Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Reminder. Blog Moved.

This is just a friendly reminder as I still have new followers joining in on this blog, that I have moved.



Photobucket


Please click the link above to go to my new blog. (All my old blog posts are there, I just moved URL's). I will no longer be posting here. I hope you will follow me, at my new home blog.


XOXO

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

This Blog is Moving & more wedding pics

Okay Friends, This Little Light of Mine is such a popular blog name, that I wanted a name a bit more me, a bit more unique. SO, along comes Brown Eyed Bell(e).

The name is special, because it's a play on words. Read around the new blog, and you will discover why.

Anyways, I snagged the http://browneyedbell.blogspot.com/ url and I hope you will follow me over there.

I tried to just change over my old blog URL to the new one, but it wasn't working right, so I created a brand new blog with the new URL, and imported all my old posts, so everything is still there. :) Phew!

I am really really excited about the new name. Of course, I couldn't get rid of this little light of mine completely(as you will see on my new header), as that just reflects me so well. I just want my light to shiiiiine so so bright.

But yeah, check it out! And if you are a current follower, please follow me over at Brown Eyed Bell(e) as I will no longer be posting here.

I posted my first "official" post on BEB today, and it's more pictures from the wedding! Be sure to check it out!







Photobucket

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Double Rainbow

I saw a double rainbow on both Saturday and Sunday. And all I could think of was:

DOUBLE RAINBOW ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE SKY. *Insert cries* WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Well, that's not all I could think of. I was in complete awe at the beauty. And to see one two days in a row, double beauty. But anyways, if you have never watched the double rainbow original, and song, PLEASE click and watch these two short youtube video's. You won't regret it.








And here's my double rainbow... and the second one was a double too, though you can't tell from the picture.






Oh, I also posted in my pet blog today, please be sure to check it out, and follow if you are an animal lover as well :) Killed while trying to save a dog.

XOXO

Monday, June 20, 2011

Movie Monday, Cutest Couple & Father's Day

Today does not feel like a Monday to me. I guess part of that is because Sunday's are my Monday, but, that's besides the point.

I woke up planning to go get a walk in outside before it got too hot. Well, in Florida, 9am is already too late. So, I worked out inside, walking 2 miles with Leslie Sansone.
Leslie! With a giant flash on her head. Oops
My Yoga Mat :)
Why it's hard to work out inside.

Afterwards, my hubby asked if I wanted to go see a movie, and grab lunch with him. I figured with an early enough movie, I'd have time before my afternoon shift, so I said yes (again) :) He really wanted to see Super 8, and I was down, so that was the plan. We also invited a mutual friend, so the three of us were off. I really had no clue what Super 8 was about (I usually don't when he chooses the movie) BUT I was just happy to be hanging out. I ended up really liking the movie. I definitely recommend it. The kid stars of that movie are awesome. They make it! :)


We then enjoyed soup and salad at Chili's where we got a 50% employee discount, thanks to our friend T! Yum!

As we were on our way home, I received a text from my boss that said my afternoon shift was cancelled, and that work looked to be slow all week. No Bueno for my paycheck this week.

Oh, also, I entered my husband and I into a "Cutest Couples" contest. Yes, we are that couple. :D Anyways, my entry didn't make the first phase, so it will be available for voting next phase, BUT my friend entered a photo from our wedding day as well, so for this round, let's get her into the finalists. :) Vote for the picture she took of my husband and I please!



Oh, and one more side note. I had all intentions on creating an awesome photo tribute for my Daddy on Father's Day, however, time did not allow. SO, though I did not mention it on my blog yesterday (since I had all intentions to come back and blog more later) I hope all the Father's and Father's to be out there had an incredibly blessed Father's Day :) I tried my hardest to ensure my Dad did so. Love him SO much! Since I didn't get to do my photo tribute yesterday, I will post one from my wedding day for now.
Seeing me for the first time in my dress <3

Ready to give me away. <3


Have a BLESSED week everyone!

XOXO

Sunday, June 19, 2011

8 weeks to a better me: Week 8 - Awakening your creative side

I am so excited about this weeks topic. Awakening your creative side. This is the perfect read for me as I am trying oh so hard to become more creative this year. I've never been much of a DIYer, but I have done a few projects this year:
especially as they led up to my April wedding. And I had a LOT of fun doing it. I explored stores I'd never been to before, such as SOHO, or Southern Hospitality, a store with an over abundance of awesome stuff. I also ventured into Michael's and Joanne's much more frequently than I ever had before. And I found myself enjoying the stuff I saw.

SO, reading guest blogger LA's post today on Sometimes Sweet's : 8 weeks to a better me, was so much fun. LA gave 14 ways to start awakening your creative side. And you know what? They are easy to do. I can't wait to start awakening my creative side more. Look out world, Heather is about to become more crafty. :)

1. Create at least one page for my friendship scrapbook. I desperately want to make an awesome friendship scrapbook, and a wedding one. However, I am choosing to start with the friendship one first as I've already got a few pages made for that one (no thanks to myself) I had friends that wanted to participate bring an already created page to my bridal shower back in March. I got some really cute pages, that I will display SOON. But, my goal this week is to create just ONE page. Small goal, but hey, we all start somewhere, right?


2. Use my Pinterest account. I created one a few weeks ago, upon the recommendation of some of my craftier friends, and have yet to use my account. It's the perfect place to catalog all things pretty, that catch my eye. SO, this week, I will save some stuff there. :)

3. Set up a crafting night with friends. Me and some friends have been talking about this for awhile. We usually have a girly night in which we watch Gossip Girl, or some other show we like, however we have been talking about wanting to share our different crafting ideas, one friend sews, another crochets, another bakes, etc etc. We all have our own creative sides. It's time to show it :D

XOXO

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Google let me down.

So, I am a huge fan of google. I google practically everything. Any time someone asks me something I don't know, my reply is "I'm not sure, google it".

WELL, google let me down, epically on Thursday. Sigh.

While I blame google, it's partially my fault, and I know that. I should have been more prepared.

Here's how the story goes (true story). I had an appointment set at a hair salon I'd never been at before. It's pretty far away, in a different city. I was going there because a friend of mine (whom I haven't seen in YEARS) works there. I wanted a change, so I booked an appointment with her.

Well, I thought  the salon she worked at was located in Altamonte Springs, BUT when I googled it, it gave me an address in Orlando. Even better I thought, that's about 30 minutes closer to me than I thought it was.

Did I once think to double check that address? or go to the OFFICIAL salon website? Nope.

So, I had this address in mind. I even had my husband get directions for me the next day. When he told me the exit, I was excited, because I was a bit familiar with the exit, family used to live off it. He even zoomed in on google maps and showed me how different buildings should look at the few turns I'd be making once off the interstate.

I was ready to go! I decided not to bring my good ol' TomTom GPS, as I was pretty familiar with this exit, and it was only two turns from there.

BIG mistake.

My appointment was at 11am. I left  by 9:30am, to be safe, I figured that would put me there about 30 minutes early. And I always like to be early.

If I only knew what the day would bring.

I hate driving. If you know me, you know that. 9x out of 10, even if I take my car somewhere, if there is a passenger with me, I let them drive. Well, I went by myself, so I had no choice but to drive. Sometimes I get anxiety when I drive. I don't understand why, I never had issues with it in the past, but in early 2006, I started to suffer. UGH! But yeah, I was a little anxious this trip, and I was OH SO HAPPY to see exit 75ish that I thought I needed.

I followed my memory to a tee, passed the building Ryan had showed me in google maps. Pulled into what I thought was the plaza that the salon was in. Relaxed for a few minutes to calm my interstate driving nerves, then figured I'd call the salon to find out exactly where they were at in this big plaza.

The receptionist says "Um, I'm not sure where you are. I've never heard that address before." LAST THING I WANTED TO HEAR AT THAT MOMENT. She gives me the new address, on Altamonte Springs Drive and I say "Uh oh, I am assuming that means it is in ALTAMONTE SPRINGS?, Well, instead of being 30 minutes early, I will now be 30 minutes late, I am not even in the right CITY" SIGH AGAIN.

She assured me it'd be okay, that my stylist had another opening at 12, so it'd all work out. And, thankfully, it did.

I was dreading(I'll be honest, thought about turning around and going home and curling up in my bed again at that point) getting back on the interstate. I had 20 more exits to go. Ugh. Another 20-30 minute drive. In a big city (I dislike driving period, but I REALLY dislike city driving) BUT, I sucked it up, I really wanted to get a new hair style, and went on my way.

Sure enough, I was about 40 minutes late. Got there around 11:40. Was taken right back, and my friend and stylist had me in and out in an hour, in time for her next appointment at 1pm. SO, it was fine. She chopped all my layers off, like I wanted, and even plopped a little pink feather in my hair. It was a good trip! Here's a few pics:



After the appointment, I repaid my troubles by making a quick stop at XXI, as we don't have one in my city, and I bought an adorable dress that I pictured on Friday's Fabulous Friday post, and an awesome shirt that has not been pictured yet, but that I did wear on Friday to a coffee shop date with me and 11 friends! <3

Friday also brought about some drama that was totally unexpected and blown way out of proportion, but ya know what, what can ya do? especially when the drama is based on events that never happened. Gotta love it.

On a happier note, here's my two fur babies on Wednesday. I buried a squeeky toy, which is why Chico's nose is a little dirty. haha.

 XOXO

Friday, June 17, 2011

Fabulous Friday! :) & Your best shot

Hello Friends! :) I hope you've had some fabulous things going on this week! Be sure to grab a button, link up, and share your fabulous things of the week!











Some of the fabulous things in my life this week are:

Pandora - now I'm sure some of you have been using this forever, BUT, I am new to it. And loving it. So much easier to workout when I have a plethora of awesome tunes to listen to. All I gotta do is "create" a radio station of an artist I love, and they do the rest, IE, play all kinds of songs, in the same genre of the person I like. Plus, I can give the thumbs up, or down, to any song, which helps them gather my tastes and pick music I am more guaranteed to enjoy. Ahhh. Technology.

A weekend off - My husband has been working A LOT of over time lately. BUT, as of now, it looks as if we will have this weekend together. I can't wait! We will attend our young adults fellowship at church tomorrow night, and then, who knows what for Saturday. Maybe just a lazy day. :)

My in-laws celebrated 26 years of marriage this week!



Altamonte Springs Trip - Okay, so the trip itself was NOT fun, as I had the wrong original address, thus leading me to the wrong spot, BUT, I eventually got to the salon I needed to go to, got my hair cut, and then bought myself this dress at the local XXI, as a reward for the stresses of the trip. :)


FBCH - I went on a monthy trip with my young adults class at church to the children's home. I always enjoy going there to socialize and hang out with these kids (k-12 grade age). This trip was extra fabulous because we got the news that four of the children had went home to their families. Praise God. AND, we had a bigger turnout than usual. Another praise.

Free Smoothie Day! Wear Flip Flops into Tropical Smoothie today, and the 1st 100 get a free smoothie. How easy is THAT?! I'm heading that way as soon as I hit "publish" 

New outfits out of old pieces - I've been following my goal this week for 8 weeks to a better me and creating new outfits from my closet. So far so good! I created 3 new outfits so far this week.

pink cami over floral dress
threw some summer sandals with a floral dress because of the brown's
threw a pink top under a sleeveless dress that I actually have listed on my SHOP my CLOSET page

Surprisingly, I don't normally wear dresses, but this week ended up being a dressy kinda week. Though one of the outfits I threw together had to do with dark denim jeans, a yellow tank layered under a black polo and topped off with yellow flats. I forgot to take a picture of that outfit. Oops!









Also, I'm entering a photo of my late Lab, and my cat Ashes into The Paper Mama photo competition:


B.F.4.E




XOXO

Thursday, June 16, 2011

No foot is too small to leave an imprint on the world.

I love the blogging community. We don't even personally know each other, yet we do. We inspire each other. We lift each other up. We help in any way we can.

Yesterday, as I made my daily visit to Mandy @ She Breathes Deeply, I was humbled as I read her blog. She posted about a blog she'd recently found, that had her in tears. Upon going to the blog, and reading what was going on, I was left in tears as well. And realizing that anything that had went wrong in my day, was so miniscule compared to what this family was going through. You can read about their story by clicking:

or

On Saturday June 4th, Carey & her husband Jeremy lost their precious baby boys at 22 weeks. Their story is an amazing testimony of God's amazing grace. They have blogged a few blogs since then, and they aren't angry at the world, or God. They are in mourning, grieving, as any parent would be, yes, BUT, they also have a sense of peace. A peace that only comes by knowing our Savior Jesus Christ. They understand that, thought it's hard to comprehend now, this was God's will for their sweet little family. I have so much admiration for this family, and how they are handling their loss.

Also, a very close friend of mines cousin and her cousins husband (I will call them S&A in an effort to protect their privacy) lost their first born girl this past Sunday, at 22 weeks as well. This young couple is another amazing testimony of God's grace. The mother wrote this poem and it was shared with me:
Made in God's image, made of hope and love,
A priceless treasure, lent from Heav'n above
Rejoicing now before God's holy throne
Gone from our arms, we gave Him back his own.
Alive you were our own sweet dream come true
Remembered now with tears that flow anew
Each feeble breath hard-fought, you did your best.
Too soon, the tiny body needed rest.

My babe, you had your daddy's hands and feet
And on your head a fuzz of golden hair
Resiliant and stubborn, yet so sweet
Your heartbeat showed you knew our voices there

Farewell, dear child, we'll see you by and by
In Jesus' presence, where no one will cry
Eternal peace is yours, free from life's pain
Loss to your parents, but for you a gain
Dear Pearl of Sorrow, treasure in the sky.
~SBF~
 **Notice the first letter of each line spells out their precious baby girls name**
I am not a parent yet,  but I can't even fathom what these two young families are going through. The power of prayer is a powerful thing. I ask that you take a few moments over the following weeks and just pray for these families. Pray that they continue to take comfort in one another. Pray that they also take time to be by themselves and mourn. Pray that they continue to seek God through it all. Pray for emotional and physical healing. Just pray.


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Obsersavtions from a Lab

A blood laboratory that is.


I'd much rather have done a post on observations OF a lab, say my late beautiful Lab, Andy. May his sweet soul rest in peace. Over the rainbow bridge.
 
 
But no, today's post is about my experience having blood work done, just a few short hours ago. I get a yearly CBC (complete blood count) done, and you should too. You see, a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Leukemia in April 2007, and ever since then, per her advice, I've wanted to get my blood checked yearly just to make sure everything is reading the way it should be reading. If you have platelets off, or red or white blood cells way off, it's definitely better to be proactive and find out sooner, than wait until you get sick. I've been having my yearly blood work done since 2007, and I've had to monitor my cholesterol. It's been on the higher end. So far I haven't needed medication, and pray that I won't, but it's definitely had it's ups and downs. I'm hoping it's went down from last year, BUT they way I've been eating, I'm not so sure. And of course. there is no one to blame for that but myself.
 
Anyways, back to the lab. I've dreaded this day every since I went in last week and was giving my info to get my blood work done within 7 days. I had to fast, so I didn't eat for 12 hours. I semi panic when it's time for blood work because it's such a fiasco with me. It's not as easy as just sitting down and BAM it's done. I have horrible veins. The ones in my arm are nice and big, but also jumpers or rollers. the minute they think they've found "the one" they stick me, and ADIOS! The vein has disappeared. The arm NEVER works for me. They always end up having to use the tiniest needle, and the top of my hand. Now, if they would just listen  to me when I tell them this, they'd probably save themselves a lot of time. However, some times they still want to try the arm first, just to see if they can get it. And guess what? 9 times of of 10 it doesn't work, and I am left getting stuck multiple times in the arm, bruised, only to be told "you are right! looks like we will have to go from the hand!" HELLO! I told you that. Please, listen. 
 
Today when I went back, four patients were called at once. Two elderly, and myself and another young woman, whom I'd say looked to be a teenager or very young woman. They did the two older women first, and WOW they were in and out. They gave blood like champs. I was sitting there thinking, wait til they get to me, they've got their work cut out for them. Next they started working on me and the other young woman. Apparently she has a harder time than me. They got the blood out of her, however, her face turned greenish blue, and she looked like she was going to pass out. They even had to lay her head down, and then pull up another chair so they could lay her in it to get blood flowing back up to her head. Scary! I told the lady who was working on me "Okay, she is NOT a good influence, hah, I'm going to just look away" I did not want to pass out! I was already getting fidgety. 
 
I am thankful that my technician listened to me, so I walked out with only one band-aide, and it was on my hand. 

It just left me wondering.... How did those elderly women do it so easily? and us two younger woman totally tank? 

On the bright side, after leaving, I was famished and treated myself to a hearty breakfast at a local diner. Nothing better than breakfast for $3. And it wasn't fast food!

XOXO

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Pain Pain, Go Away.

Please DONT come again another day.



I've been experiencing a lot more discomfort lately in my neck/back. I know my lower back is due to my Spondylolisthesis. I am not sure why I always have such stiffness in my neck.

I reallllly need to get in to a specialist again, and get new MRI's, and everything else done.

You see, as a teenager/young adult, I went to Nemours Orthopedic Center in Orlando for YEARS, from age 15-21 (when they would no longer see me). During this time, I'd have to go to my specialist every 6m to a year to have my slippage measured. During that time, it didn't change a lot (THANK GOD) at one point my specialist said remarkably it looked as if it had gotten better. But, he said that was impossible (he must not believe in miracles, they happen every day) he said it was most likely a different able of x-ray. I loved this doctor. He was so kind, caring, and thorough. He always explained things to me in a way that I actually understood. When I turned 21, he had to refer me to adult specialists, as 21 is their age limit in pediatrics.

I am ashamed to say that though he gave me the names of three personal recommendations, I did not follow up as I should. I went four years before I saw a specialist again. I did not like him at all. I went with my boyfriend (husband now) and neither of us liked the new dr. He was not thorough at all, nor kind. All he kept saying was "and what's REALLY scary about your back is..." and my husband did NOT like that at all. He left so angry. I wasn't that shocked, as I've known my back was super messed up, but that was my husbands first experience, and he had no clue how serious the condition actually is.

Well, that appointment was two years ago. And I haven't been back to him, nor have I seen another specialist. For all I know my slippage could have drastically changed. I know I really need to find another specialist to try, or at least make a follow up with the doctor I am not crazy about. Something.

Here lately it seems every other week, if not weekly, I have pulled something, or weakened something(today it is my left shoulder blade area, hurts to turn my head to the left or tilt my head to the right). Sure, I go to the chiropractor once a week, but even that doesn't make me 100%. I have to find another specialist and get updated MRI's and X-rays. No if's ands or but's.

Anyways, I try not to let myself get down and out about the pain I experience as I know there are people every where suffering way more than me (speaking of, I was recently humbled about my pain situation and will write more about that soon). While I often wonder what it would be like to live pain and stiffness, or any of my other ailments such as allergies, asthma, and migraine free, I know that God created me as I am for a reason. I may not fully understand that reason yet, but he knows, and one day I will to. :)

"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles" - Psalm 34:17

"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 61:1-2

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience." - Romans 5:3

"And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9

The thing with pain and suffering is that much good can come from it. It can:
- help us learn important lessons in life.
- bring out creativity and courage.
- help us comfort others who are in similar pain.
- shape our characters and show what we are made of.
- help us trust in God more, and lead to repentance and salvation.
- be an inspiration to others.
and most importantly:
- result in the advancement of the gospel in the life of another person

So, though I am in pain today, and often wonder about the future (can I carry a child full term, will I become disabled early in life) I am going to be thankful for all the things I am still able to do. I am in pain, but I can get up and move, I can enjoy the day, I can take my furbabies for a walk, I can go swimming, I can attend church services, I can ride a bike, I can go shopping, I can cook a meal(or brownies), I can go dancing in the rain (if it would stinkin' rain here!), I can take a drive, there are so many "I can's" that I need to focus on them and not the "I can'ts".

XOXO

Note: please be sure to check out my pet blog 4Paws4Love as I posted some survival stories from the recent tornadoes. 

Monday, June 13, 2011

Monday Morning, I mean afternoon, Inspiration

Good Morning Afternoon Friends! :)



I had all intentions to get an inspirational Monday morning post up, however, I woke up a bit too late, and had to dash out the door to get my workout in. I had planned on walking a few miles outside today, and to do that in Florida, in the summer, you got to be out the door EARLY. The temperature is rising by the second. SO, here I am, a little late, but I figured afternoon inspiration is just as well. Sometimes we all need a bit of inspiration to get us through our Munn-day, I mean Monday! :)

* Affect the world where ever you go, instead of letting the world affect you.
* Every morning has a new beginning, a new blessing, a new hope, and it's a perfect day, because it's a gift from God.

* Whatever happens today, just relax, and manage to make a smile. Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed.

* Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.

Cuteness of the day:

my furbaby sleeping <3


Yesterday is history,
tomorrow is a mystery,
today is a GIFT,
that's why it's called the present.

We all like presents, right? Well, today IS a present from God. Enjoy it. And more importantly, give thanks.

XOXO

Sunday, June 12, 2011

8 weeks to a better me, week 7: Personal Style



Welllll, I had semi success with my 3 goals from this past week. I did not succeed at all in goal # 1, to eliminate stuff I didn't absolutely love. I haven't had a lot of access to my bedroom this week during the day, therefore wasn't able to rifle through my closet and drawers some more. BUT, as I said, I did just clean out my closet a week before, so I am well on my way with that one. Goal 2 was a success and my computer desk looks so much better. I have a sense of peace when I am not surrounded by clutter.

BEFORE
AFTER


Goal 3, not so much. Most all of my scrap booking stuff is in my room, and as I said, I didn't have much access to my room this week, SO, no progress there. BUT, I did buy the scrapbook I've been eye balling all year at Michaels that I wanted for my wedding scrapbook as it's very similar to my guestbook. I love Michaels weekly 40% off coupons.

As for this week, the topic is personal style. I had a lot of fun reading Elsie's guest post about style. I can honestly say that I don't consider myself to have a set personal style. I wear what I feel most comfortable in. And many times that may be yoga pants and an oversized tee. I tend to wear jeans a lot, dressed up or down. Sadly, I can't wear heels, but if I could, I'd have SOOOO much fun with them! But, I make the best of the many flats and wedges that I do have! I guess the one thing that may be a signature style that I do is, when I wear a regular tee, I tie a ribbon around the sleeves, like this:







* make some new outfits out of existing pieces that I have
* wear more dresses or skirts, I have plenty of springy dresses!
* style my hair differently. I am not loving all the layers I have in the back of my hair, from my recent hair cut, so I may be chopping it off anyways

XOXO

Saturday, June 11, 2011

JCP, Solo Movie, Tea party, & vet trip

People Watchin' :)
Hi Friends! I hope this weekend is finding you having some fun in the sun! 

Yesterday I made a run up to JCP (one of my favorite places to shop) because I had some pretty amazing coupons:
  1. $10 off any $10+ item
  2. $15 off any $15+ item
  3. $10 off of $25+
  4. $10 off of $25+
I was able to spend my first two easy (and yes, I had to do separate transactions at different registers, but hey, didn't want the coupons to go to waste) I told myself going in I had plenty of tops, and that I needed bottoms... so of course the first place I stop is tops... but I pulled myself away, and alas, I found a pair of brown cargo capri's that I bought because I have a TON of brown shoes, and I also bought a pair of dressy black bermuda shorts that are work appropriate. I got them both for $20, and saved over $60 thanks to in store savings and coupons. After those two purchases, I decided to chalk my savings up and not use those other two. Why should I spent $50 I wasn't planning to spend in the first place, just to save $20? SOOO, being that both of my $10 off of $25 were due to expire the next day (aka today) I found some random shoppers and shared the wealth. I love making people smile!

After my shopping trip I was all set to meet a friend at the movies to see Bridesmaids (coincidentally she was a bridesmaid in my April wedding).
Anyways, I get there at about 6:30 thinking the movie starts at 7:10. Well, the times had changed since I looked previously during the week, and it was 7:45pm. Perfect as my friend was stuck in traffic on our interstate due to a horrible car accident. :( I decided instead of shopping around at the mall, that I'd sit outside by a huge water fountain, and people watch. And I did just that, for an hour. See the very first picture of today's post. It was so nice and relaxing. My friend calls me again to tell me she's still another city away, and to save her a seat, she will be late.... I go in, save a seat, and get ready for the movie. As it starts, she is still another city away. The theatre is pretty packed so I tell her not to head this way as I didn't want her to pay for a movie she missed the first half hour of, or worse, them tell her it's sold out anyways. SO, I end up watching the movie, in this packed theatre, all by myself. I truly didn't mind. You see, I grew up an only child, so sometimes I crave alone time. I hadn't been to a movie by myself in YEARS, I can't even remember the last time. I also think it's quite interesting to see others reactions to you sitting alone at a movie. I had a good time, and a lot of laughs, though I know my friend(s) would have enjoyed it as well. I may just have to see this one again.

Thankfully I didn't get home too late from the movie, as I had a tea party that I planned to go to with my mother in law on Saturday. When I came home from the movies last night, as my precious furbaby jumped up and down greeting me, his nail got caught on me, and he yelped.... I looked him over to see what the issue was, and saw this:
he had completely twisted his outer nail sideways. OUCH. And I had noticed that he had an extra shelling growing on it a few days earlier. I of course panicked, it was late, and I didn't want an expensive ER vet trip bill, but I also didn't want it to snag worse and him bleed everywhere. That can be dangerous. I dubbed it that he could safely sleep in bed with me, and I'd take him first thing in the morning to the vet, and hopefully be done before 9:30 when I was to be picked up for the tea party.  We made it to the vet at 8am, however the doctor wouldn't be in until 9am, and they didn't have anything until 11am at the earliest, and that was a "work in" or I could take a 4:45 actual appointment. I didn't want to cancel tea party plans, so I took the 4:45.


My mother in law picked me up right on time, and we headed to her church about 20 minutes away. It was a ladies brunch, wacky hat, tea party. This is us in our wacky hats, though mine is just a plain ol beachy hat. Haha:
I truly enjoyed myself, and had a good time sharing fellowship with her at her church. She had two boys, so never got  to experience these type of girly things, and my mother passed ten years ago, so we never got to experience stuff like this as I grew older either. It was such a blessing to be able to go. At one point they even had volunteers share their testimonies about their mothers and I (yes, shy ol' me that doesn't like speaking in groups) spoke. Everyone was already a little teary, and my voice definitely cracked as I spoke, but I am glad I did.

When I got dropped off back at home, I had a couple of hours to soak up the Florida sun with a friend, and that's what we did. Napped by the pool. I made it back in time to go wait two hours at my vets. I knew when I made the appointment that the later the appointment, the more backed up they will be. Emergencies come in daily. And I understand that, so I tried not to get frustrated. I was just happy my favorite vet was on call today. Usually I only take them in on a day she is working, but today I didn't even ask as I knew he needed to be seen regardless. $50 later, we left, Chico's nail was fine. She went in the back to rip the rest of it off, and bandage him up and get him some pain killers, however I guess he did the bulk of the ripping himself the night before, she said it came right off. All she had to do was clip the nail shorter, into the wick, as the new nail had already started growing in sideways. She said this hurt him more than the ripping. He didn't bleed or require bandage or pain killers. What a blessing. He's been running around like his usual happy hyper self tonight. :)

I finished the night this evening by cooking an awesome dinner (grilled chicken, asparagus, greens and white beans, mashed taters, and a salad) and watching Just go with it with my roomie and two friends (one of them was the one that was stuck in traffic last night!). We shared a bottle of wine, and a gallon of Publix Brownie Moose Tracks. Mhm! That's what I call dinner and dessertx2. It was awesome. I am exhausted and so ready for bed. Bring it on Sunday.

XOXO

Friday, June 10, 2011

Fabulous Friday :)

Hello Friends! :)

I only had two people participate and link up in Fabulous Friday last week. I really hope to get that number to grow this week. We all deserve to have fabulous things in life, big or small. And even more important we should send praises up for these fabulous thing, big or small!



So, here's mine for the week:

The robber I spoke about last week that was terrorizing home owners in my area was captured. Sadly, it ended in death. He was shot and killed by five of our cops. Ultimately, he chose his own faith. He pointed a gun at our cops. I am not AT ALL saying it was fabulous that he was shot and killed, I am saying it fabulous in the fact that I can now sleep at night. I spent a lot of sleepless lights with the lights turned on due to this. During this time I also had a security system installed. I don't regret that.

I bought some more stuff from the Family Christian Bookstore this week. Keep me out of there. Hah! Seriously, I had coupons that needed to be used. It wasn't so bad. OH, and I was super proud of myself as I carried around two items the entire trip and put them back because I KNEW I didn't really need them. I am trying to declutter my life, not add more to it, so putting these two items back made me smile and I didn't leave with regret over not buying them. Now, what I DID buy this week was:
Shirt
The shirt says: ROOTED & UNSHAKEABLE. When the winds of adversity come blowing, I will rely on your love. I will stand firm and steadfast, in your works and truth. Your roots hold me to the peaceful foundation. Thank you for my hearts salvation. My heart is confident in you. Psalm 57:7
<3
1 Corinthians 13



I CLEANED MY COMPUTER DESK! This is so fabulous because sadly stuff accumulates quickly on this desk. It sucks but even though I just cleaned it, by the end of the next week or two, it will be covered with papers yet again. BUT, for now, it's clutter free. :)

I organized my coupons. I just started couponing May 1st so I had a ton of red plums and smart source inserts since then laying around. I bought a file thingy at Walmart, and I'm off. Still not 100% but MUCH better than having them just cluttering a table!

Last night we had girls night IN. I always love girls nights. Doesn't matter if we are going out or in, just being able to hang with my favorite girls makes me happy!

I went grocery shopping! If you read my post a few days ago about eating out too much, you will understand how  happy I was to be able to go get some groceries. I haven't ate out once this week. It's been all home made and I feel a ton better. Woohoo!

SO, that's a few of my fabulous, yet mundane to others, things! :) What's fabulous in your neck of the woods? Don't forget to grab a button and link up! Have a fabulous Friday everyone!












XOXO





Thursday, June 9, 2011

Wedding Pics - Portraits & Bridal Party

WARNING: Photo Heavy Blog



Okay, Okay.... after almost a month, I'm back with some more wedding pics :) Sorry for the delay! As most of you know, I am breaking my wedding photography into parts as to not completely flood my blog at once with photo's. Today is the 2nd installment: pre ceremony, group shots of the bridesmaids and grooms men. The poor groom was locked in a windowless kitchen for over an hour while the bride and her 'maids were out and about frolicking for photo's. He didn't seem to mind though. If you missed the first set, click here to see rings, flowers, dress and getting ready.



The Men



The Groom

No Nerves for him
Yawning while locked away in a windowless room
laughing - ready to get the show on the road

The Ladies



The Bride

Hope you've enjoyed. can't wait to post the ceremony :)

XOXO