looked him over again, gave him a HUGE grin, and pointed at him and said "God had a plan with you". What an amazing story! The best part was the end when he said how thankful he was for a God that could forgive prostitutes, and because of that, he knows he will meet his mother again, during his eternal life. What an amazing God he is! So forgiving.

I explained this to my friend as we walked in and he jokingly asked me "can I confess my sins here?" to which I said "yes, you can confess your sins anywhere at any time" and he said "I don't think he wants to know them all" and I said "Yes, he does, in fact he ALREADY knows them all, what he wants is for YOU to repent of them, come to him, acknowledge your sins, ask for forgiveness, so that you in turn can then forgive yourself"

It was such an amazing night. The bands that played were: Chris Sligh (from American Idol), Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets, RED, Newsong, Kutless, Francesca Battistelli, David Crowder Band, and Newsboys. While Franny B is one of my favorites, I will say I think I enjoyed the David Crowder Band and Newsboys the best. What a show. :) I plan to go again next year!

XOXO

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Wedding Plan Checklist

Slowly but surely wedding plans are coming together. :)

As of April 17th I will be a married woman <3

Our "to-do" list is gradually getting smaller, and it feels great.

I'm so thankful that we had a year to budget and save as it is such a relief when we are quoted a price on something if we are able to pay it off in full, instead of having to remember various payments and their due dates.

I'm going to kinda put the mental list of what we have already got accomplished on here, looking at it will probably make me feel pretty darn awesome. :)

  • venue
  • officiant
  • wedding gown
  • dj
  • Photographer (SUPER excited about our engagement shoot that we have coming up!)
  • Caterer
  • cake
  • Tent (outdoor reception, dressy casual my friends)
  • invitations
  • card box (minuscule detail, but found one I adore)
  • online RSVP's (which are a GREAT help to us in getting a better idea of our guest list)
and a reminder to myself of important things that still NEED to be done
  • linen rentals
  • chair rentals + any extra tables that are needed
  • marriage license
  • order flowers
  • tux rentals for fiance + groomsmen
  • figure out a honeymoon (and fiance needs passport if we cruise)
  • china (?)
  • registry
  • rings
  • rehearsal details
  • bridal shower details
  • bachelorette party details
Wedding planning is pretty new to me. While I have been a bridesmaid a few times, besides the wedding I was in last October, I've never really had "hands on" experience and I will admit I am quite lost. I am really missing my mommy during all of this. I've even gotten choked up standing in line behind a mother/daughter waiting to check out in a bridal store. While it made me smile on the inside to see them sharing this happy time together, it was bittersweet. I had to tell myself to "get it together" before tears fell. I know that my mom is looking down on me from above <3 I am so blessed to have a wonderful friend that is willing to be my coordinator and help me figure this all out. With that being said, if you see anything major missing from my check list (which of course doesn't include EVERYTHING) please feel free to comment!

I'll leave you with a picture of the fiance and I goofing around under the arch.



XOXO

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Rembering Ms. Glenda

As I was eating Lox today I became overwhelmed with memories of Ms. Glenda.

I had the pleasure of meeting her in 2004 when she became a co-worker of mine. Age is just a number when it comes to building relationships. Ms. Glenda was about 40 years my senior, however we became quick friends.

I looked to Ms. Glenda as a mentor. She always had the best advice. She had the quirkiest personality but it drew me to her.

We bonded over food. I can honestly say she aided in my addiction to chocolate. Before I met her, I was more of a salty craver, but spending countless lunches with her,  she taught me that we should always follow up our meal with a piece of Ghiradelli Chocolate. She also ate things I'd never heard of such as capers, and the above linked, Lox. She made sure I always tried things, even if I wasn't sure if I'd like them. I now use capers in various meals, and adore eating some fresh lox and cream cheese on a bagel. She made one of the best chicken salad's I'd ever tasted, and guess what? she put capers in it as well.

Ms. Glenda was a true city girl at heart. Being down here, she was out of her element. She worked as a trainer at my company for many years, and was known as the offbeat one. She often wore two different shoes during her training classes. She wanted to see how much her students really paid attention, not to mention many times she just forgot to fully change out of her "driving" shoes. She'd have a driving shoe on one foot, and a dressy one on the other.

Glenda was always trying to figure out what it was about the "south" that made people want to stay here, and never travel. She was in shock when another co worker of ours told her that she had "never been on a plane, or left the state of Florida, and did not plan to, ever" Glenda asked her "you don't want to travel? and see the world?" and the co worker said "no, my family is here in Florida. I have no need to go anywhere else." That just baffled Glenda as to why someone would never want to venture out of their "comfort zone". I, on the other hand, LOVE to travel, so she was delighted when I said I'd accompany her on a trip to Philly for her to conduct one of her training seminars that she did. I had never been to Philly, and I figured why not? I had my 1st real Philly cheese steak with  Ms. Glenda. She also showed me that Publix's Philly Cheesesteak sub is the next best thing to a philly FROM philly.

We spent many hours talking about the differences of work ethic and morale between the city, and down here in the South. We work(ed) at a call center together and every day we heard a new, crazy, story on why an employee could not make it to work. They went beyond the typical "i am sick". We had many written down, wanting to compile a book of the weirdest reasons to call in to your shift. I wish I could remember more of them now. I know I have that list somewhere.

Our boss used to always make fun of us for us being "detectives" we read into many cases and would tell each other our own theories of what happened. A big one for us was Natalee Holloway. If only she knew that the person that LAST saw Holloway on the night she disappeared was involved in yet another murder 5 years TO THE DATE of Natalie Holloways disappearance. I can only imagine what she'd say.

While she always poked fun at me for my passion for animals, she once told me of a story of one of the few pets she owned. A cat that she loved, loved so much it died. The story was quite sad (funny). She got this cat, but didn't want it to stink or shred all over her house, so she was CONSTANTLY bathing it, and feeding it human good. It got sick, she took it to the vet, the vet told her "Glenda, you are trying to take care of the cat like you would a child, baths, human food, etc, you can't do that, the cat is NOT human"

Ms. Glenda moved back north in 2009 and I didn't see her after that. I went and visited with her as she was having a yard sale before she left. I bought a few things. That was the last time I saw her. I am not exactly sure what day she passed away, but I know it was sometime in May 2010. I received the news while I was at work. I will never forget it, my boss called and said she had some bad news, and told me that she was informed that Ms. Glenda had passed away. I remember I said a prayer and cried.

I will never forget this eccentric women that came into my life in 2004 and left foot prints on my heart. We shared SO many laughs :)

Ms. Glenda is in the middle


XOXO

Saturday, January 8, 2011

I've hit 1000.

Blog hit's that is.

I think this is pretty dang awesome if I do say so myself. :)

I started blogging on Monday, October 4th, 2010, with Well, Hello Blog World!

Since then, I've had 1002 hits. Looks like I am entertaining someone out there with my writing (or lack thereof) skills.

I took a look at some of my statistics, and so far, by far, my most popular blog has been, The Story of a Yellow Butterfly, which is a blog about how yellow butterflies remind me of my mother. <3

My next two most popular blogs were about weddings, so I guess you gals (and guys) like to read about that, so I will keep them coming!

Apparently I am global as I've had page view hits come from: United States, Denmark, Germany, Russia, UK, Slovenia, and even Egypt. HOW COOL!

If you haven't started reading or following my pet blog, 4Paws4Love, you should give it a try. I am going to try to update it with some cool pet news AT LEAST once a week.

I also realize that I need to get an about me section up here at some point, so look for that in the near future. Until then, I will leave you with a photo.

ACS Relay For Life 2010
Thanks for reading!

XOXO

Thursday, January 6, 2011

My Photographic Year In Review: 4th Quarter

October 2010

Zippin' my friend up for her Bachelorette party

Bachelorette Party

One of my best friends got married

Lunch @ Chili's before a 'maid went back to VA

Halloween 2010
November 2010
1st Thanksgiving Stop

4th Thanksgiving stop

3rd Thanksgiving stop

Fiance bought a truck on Black Friday

Annual Black Friday Trip, 430am
 December 2010
Too cool for words :D
Servin' at an event with my church

Annual Girls Night Christmas

GO BUCS!
Annual Elf Dinner Party & Bonfire

Company Christmas Party
Christmas Eve Party Hosts

Christmas Eve



 2010 has come and gone. It was like any other year; full of ups and downs. That's life. Regardless of anything bad that may have happened to me in 2010, I feel blessed. Blessed to love my God, blessed with wonderful family and friends that love me, blessed that I am employed and able to pay my bills on time, blessed that I have awesome pets, blessed that I am able to afford things other than necessities, and blessed that I am able to help others. I have no room to complain about 2010. Everything happens for a reason. <3 Now it's onto 2011, and new beginnings. God Bless!

XOXO