♥

september serendipity.

2011-10-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Houston, we have a blogger today...

I know it's been forever and a day, and I almost posted my "September Favorites", but really I don't have any! September has been an interesting month, but it's also been a good one! It has ended well, anyway, and I'm EXCITED about October.

Labor Day weekend opened up with a dove hunt with my Daddy! We always have fun going together, and dove hunting is something I don't mind gettin' up early for. So, after the hunt we rode to the barn for a family "get-together". Uncle Jay, Aunt Dale, and Beau came down to have lunch. We brought Marlee along. The boys fished, and we all visited and had a good time.

September was also a month with a few birthday's in the friend's circle. Baby A turned TWO this month, and Hollie & I attended her "Alice in Wonderland" birthday party. She was a cute little Alice, and Ashia had the cutest decor for the party.

The next weekend, we took Austin to see "Disney Princesses Live". We shopped a little, ate Japanese, and the play was just as fun for Hollie and I as it was for her, and now we're anticipating seeing "Disney on Ice" in December!

We also carried on our "We Three" tradition by celebrating Megan's 20th birthday at the barn, and she had the cutest cake! We spent a Sunday afternoon together opening gifts, watching "Something Borrowed", taking naps, and enjoying our time together. It really was a great day to celebrate a great person! Welcome to the "Twenties", Megan, we'll have to get used to it together! I love you! ;-)

September starts my favorite time of the year. Not only is the weather starting to change, the leaves are starting to turn, and FOOTBALL is in full swing. I love high school football, and I don't know if that will ever change. There's a different air about high school football that you just can't find at a junior college game (or in the SEC for that matter), although I love those games too. Anyway, we have been going to all the home games, and we went to our rival away game (that we won, by the way)!

I think that pretty well sums up the month for me! I hope all of you are having a "Happy Fall" so far, and I will just speak for myself about the weather: I am in love with it. I wish it would never leav, but then I guess I wouldn't appreciate it like I do when it finally gets here! :)

.."No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace

as I have seen in one autumnal face."

~ John Donne

all other ground is sinking sand.

2011-09-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

I woke up, brushed my teeth, combed my hair, put on my school attire, and fought with Matt over who got to ride in the front seat of our white Cadillac. We rode the block over to the school, and I hurriedly voiced "I love you" to daddy as I grabbed my backpack and slammed the door to run inside to Mrs. Long's fourth grade classroom.
Later that morning, we went to the library, and Mrs. Clemie had the news on, but she quickly turned it off when we went in. The first tower had already been struck, and the first few of us to walk in the door saw the burning building flash across the screen. Reporters seemed to be paniced, but we didn't exactly know what was going on. Then it was gone, and the TV turned lifeless. We begged her for what seemed like forever to turn it back on, and even though she hesitated, she finally gave in. She turned it on in just enough time for us to witness the second tower being struck by the plane. I remember us staying in the library for a lot longer than usual that day, and we were occupied by many more teachers than we would have been on a normal library day.
The rest of the day has been erased from my memory, unfortunately, but I do remember the vagueness that filled every place we went. Fear, anxiety, and wonder filled the minds of everyone. What would happen next? Was it over? What does all of this mean?

Even though we didn't FULLY forget about the attack of 9/11, after a few weeks it suddenly wasn't the first thought on our mind when we woke up in the morning, and our last thought before we drifted to sleep. But all of the people affected? It was undoubtably still on their mind. It's always on their mind. Their world didn't turn back to normal just because it slipped their mind for a few minutes. Their world was ripped right from its seams, and it would never EVER be the same again. Their world had been hit by a plane, gone up in smoke, and fallen to the ground in the form of rubble and ash.
There would be grandparents without children, children without grandparents, parents without children, children without parents. There would be aunts without uncles, uncles without aunts, cousins without cousins, sisters without brothers, brothers without sisters, and these people could never be replaced without another. Sure, another man could teach a boy how to tie his tie, but his Daddy wouldn't be the one. And sure, another man could walk his daughter down the isle at her wedding, but it wouldn't ber her Daddy. Of course another Mom could hold a baby and care for it like it was her own, but it would never be their real grandmother. There's no doubt that a man could teach a boy the mannerisms of how he should treat a lady, but it wouldn't be the same tradition of his grandfathers.
And if the people who weren't directly affected by the terrorists attack, what about all the people who willingly went to aid the people that survived? The firefighters, policemen, EMT's, military personnel, port authority, as well as everyday people? What if no one had reacted, and not one person showed up on the scene? I imagine that lives that were saved would have been taken, and hope that remained would no longer exist.
I am grateful for the life I have in America and the principles that this country is based upon. Sometimes I am fully aware (and it is often pretty evident) of the way that our country has strayed from what it was founded upon, but isn't it ironic how the ones who want things to "change" so much always fall back into our original beliefs when tragedy strikes? Maybe if we thought about treating everyday as a day of remembrance upon how our country reacted not only TEN years ago, but years before that as well - we would be a lot more unified, understanding, and appreciative of those who give us such pride in being from the United States. From me, personally, if you are reading this and have given your time and heart to our country - I thank you from my innermost being. You are a hero to me, and you aren't thanked enough.
September 12, 2001, started just as the one before. There was only one difference. As I reached for my backpack and went to say goodbye to Daddy for the day, I didn't do it in such a hurry, and he stopped Matt & I before we left him and said, "Remember where you were yesterday. Remember everything about it because one day you will read about yesterday in your history books. You'll be able to tell your children that you remember when that happened." I think we both walked into school that day with his words on our mind.

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing, and in everything: give thanks, for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~ 1 Thes. 5:16-18

August Favorites!

2011-08-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

How appropriate is it to do my favorites during one of my favorite months?

Kidding, because August isn't necessarily one of my favorite months, but it is one that LEADS into my favorites. I love this transitional weather. It will probably be as hot as the devil's den by the end of the week, but for now I have been loving the last two weeks of weather. It's been perfect, and it's been a real teaser for fall.

Anyway, onto why you clicked over to my link!

Revlon - Blue Lagoon

I just really hate that it was so late in the summer when I finally got this color. It is the PERFECT baby blue. I love the formula because it isn't too shimmery, just enough for you to notice it.

Maybelline - One by One Volume Express

I got this with my Ulta Rewards points this past month, and I have been TRYING to fall in love with a mascara, but it hadn't happened until this came along. I love it! It lengthens so well!

Elf Shimmer Facial Whip

Perfect Highlighter for your cheeks & browbone! It doesn't feel oily, and it lasts throughout the day. A little goes a long way, and it's easy to apply.

Paul Mitchell - Super Skinny Serum

Have a frizz problem? This solves it in 5 seconds. And it smells AWESOME!

Wheat Thins - Stix (Honey Wheat)

These will CHANGE your life! Such a wonderful "on the go" snack!

Jason Reeves - The Lovesick Album

Favorites:

"No Lies"

"Always Want More"

"Truth"

"Save My Heart"

"Alone"

Eric Church - Chief

Favorites:

"Over When it's Over"

"Like Jesus Does"

"Springsteen"

Luke Bryan - Tailgates & Tanlines

Favorites:

"Been There, Done That"

"Faded Away"

"I Knew You That Way"

Cowboys & Aliens - The Movie

Thanks to Ferris & Will for sitting through this with me, since I was dying to go. I loved it, and looking at Daniel Craig for two hours wasn't hard either.

The Help - Movie & Book

Just go see it. I won't spoil it here.

two decades! WOAH.

2011-08-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

I guess now I have to start going to bed earlier,

get up earlier,

make some rules,

and change my ways.

Since I'm "twenty", I should act like an adult now, right?

I simply can't blame my "staying up late watching movies all night" on being a teenager anymore.

*sigh* I didn't even realize how much I abused that negotiation.

I'm still young.

but I do go to bed early, for the most part.

So! Monday night we went out to eat at my FAVORITE restaurant!

Umi's Japanese steak house!

Daddy & I ordered the sushi, and as always I wanted a Volcano roll, and I let him pick one that I had never tried before, so we got the Tiger roll.

It was DELISH!

(although I'm not sure if Mamma & Mimi would think so now that I'm mentioning that the Tiger roll was raw, but they loved it at the time. Sorry!)

My sweet parents have made this such a wonderful weekend, and I am so incredibly blessed to call them mine. I am thankful for the relationship that we've grown into over the last few years, and I could not have hand picked better parents for me.

They always make every moment that they can SO special for me, and I owe them a lifetime of thankfulness.

And you'll see me in the next few photos with my best friends, but Mimi isn't to be left out of that. She's always there for me, from my being at my lowest points to being the happiest red head alive.

I cannot imagine life without her one call away. I have grown to love (even more) our visits when she comes over in the mornings and we lay in my bed talking about the way life is playing out.

She is so full of wisdom & knowledge, and if I don't take her advice I usually look back and wish I had. When she hurts, I hurt, and vice versa.

I just couldn't be more grateful for the family I have.

------

Saturday, my ACTUAL birthday, we left town around 8:00 and headed to Jackson to shop for the day. I have been loving getting new clothes, but I get REALLY excited about Fall clothing. I LOVE the Fall and Winter. I can't wait for it to turn cool where I can get scarves and sweatshirts back out.

We ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom, and despite what any of you may think, it was incredible!

Exactly what I was craving.

Later, we got fro-yo from "Sweet CeCe's", and it's basically like a Smackers, Local Culture, or Yogurt Mountain. It was also quite tasty! :)

We shopped until around 5:45 (I think?) I slept the entire way up there, as well as the entire way back. So, it seemed like it took us all of five minutes to return.

------

Sunday, Megan & Hollie carried on our new tradition by having a little birthday party for me. Last year we each decided we wanted cheesecake as our "birthday cake", but this year we all decided to do ACTUAL birthday cake, and I have been looking forward to it all week!

We rode out to Megan's around 1:00, and we caught up on all we had been missing with each other.

Another perk to it being YOUR birthday is that you get to pick four appetizers/finger foods that you want to eat at your party, so we had:

- rotel

- turkey "pin wheels" (?)

- pigs in a blanket

- roast beef sandwiches

and of course, CAKE!

Enjoy these next few photos. . .

Thank you, Megan & Hollie, for making yesterday so, so special for me. For 20 years, we have made it through thick and thin with each other, but we've always made it out alright, and I couldn't be happier to have you both by my side. We share our craziest secrets, and we laugh about nonsense things,

and that is so perfect to me.

I love you all.

& to all of you who thought enough of me to wish me a "Happy Birthday", thank YOU, too!

I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to make mine even more special!

cheesy summer sweetness :)

2011-08-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have to share with you my most recent find on "Pinterest". By the way, Pinterest is THE coolest website...ever! It's like a tack-board for online photos that you find and don't want to forget about. You can create different boards (Ex: food boards, clothing boards, decorating idea boards, etc) and then you can go to the photo and it has a direct link to the website that you "pinned" it from.

Anyway, this post isn't about Pinterest. BUT if you aren't a part of it, and you'd like to be - I will be glad to invite you in! Let me know!

Okay, so.. It is SO SO hot here in Mississippi, and strawberries are always in the back of my mind when it's hot outside. Granted, I love chocolate covered ones, but we're trying to stick with a diet around here. SO! I was searching through a Weight Watchers website, and I stumbled across these beautiful things that added up to a grand total of 0 points. That may be a slight lie if you eat more than one, but either way...

And yes, they were a lot prettier in the photo done by the website, but hey - they still look edible, right?

I have to share this with you!

Here's what you'll need:

1lb of fresh strawberries (our grocery store has the most beautiful ones right now 2 for $4.00)

4oz (fat free) cream cheese

2 1/2 teaspoons of Splenda

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

*again, this is the WW recipe, if you want the "full affect", you can use regular sugar & cream cheese!

First, wash your strawberries and cut the tops off of them.

Next, cut out the middle of the strawberries, so your cream cheese filling will have somewhere to sit!

After that, mix together your ingredients listed up top (aside from the strawberries, of course), and spoon it into the "strawberry cup".

Place it in the fridge to cool for at least thirty minutes!

Viola!

random survey! (15 "Weird" Questions)

2011-08-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

This survey is floating around YouTube, but since I am obsessed & without my own "active channel" I decided to do it on my blog because it's my blog, and I make the rules here, right? It's just a "15 Weird Questions" tag, so I thought it would be fun! Enjoy, and let me know if you plan on posting it in the comments! I'll leave a version of the questions at the bottom that will make it easier for you to copy.

#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?

- jana
- ju
- jan
- red
- baby girl (only my Mimi can get away with that one!)

#2. What's a weird habit of yours?

- I drive with my foot on the side of the dash.
- I always delete "old" conversations in my inbox. I only keep current ones.
-
#3. Do you have any weird phobias?

- CLOWNS. (coulrophobia)
- coyotes. (Latraniphobia)

#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast && belt out when you're alone?

- "Stay" Miley Cyrus ...uh, yeah. Shut up! :)

#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

- not using a blinker.
- not having my nails painted. (DIVA!)
- not punctuating correctly (which I am guilty of, time to time.)
- odd numbers SHOULD NOT EXIST.

#6. What's one of your nervous habits?

- I rub the side of my left thumb with my index fingernail.
- or I just bite my nails, whatever.

#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?

- left, always!

#8. What was your first stuffed animal && it's name?

- the first one I was "attached" to was Lambchop (yes, the puppet, but she was a pillow) and her name? Lambchop. Creative, right?

#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?

- caramel frappe!

#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?

- allowing your cleanser to soak into your face for longer than 10 seconds. :) oops.
- using a conditioner regularly.

#11. Which way do you face in the shower?

- away from the water!

#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?

- uhh.. no? I can fold my tongue?

#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?

- pizza!
- cupcakes.
- McDonalds CinnaMelts.

#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?

- "well good, mimi" - LONG story. ps - no relation to my ACTUAL Mimi, by the way.

#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

- i'm guilty of being an "old tshirt" junkie.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take this to copy to your blog:

#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?
#2. What's a weird habit of yours?
#3. Do you have any weird phobias?
#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast && belt out when you're alone?
#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
#6. What's one of your nervous habits?
#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
#8. What was your first stuffed animal && it's name?
#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?
#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?
#11. Which way do you face in the shower?
#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?
#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?
#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

the wheels on the bus...

2011-08-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

I spent my morning back on campus moving students in for Ambassador this morning, and I have to say - I'm not DREADING school like I thought I would be. Granted, I'm not excited about Chemistry, but I will pull through - hopefully.

I've spent the last week figuring out how to spend my day without my two favorite girls. I have enjoyed keeping them SO much, and I miss them to pieces everyday since they've started school.

Last week, Mamma & I went to Tuscaloosa shopping, and we had a great day! The town is so much different because of the tornado, and it was really surreal to see in person. I shopped a little too much, though, but I did need some "back to school" clothes. AND I withheld from buying out the entire Ulta store!

I just wanted to check in & let you all know I'm alive! :) I am just enjoying the last few hours of summer, and I'm looking forward to next weekend as well.

By the way, God is good AND life is good. What else could I ask for?

what i loved about july...

2011-07-28T21:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh.

Favorite time already! HERE. WE. Goooo!

(ps - I don't think anyone gets as excited about this as I.)

Lips:

Covergirl: Hot Passion

Why? Um.. I don't rightly know, but I am trying to step out and be a little more bold. I feel like each time I put this on, I allow myself to dab just a tad more than the time before.

I'm enjoying experimenting with new lipstick. I also tried the Milani Coral (can't remember the exact name) and I don't think Coral is a good route for me, unfortunately...

Revlon: Pink Sugar

When in doubt, go nude.

Okay, that wasn't my best advice, but..with lips, why not?!

Sure, it has a little pink to it, but this is so sheer.

It has somewhat of a sparkle to it, also.

Naturally Upper Canada: Pressed Olive Avacado Lip Butter

I found this at Cracker Barrel last weekend, and I am IN love!!

I love all chap sticks, basically, (except for Black ChapStick and Yellow Carmex) so this is no huge surprise. What I love about it is that it is pressed and somewhat hard, but once you apply it, it seems to melt. It isn't greasy or too flavored, and it stays on well.

It's also organic :)

Nails:

I have been a slacker this month, but I have not neglected completely!

Orly: Primetime

Go.

Get.

This.

Now!

It is like $.69 at Sally's, and your nails won't even know what a "chip" is. For real.

China Glaze: Pink Voltage (Neon)

It may not look very Neon-y here, but it is. I have worn this on my toes since I got it, and I wish I had it while we were at the beach. I love my toes with this color!! It's so much fun.

Face:

Philosophy: Purity

Now, before you say "that junk is expensive"... I already know. I drool over the Philosophy line while I'm in Ulta because I love their product names, but I will NOT break down and buy a $32.00 facial cleanser.

Birchbox included a sample of this in this month's package, and while it smells a tad like hospital soap, it lathers soo well, and it is a very thin consistency.

Physicians Formula: Organic Wear Mascara

This does something outrageous to my eyelashes.

It also does something outrageous to my left eye (like, make it water uncontrollably? I look like I sprung an oil leak with it running down my cheek.)

Hm, that may have been somewhat of an exaggeration, but it does cause my eye to mysteriously water at random times which is highly unfortunate because I love the product.

*ps - you can "buy one get one free" with Organic Wear at Target now!

and Clearly, it's organic! :)

Aveeno: Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I haven't ever used a tinted moisturizer until now, but I decided it would be a good investment since I don't like wearing foundation during the summer. So, I've been applying this, skipping moisturizer, and then using a setting powder. I love it! It isn't oily at all, not too much coverage, and it has an SPF too.

ANNNND it's organic :)

Hair:

Amika: Oil Treatment

I also got this in my June Birchbox, but I stuck it in my bag to take with me to Honduras as well as the beach in place of my heat protectant, and I love it. It is comparable to (*MY HOLY GRAIL ITEM*) Chi Serum, and although it is still in second place - I have enjoyed this stuff. It isn't too heavy on my hair, and it doesn't have too strong of a smell, either.

Food:

Cracker Barrel

Oh, don't get excited... I don't "loooove" the CB now, but I DO love their grilled chicken fingers.

More restaurants should offer them!

I especially love their Honey Mustard.

....and their Coca-Cola cake....

(confession.)

McDonalds: CinnaMelts

*droooooooooling...............*

Okay, now I want to leave the computer abruptly, go get one of these babies, and slobber while eating it.

I'm really not kidding, I could eat this for every meal.

I. love. them.

WHY am I just now finding out how amazing they are?!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!

moving on....

Random:

DKNY: Be Delicious

Yummy! It's such a fun, fruity summer scent! I don't own it, but I spray it everytime I see it in a store.

I found it 25 dollars cheaper on Amazon, but I haven't placed my order yet!!

Special K: Fruit Crisps / Strawberry

Like pop tarts?

On a diet?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, call now....

1-800-IM-KIDDING

just run to the grocery & grab these.

because they're good.

and you can have 2 for 100 cals.

and you'll thank me.

and love me foreverrrr.

Lastly, my new favorite place to look at makeup sale racks.

and nail polish.

and travel size junk.

I think I'm a makeup-nail polish hoarder who needs intense rehabilitation.

isn't the first step admitting??

Songs:

"i love you" - eli young band

"one summer gone" - ashton shepherd

"dear God" - avenged sevenfold

"apologies" grace potter & the nocturnals

"gone" - ashley monroe

Memories of the Month:

We saw Aunt Mary at the beach, and we had dinner with her.

I went on my first deep sea fishing trip, and I can't wait to go back.

Daddy I & went out on the boat for the first time together.

Natalie & I played more rounds of UNO than I could begin to count.

AND....

Matt and Hannah got engaged on the beach this past Friday!

*none of these photos are mine, and i take no credit for any of them.

roadtrippin'

2011-07-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning my day started off early as we pulled out for Mobile at 7:30, not before stopping at McDonalds to start my diet off right with a CinnaMelt (why didn't I know those were so amazing? There is a reason...), and then we were on our way!

We wanted to eat some seafood if we were already going to be that close, plus Felix's is one of our favorite places, AND daddy had never eaten there, so we stopped by for lunch!

after lunch, we had to take some photos, duh.

So, enjoy these next few!

Once we left there, we headed over to tour the battleship!

Ya'll... I loved it. I spent most of my time just taking it in, everything daddy said, while trying to picture that point in time.

GEEZ. I'll save my "America" spill for later....

this bird had obviously had a rough day.

I feel like him every once in awhile.

Enjoy these!

Now, this veteran, Col. Glen D. Frazier, marched the Bataan Death March & then spent time in Japanese POW camps. His pride for what he has done beams around him, and his faithfulness to our country astounds me. He has been voted one of America's best selling authors, and much of his income goes back to preserving the U.S.S Alabama and all of its features.

He is a hero, one who dug his own grave and escaped from enemy fire, and he is one we have to thank for the freedom we so often take for granted.

I am so proud to be in this country.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

rollin' on the river...

2011-07-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I didn't have work because my sweet little girls were at the beach for a wedding, and Hollie was babysitting them there, so Daddy & I decided to take the boat out on the river.

We spent the latter part of the afternoon trolling around while bass fishing and just spending some quality time together.

These are some of my favorite memories.

I love the simple breeze, the sun beaming down, the lush colors of the skies and trees surrounding the watter, but most of all I am thankful for a Daddy that enjoys these moments with me as well.

Each time we go out, I learn something new; whether it be about him, the outdoors, or life in general.

We could never catch a fish, and our time spent would never be wasted.

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good." - Genesis 1:31

ps:

for all you snake lovers,

as we were loading the boat, I just so happened to noticed this little skin of a fella! :) You all know me, and you know I love snakes, but I didn't see him - only his leftovers.

pps:

I didn't notice until I was editing that there are TWO skins, one just to the left of the long one. Ha!

wordless wednesday

2011-07-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Zambrano, Honduras

DIY!

2011-07-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Clearly I have had too much time on my hands since we got home, but I don't have to go back to work until Wednesday, so I've been staying up later than usual. Maybe I could just settle with "being crafty"? Yes, I think I will say that instead.

I made a "lip scrub" (how cool of me) because my lips stay SO chapped which is hard to believe because I am OBSESSED with any shape, form, or fashion of chap stick. I've started wearing more lipstick lately, and I don't guess I've gotten my hands on a good one because they all seem to dry out my lips, and I HATE that.

Anyway! I thought I'd share the recipe with ya'll since a few people asked. It's SO simple, and more than likely you won't have to go out & buy any of the ingredients.

Excuse the photo quality, my camera was upstairs, so I used my phone!

You will need:

chap-stick (I used a Lip Smackers one, but any flavored/colored one is fine)

honey

sugar

olive oil (preferably extra virgin, but I didn't have any, so I used plain olive oil)

aloe vera

travel container (Walmart travel section $.99 - or an old candle jar would work!)

plastic spoon

knife

cut an inch off of the chap-stick and place it in the jar (or a bowl, that's how I mixed mine)

flatten it out, and eyeball an amount of honey and olive oil (I judged it on the amount of chap-stick that was mashed up, and I did around half of that). Add (roughly) a tablespoon of aloe vera, and start mixing in the sugar. Start with a little bit, and work your way into the rest (sort of like how you would add flour to a mixer - for all you bakers out there!)

You want the consistency to be like a facial/body exfoliator, except this scrub will be a little more harsh or abrassive, so don't be scared of adding "too much" sugar. If your mix gets too dry from the sugar, add a little more oil. Be careful not to get it too oily, though. You'll end up using more of the mix when applying it if you don't have an excess amount of sugar.

As long as you slowly add in your sugar (a tablespoon or so at a time), you shouldn't have any problem!

The finished product!

It smells AMAZING, and it works wonderfully as well.

Just scrub it onto your lips for a couple of minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Be sure to apply some lip balm (moisturizing, if you have any) to lock in the moisture.

I'd suggest doing this once or twice a week, but that depends on the "chapped"-ness of your lips, haha!

A regular Lip Scrub (say, from lush) can be up to 10+ dollars, and this one cost me nothing! I already had the container from going to Honduras, and I ended up not needing it, and the rest of the ingredients were already in my kitchen!

This was just fun for me to tell you what I've been doing lately!

Hope you enjoyed, and let me know if you're planning on trying it!

well, we drove until the map turned blue.

2011-07-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

& even though I didn't get "knee deep in the water somewhere" (because I don't get in ocean water), I hummed Zac Brown Band while I was there anyway!

...I apologize to all you non-listeners of ZBB because you're probably way lost on that little "joke", but you're not missing much.

We arrived at our condo around 4 on Sunday.

We left town around 8, grabbed breakfast at our (now) LOCAL McDonalds, and headed towards the sea. I slept until we were five minutes out of Mobile, so the ride seemed to last about 10 minutes! Fine by me.

We ate lunch at Felix's, of course, and I got shrimp & grits, of course.

We stopped at Target in Daphne, Bass Pro in Mobile, and then we went on to the Wharf.

After spending a little time there, we left to go check into our hotel.

Phoenix X.

Here is your photo tour.... (this was taken on the day before we left, so we had pretty well made ourselves at home)...

"foyer" better known as the hallway. The door you see is the entrance/exit, and the door to the left of it is mine & Mamma's room.

Kitchen/living room area, and Mimi's room is to the left of the chair.

I didn't take a photo of our rooms/bathrooms for some reason!

oops.

I always love kitchens & bathrooms.

photo taken and edited by ashia

Later, I met Ben, Ashia, & Austin at a public beach about 10 minutes away to take some family photos of them before dinner. It was fun to see Austin reacting to the water against her toes, and the sand under her feet. Don't ya'll love what beach wind will do to your hair? We were suffering from major hair malfunctions, clearly. Austin worked it better than I did, though ;)

On Monday, Mamma & I spent some quality time on the beach for the early part of the day, and then it started lightening. I am no joke when it comes to storms at the beach. I've watched too many storm chasing shows to risk even the slightest thunderstorm. So, we packed it up & went inside.

Uncle Jay called a few weeks back and asked if I wanted to go deep sea fishing with he and Beau, and I have been wanting to go for quite some time, but I imagined going with Daddy.

I like doing these types of things regardless, but I especially enjoy them with him.

Anyway! The weather was questionable for the next hour or so, but we went to the marina anyway.

Boats were packing up and leaving, and ours was right on schedule.

This is Curtis, our deckhand, aka - my babysitter, or so he thought! :)

I'm kidding. He helped me get into the swing of things, and finally I started catching fish. It's just totally different than the fishing I've done in the past because of the use of different hooks, and (of course) because of the weight of the fish that are tugging on my line!

bait!

I don't know if I had a fish or had just casted my line, but Beau kept me occupied during basically the entire trip.

Mid-day at sea.

Red Snapper was the main catch of the day, but we had one Scamp, a Black Snapper and a few King Mackerel too. The Scamp and Black Snapper are considered "bonus fish" and don't count against your limit of 10 Red Snappers.

King Mackerel.

Beau & I chatting!

Our boat was named "Chipper's Clipper" and our Captain was named "Chip". How creative!

That's our catch, too.

Mamma & I before eating at the Gulf Shores Steamer

(which wasn't all that great, but it wasn't awful either.

I will say that it was my least favorite, though.)

We usually see dolphins in the early morning, but this was after lunch sometime, and there was probably 5 or 6 swimming up near the first sandbar.

There were ALSO two sharks swimming around near the shore. You obviously can't see them, but that's what those people were pointing at.

Coast guards, lifeguards, four-wheelers, and rangers were everywhere. People were ordered to stay out of the water (which was clearly inforced...), but it didn't last too long.

SN: this is my new best friend. "Yes to Carrots" Coral tinted lip balm.

I love it.

That is all.

Runnin' on Empty!

2011-07-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday night we sailed into Jackson around 8? (I can't remember, it was a long day.) After we went through baggage claim, we headed out to our car & over to Dick's Sporting Goods. Once we left there, I decided I wanted some pizza. For some reason, I had truly missed pizza! Ha! So, we went to Pizza Hut, ordered to go, and headed home.

Friday I woke up & unpacked everything and cleaned my room. After lunch I went & took my Midterm for Algebra and swung by the bank to see Megan on my way home. I showered quickly & dressed for dinner with the family (including Mimi) and Clint.

We ate at Trailboss, everyone getting their usual meal, (steaks) and I got grilled chicken while Clint ate a steak, too, of course.

Nat & SG were there with Michael and Tracy, and I was SO unbelievably happy to see them! I missed them so much, and it seemed like SG had grown into a different child after being away from her for a week.

We rode around for a bit & came back home to watch True Grit.

I hadn't gotten a chance to go see it in theatres, so I bought it for Daddy for Father's Day! Ha! He had seen it & loved it, though, so it was a win-win situation.

I loved it! The girl (her name has slipped my mind) is such an amazing character, and she plays her part well. I am now being told to watch the original, though.

*********

Saturday I can't remember what I did, other than sleep. I was extremely sleepy! Hannah came over so we could fix a CD of photos for the slideshow at church on Sunday, and Hollie came to visit too.

I edited photos until my eyes bled....

Okay, they didn't bleed, but it sure felt like they would at any moment.

**********

Sunday we presented our slideshow at church and talked about our trip. It was good to reminisce, even if it had only been a few short days that we had been home.

It is so unreal how quickly your joy can be stolen once you're back in the swing of American lifestyle. Anyway, another story for another day.

I had to finish up classwork due for the week, so I couldn't go out to Clint's for their 4th of July gathering, although he had asked & I had wanted to - I decided it'd be best if I stayed home and did school work. What a nerd!

BUT by staying home I got to go over to Nannie's and spend an early 4th with them, and I was glad I did.

These are photos from the afternoon:

Daddy & I.

Nason & I.

The Redheads!

Nason, Sugar, Me, Noah.

Adding Nannie in there.

Gunner.

Gunner & I with the windblown hair!

My ~~Sister~~ Nannie.

The guhs!

Robs & Nannie.

Their Familia!

Daddy reppin' the Honduras shark shirt, ha!

My beautiful Mimi.

Sugar & I.

**********

Monday, the actual 4th of July, Clint picked me up around 11:30, and we left for Starkville. This year is the second year that he & I have been able to hang out on the 4th!

We had talked & decided on eating at Abners, which was lovely for me because I'm going to eat chicken regardless of where we go, but they were closed! So, we went to Zaxby's, and they were closed. This was a trend throughout the Mexican restaurant & Oby's as well, so we settled for Applebee's because we had noticed that they were opened when we went by earlier.

After lunch we went to the theatre (at around 1:15) and sat down to wait for X-Men at 2. I was fine with waiting for awhile since we had a chance to visit, and the movie was amazing too - even though I haven't seen the others - I want to see them soon!

I love the 4th of July. I don't know if I've mentioned to you that it's my second favorite holiday. I sincerely LOVE it. I am so beyond blessed and thankful to be an American. We really have NO idea how well we have it here. Other places long to be as free as we are. I'm just grateful for the people who got us where we are today, and for the Awesome God we have watching over us.

Thank you, Veterans & current Active Military.

You are not unnoticed or unappreciated in my eyes.

I guess I should spend my free time now catching up on movies I've been instructed to watch, as well as watching the ones I want to watch, but that will have to wait!

Beach tomorrow!

See you soon!

just so y'all know...

2011-07-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

I have not fallen off the face of the planet.. just the blogging world.

I plan on enlightening you all on the trip to Honduras, but I can't guarentee when that will be! Tomorrow I have to pack again to leave for the beach on Sunday, and I've been trying to finish up online class stuff before leaving.

I decided to do a little blogging tonight because I have missed it severely, and I hope to be cramming in some more giveaway's on my Photography Blog as soon as I can.

I updated my Blog playlist, and I was going to give you some insight as to why...

I try to let music speak my mood for me, and most of the time it portrays it pretty spot on. Lately, I have had an array of mixed emotions from the last trip I got home from, the things that happened before I left involving something that's been a pretty major part of my life for quite sometime, PTSD from being home from Honduras (as well as being happy about it), and so on! Life has just been a winding road for the last month, and music has been the only way to explain it. Some things grip me towards reality, and others take me back to a video in my mind of the past.

"Sweetest Goodbye" - Maroon 5

Does the title not say enough?

"..and if it never ends,
then when do we start?
I'll never leave you behind
Or treat you unkind
I know you understand
And with a tear in my eye
Give me the sweetest goodbye
That I ever did receive."

"Orphans of God" - Avalon

This song is the epitome of a soundtrack to the Honduras trip.

I found myself humming it in the back of my mind so many times,

and I especially did once we got back.

"..Come ye unwanted and find affection
Come all ye weary, come and lay down your head
Come ye unworthy, you are my brother
If such a thing as grace exists
Then grace was made for lives like this."

"Apologies" - Grace Potter

"..my love is like a blanket
That gets a little too warm sometimes
I wanna wrap somebody in it
Who can hold me in his arms
Cause when it got a little too hot in there
He was always stepping out for air and he froze
Oh, he froze;
He said it's crazy how love stays with me
You know it hurts me 'cause I don't wanna fight this war
It's amazing to see me readin through this scene
of love, and fear, and apologies."

"Fireflies" - Ron Pope

For some reason this song takes me back. Back to high school, back to almost summer nights when things were perfect, but for some reason I didn't realize it at the time. It allows me to reminisce into that time and remember how I thought that things were tough then...

"..when the streetlights come on and the fireflies flicker,
I am walking her home making plans.
With her shoes in her hands, I am watching her dance,
As the hem of her dress gently kisses the grass.
It suddenly rains on us,
She is laughing and turns up her hands.
Like autumn turns leaves, winter will breathe,
cold on her necks, snow in our paths.
Wherever she goes, all that I know about us is that
beautiful things never last,
That's why fireflies flash."

"Ache" - James Carrington

This song just puts my emotions into chords. Most of the time I want to scream this from the highest mountain I can climb.

.."i'm sorry, but I meant to say
many things along the way;
this one's for you -
have I told you I ache for you?"

Now you know the reason behind my strange music. I don't ask you to like it, agree with it, or try to analyze whatever situation you may want to put it with - but I do ask you to appreciate it because just because it isn't your genre of music doesn't mean it's a bad genre. I'd also encourage you to pay more attention to the lyrics of songs you do listen to, to the style you like, and the sound as well. Expand. Explore. I promise, you may think you waste your time, but it's one of the better ways to spend three or four minutes of your life - AND you may find something new out about the kind of music you like.

That is all of the wisdom I have for today.

Adios, Amigos!

JUNE FAVORITES!!!

2011-07-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

I know I've completely missed the mark, but I've been excited to post this month's favorite list!

Here.

We.

Go.

Nail Polish:

OPI Nicole Baby Blue

It is very comparable to Turquoise & Caicos by Essie, so either would be good, and they're around the same price.

Revlon Grape Icy

This is scented *ONCE IT DRIES*, and that's just a bonus. I love that this can look amazing under black shatter and silver too, probably, but I haven't tried that yet.

Face Product(s):

Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

BB is my new favorite brand. I used to not be that crazy about it, but since I've started experimenting with organic stuff, this has been a trusty brand. BUT this cleanser makes my face feel like I just had a detox done on it, for real. It seriously makes me feel like I have cleaned every single pore.

EcoTools brushes

I don't have a complaint about these, and they really don't shed at all.

Carmex Moisture Plus

Because it's Carmex.

for girls.

and it isn't greasy.

it's chic.

and I love chapstick,

so what other reason do you need?

Hair Product:

Organix Acai Berry Avacado Shampoo & Conditioner

Like shampoo that smells good?

makes your hair feel sincerely clean?

isn't expensive?

get it.

that is all.

it changed my hair's life, and it doesn't even have life.

Band:

Maroon 5

because of the uniqueness to Adam Levine's voice,

and because of his undying beautifulness.

Favorite songs from them (currently):

"Just a Feeling"

"How"

Food:

AMERICAN FOOD!!

Honduras, thank you for making me appreciate it as much as I do.

I've never been so happy to see a Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap from an Airport McDonald's in all of my life...

Movie:

Just Go With It

I will say I watched this a few nights ago, but since it was a June release, we're counting it as a June favorite.

Cute movie, and I'm not a huge Adam Sandler fan -- I don't know, something about the way he talks/moves his mouth -- it annoys me, normally.

Phone App:

Navigation!

I haven't had to use it much, but I HAVE had to use it, and it's been a real time saver!

Random:

USO T-shirt

that says "The Troops Know I've Got Their Back".

It was the 4th of July one :)

Accessory:

Timex Ironman Watch for Women

I didn't really know how addicted to time I was until we were in Honduras, and I could not keep up with it because I was without my phone, the watch I had was an hour & 15 minutes off, and we were never constantly around a place with clocks, so when we got back I broke down and spent some money on a watch, and I LOVE it. For real. Date, time, and day is all on one screen, and I don't have to push 12 buttons at once to see what I need to see.

Amazing.

Thank you, Timex.

Bracelets

This was the only photo I had that really showed me wearing any, haha.

I got a bunch in Honduras, but I have a fairly great collection of them anyway, and I always love having a bunch on during Summer.

---------------------------------

Did you do favorites? Comment!

phollow me around from my phone...

2011-07-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

I love the 5 dollar movie rack, and me & Megan usually check it out.
This was on Matt's birthday, though, and we stayed for quite sometime.

my ULTA trip. I made it out with 3 organic products, 4 nail polishes, and a new eyeshadow palette!

My favorite anytime meal - Banana Nut Cheerio's!

The most eery color for fingernails. I hate it!
Revlon. Yuck.

The guy was clearly a Nascar fan....

Crazy Eight's princess game!

Chalk with Natalie outside.. and SG was snoozin'.

hangman.

Pacific Blue with OPI's Last Friday Night (KP Collection)

Me & My sweet girl.

a message to a friend...

play-doh!

again..

SG's shots! :-(

I fishtailed Repunzel's hair!

it rained on the only day I wanted to go swimming..

phone app fun!

my besh frannnn on the night I almost got killed in my driveway!

the night before I left for Honduras...

Dr. Seuss!

My Little Pony Memory game!

balloon buddies...

sweet angel...

best thing that's happened to me in awhile!

amazingness. God is so good.

play-doh again!

popcorn & beauty and the beast!..
always fun for rainy days!

herrrre, alligator!

photo project 7-08-11.

banquet invitation!

Natalie's soon to be like me....

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In Two Hours

2011-06-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

In two hours, I'll be saying goodbye to my Daddy at the church as we prepare to leave going into another country.

I've flown six times in my life, and 6 out of 6 times Daddy has been right by my side.

I've traveled on a bus so many times that it makes me dizzy to try and recount them all, but I've only traveled WITH three of the same people that I will leave with tonight before.

In two hours, I'll be kissing my small, redneck talkin', everybody knows everybody, one horse town with a recently added McDonalds goodbye, and I will soon be welcomed into a Spanish speaking society.

In two hours, I will probably begin another countdown to the time that I lose track of the "outside" world. No phone, no internet, no twitter, no facebook.. and I don't feel like it will be a HORRIBLE thing, but then again I know how reliant I am on those things to keep in touch with all of you. And let's be honest, if you're reading this - you're probably addicted to one (if not multiple) of those listed. Caught cha! ;-)

But mainly.. in two hours I will be embarking on a trip of a lifetime; one I will never forget. I will be surrounded by people who have a love for the Lord, and even though a mixture of those people are around me each and every day, I somehow know that this will be different. They love the Lord despite not having tivo, texting, Walmart, Twitter, McDonalds, as well as many practical items that we "can't live without".

I cannot lie about the fact that I have, indeed, struggled with leaving all of my family and friends - but I also know that this has worked out for a REASON, and I am setting out at 5 am on a plane to Houston then to Honduras to uncover what exactly that reason is. I am anxious to be around our Honduran church family, as well as get to know them better. I cannot wait to be shocked by the culture that surrounds me, and I am quite excited about sharing it all with you as I recollect it when I get back.

I will not lie to you (or myself) by saying that I'm "not nervous". Sure, I am nervous. I don't have the slightest clue of what to expect, but I know that all the tears shed here over leaving ya'll will be some of the same tears shed this time next week as we prepare to come back because of the relationships that I know will grow as we are there.

I am blessed beyond measure to have family - by blood.. and my church family -, friends, and acquaintances that have let me know that I am in their prayers. It means more to me than anything at this point because my heart is heavy. I don't do well with goodbyes, and today has been full of them.

With that being said, I am taking comfort in the fact that I have been given this opportunity, and there is a reason for my being there. Thank you to all who have supported the mission trip that ended last week, as well as the one that we will be setting out on early in the morning. I can't wait to get back and share my journal with you, and I am looking forward to a life-changing experience.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

- Joshua 1:9

Daddy-O!

2011-06-20T17:05:00.001-07:00

Ah, yesterday was Father's day!

We went out to eat instead of having a big meal because it was quick, and we (I) had a busy day Sunday trying to meet my deadlines for my online class.. [that I had all week to do, but instead I waited until Sunday afternoon - which was clearly a good idea...I'm SO sleepy.]

So we ate lunch with Mimi at Trailboss, and then I came back to work on homework. I plan on posting some of the papers I turn in for Comp 1 as blogs, so if there's a totally random post - YOU know why!

This is Mommy & I after church/lunch.

And here they are processed in b&w.

love that Mamma has her hand on her hip, ha! I'm rubbin' off on her, I guess.

Even though we didn't have a big elaborate day for Daddy, I hope he knows I love him, and he's my main man. My Daddy is quite a man. He's never let me down, always encouraged me, and he loves me more than I probably even know - he and Mamma make it very evident in their everyday lives that they would do anything they can for Matt & I.

I think I speak for both of us when I say that I'm forever grateful to have parents like these two. Ones that have raised me in a Godly home and have been a Godly example to us throughout the course of our lifetime so far.

I'm one blessed individual.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Love,

Your biggest fan.

Daddy-O!

2011-06-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Ah, yesterday was Father's day!

This is Mommy & I after church/lunch.

And here they are processed in b&w.

love that Mamma has her hand on her hip, ha! I'm rubbin' off on her, I guess.

I think I speak for both of us when I say that I'm forever grateful to have parents like these two. Ones that have raised me in a Godly home and been a Godly example to us throughout the course of our lifetime so far.

I'm one blessed individual.

I've waited so long just to come home to you..

2011-06-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in my recap that the girls & I went out for dinner last weekend.

What I didn't mention is that I wanted a photo of the three of us prior to us leaving because we always look back and wish we had taken one.

Seems like we got it, right? Well.

No one was home, we were all fixed to leave, and when no one's home to take a photo & you're ready to hit the road what do you do?

You find a tall object, another thick book, fiddle with the camera settings, press the shutter, and RUN to get into place before the camera clicks at the "10 Second" mark.

Truly an act of congress, I know.

BUT nevertheless, here we are! In all our rushed glory.

Megan has been busy with school and work in the afternoons, but we have managed to get a good conversation in each day on the phone, but it was good to see her face.

Hollie and I usually talk everyday as well, but it was also good to have her home so we could all spend the afternoon/night together.

I don't really know how we could each talk to each other everyday like we do and still have so much to say when we see each other. The conversations are never ending, the laughs never fail, and I always shut the car door to go inside after it's over knowing that I've been blessed with two wonderful friendships.

I look forward to these nights during the summertime and any other time, really.

These girls have two totally different personalities, and where mine fits amongst them is probably the real question. I guess I'm the "quirky" of the group, always interesting in weird things such as: music, clothing, odds & ends (from antiques to nail polish), movies, and I'm sure they could name others as well. The truth is, they give me an even amount of support and the same amount of advice. I always know where I stand with them, and I don't know what I've done to deserve their friendships.

Alive, Alert, Awake, and ENTHUSIASTIC!

2011-06-12T11:54:00.003-07:00

Hey y'all.! I am still kickin' around; I have just been SO busy lately, but I'm taking a minute (also known as procrastinating) to tell you what's been going on in my world. I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat now! ..totally kidding.

For the past 3 (starting 4th tomorrow) weeks, I have been babysitting my "claimed brother's" children. He has a 7 year old and an 8 week old. We have been having so much fun! We color, blow bubbles, play barbies, watch movies, chalk, swim, play games, or whatever we can get into! The baby is an angel, and only cries when something is wrong. She is such a happy baby, and I have enjoyed keeping them. I'm looking forward to the summer with them, but it almost seems like summer has slipped away.

Summer (online) classes started on June 1st, and I'm taking two courses. I'm taking Intermediate Algebra (because I'm sooo bad at math, and because my ACT score was one point shy of meeting the requirements for College Algebra), but really it's a good thing that I'm in this class. I feel like it will prepare me more for a normal algebra class. I will say that I've been struggling just since I haven't had a math class in a year, and I'm rusty with math REGARDLESS. I will make it, though. The other class is English, and I thoroughly enjoy writing, nouns, pronouns, sub/verbs, diagramming, etc. So! This is okay with me, and I just sent in my first paper yesterday on the "Nail Polish Process". What a diva move, right? I thought it would be appropriate.
I'm not a diva, am I?
Oh, who am I kidding.
I enjoy "diva" things (like makeup, nail polish, etc..)
But I like to think that I don't portray myself as a diva.
Forgive me if I'm sadly mistaken.

Hollie is in Jackson schooling this summer, but she came home for the weekend, so Megan, Hollie, and I went out to dinner (and planned to see a movie) last night. We enjoyed some Italian food while catching up and visiting with each other. It was good to have the three of us together for the night. I love my time spent with them, and I hope they know that I don't take it for granted. Even with Megan & I still being at home, it hasn't worked out for us to see each other as much as we used to. We got to the theatre and the projector for the movie we planned to see was broken, so we toured around Starkville for awhile, and made a walmart trip. Those usually consist of them dragging my by my hair out of the cosmetics department, going through the 5 dollar movies, debating on getting a fish of some sort, and picking out something random while we're in the check out line. I am proud to say that I bought NO nail polish, NO fishes, and ONE 5 dollar movie. (Thanks, Megan, for picking it up!)

Our trip to Honduras has crept up on me, and we leave NEXT THURSDAY. Not this Thursday, but the next. Wow. Will you pray for us if you think about it? So many people have had their hands on making sure this was set up for us to go, and I'll admit that for the last few weeks I've been unavailable to do so, but Thursday night we met in Columbus to get crafts ready for the kids, and it made me excited all over again. I can't wait to see what happens while we're there. I will surely miss my family & friends, but I know that I'm supposed to go, and I'm blessed to be allowed the opportunity.

Another little "change" in life for me has been organic beauty products. I'm slowly switching most of my makeup/skin/hair things over to organic. I say "most" because I'm not sure I can part with my Mabelline Fit Me foundation, but if trying counts then I get an A+. It's been fun to see what I have that doesn't contain parabens and SLS (sulfate). I don't know everything about these ingredients, but what I do know is quite interesting. I ALSO know that by using products WITHOUT these things does not cure cancer, solve world hunger, or benefit anyone aside from me, BUT it is what I want to do, and I have noticed a significant difference in my skin since switching over. *That was a disclaimer for all of you who think like I used to about organic ANYthing.

I plan to blog as often as I can, and I also plan to journal while I'm in Honduras (similarly to how I journaled -is that a word?- in Montana), and I will post those with photos once we're back in the Land of the Free! :)

ps -
I didn't do a Memorial Day post, which is weird, but please know that I observed the day by sporting my American tee, thanking the soldiers I know, and being swelled with pride in knowing that I am a lucky girl to live in a place where freedom isn't free, but the men & women serving in our military make it possible for us to feel as if it is.
Thank you, current soldiers & veterans. We haven't forgotten you.

where has my phone been? [phonetoblog3]

2011-06-01T18:41:00.001-07:00

ahhh.. the refuge at Sunset.
is there any other place you'd want to be this time of day?
radio on, music blaring, breeze blowing with the windows down.
Heaven.

"do not block pumps it causes kunfuzzion" -- okay?

Talk about konfuzzed when I read that.. Only in MS.

APEX for Ambassadors was weekend before last, and I was not looking forward to going, but once we got there, I had a pretty good time (aside from the 5 hour scavenger hunt), and I met some pretty great people!

Nat & I have been coloring a lot, and she made this of me & her the other day. She wanted me to know that the green was grass NOT mountains, and I had to help her a little with the clouds, but she is a lovely artist! Right on with the hair too! :)

annnnd this was my creation! I know all about Disney Fairies now - don't get in a run down quiz with me about them. You will lose!

..No, seriously, the sweeter side of her artistic abilities.. :)
I'm really looking forward to the summer with her.

Barbie barfed in her room the other day, and before that happened she asked me to brush all of her hair. 14 hair balls & 2 Barbie brushes later, they are in tip-top shape. Other than needing to be dressed.

Ashia.... I love you!

Ya'll know better than to think that I didn't do something patriotic with my nails for Memorial Day! :)

My cousin got married this past weekend, and this was the only photo that I took!
Congratulations, Lance & Ashley!

Nat's grasshead that she made at Bible school. Reminds me of Einstein. She wants to give it a legit haircut soon, and she "plucked" her eyebrows today.

Then we arranged all 447 SillyBands (yes, we counted).

and I arranged some nostalgia myself. I kind of enjoy trying out makeup/hair products.

this is from a few weeks ago, Matt (friend - not brother) sent me a message in the sand while at the beach. We started this during Spring Break while I was at the beach & he was in the mountains. My messages would be in sand, and his in snow.
This was for old time sake, I assume.

and one that I never posted. Little cutie & myself at the beach before dinner one night during Spring Break. I heart Stevie!

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My May Faves!

2011-05-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

FAVORITE TIME OF THE MONTH!

..because I love watching my favorite YouTube people talk about their favorites, and I love reading my favorite blogger's posts about theirs as well!

Here

go!

Nail Polish:

Pirates of the Caribbean Collection:

I've said that I'm falling away from OPI, but I don't HATE it. I just don't love it as much as some do! The POC Collection released a week or two ago, and I've been waiting because I want the silver shatter SO bad, but unfortunately everyone else wants it too. :( I didn't get it, but I did get "Skulls and Glossbones" (second one from left) and "Mermaid's Tears" (far right).

L.o.v.e.

They're very opaque and don't require too many coats, and that's usually where I encounter problems with OPI, but nevertheless - I love these, and I have SO many to try thanks to Ashia.

I love when she cleans her makeup/cosmetics out.

Also love the America nail art I picked up at Sally's (excuse the phone quality photo). I just painted my nails with Finger Paints "Easel Come, Easel Go", added the art, and painted a Sally Hansen top coat! Viola!

*I will say that I haven't gotten any of Essie's Brazilliant Collection, though, so look for them in my June Favorites, I'm sure! :)

Song:

Leather & Lace - Stevie Nicks (ft. Don Henley)

Since I heard the guy & girl from The Voice sing this, I have had this on "My List" in iTunes. I love, love, love it. LOVE it.

I see myself becoming more of a Nicks fan than I already am.

Face Product:

The Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel came in my Birchbox this month, and I hate the smell. It's horrible, but the result from using it has been great! I'm not way into organic stuff, but for my face I've discovered that you REALLY can tell a difference.

Rimmel Day 2 Night Mascara - it's probably not fair to say that it's a "favorite", but I know I do already. I've tried it out today, and it's phenomenal. I have a love/hate relationship with mascara because I am SEVERLY picky, and I believe in the Mabelline Pulse Perfection, but Rimmel may have outdone Mabeline this time. We'll see!

Hair Product:

This stuff is a dream come true (also from Ashia - Thanks again!) I usually wash my hair at night and can go at least 2 days without having to wash it again, but since I'm not straightening it much, the curls tend to get OVERLY messy. This whips them back into 1st day shape. I really recommend it if you have issues with frizz! :)

Food:

Yeah, I'm not sure why... But I'm kind of loving these things.

Never been a Ham & Cheese fan, that is until now!

Movie:

It looks completely sketch from the cover, and I guess the plot sort of is - but the moral behind the movie is what I love. Of course I pay attention to the small quotes that no one would ever recognize, and I loved so many from this movie.

Phone App:

Barcode Scanner!

You can scan anything, anywhere & search it online for a cheaper price. Wonderful, don't ya think?

..and for all you Samsung Galaxy users - it comes on your phone already installed.! Bam! :)

New Discovery:

The Hard Candy line has some awesome stuff! I love the names they have for things. I've had some of their nail polish for awhile, but I hadn't tried their makeup until recently.

I bought the "Hide & Glow Cheek" cheek tint which is basically like the Tarte creme blush, but it's in a stick. I like it because it's light, and I can throw it on quicker than a powder blush!

I also have the "Fox in a Box" blush in Smooth Talker, and I like it as well!

Random:

My baby-tee from Old Navy (on sale for $6 today!)

Well, do I have to explain why? I mean, isn't the flag a dead giveaway for my patriotic self?

Comment with your favorites! I'd love to see!

SUYL: Desserts!

2011-05-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

Brownie Trifle

You will need:

1 package of brownies (of your choice)

2 chocolate instant puddings

2 8 oz. packages of whip cream

- bake brownies according to instructions on the box, and let them cool. (be careful of the crust on the sides and try not to let them get TOO crisp)

- after the brownies are cool, break apart a section into bite size pieces and place them in the bottom of our serving dish.

- next, place a layer of pudding on top of the brownies (no certain amount, just make sure the brownies are mostly covered).

- then place a layer of whip cream over the pudding.

- start again with the brownies on top of the whip cream, and repeat until you are out of ingredient! (ending with whip cream on top.)

If you want to add a "creative" touch, grate some chocolate over the top of the whip cream in the center!

Quick, easy, and DELICIOUS!

My First .... GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE to enter the FIRST (of a series) Giveaway on my photography blog in honor of Memorial Day!

I hope you all will join in!

phonetoblog 2!

2011-05-17T22:26:00.001-07:00

1. Baby hogs!
Megan & I were riding one day as we waited on our next class & we ran across these little babies. I am not a fan of hogs, though. Honestly - I hate them. BUT it was neat to see these.
2. Cows....
In the road! The same day! Ha! I love riding down the road & BAM there's a cow. Bet y'all city folk can't say that's ever happened to you! Ohhh, it's a natural occurrence around these parts. ;-)
3. Sunset on the Flag:
I just love America. I the huge flag at the end of town, and I love sunsets. This just seemed like too good to pass up. Plus, I think it was the first picture I took on my phone!
4. Senorita!
My "godcow" instead of godchild. :-) I named her. And I document her grow through photos, thanks to her godfather.
5. Organization:
I just recently got some shelves for my nail polish, and this was the day we ordered them. I was trying to organize them by brand, but now I'm kind of wanting to organize them by color. Opinions?
6. Baby A:
Well, apparently she was hungry! :) or maybe she just couldn't get enough cheese dip (aka chisdip on the ticket) on her fork?
7. Nail....stickers?
Oh, yes! And for those of you who despise waiting on your nails to dry, this is the perfect solution! You don't have to get a wild color - I just prefer them. They have some matte shades, shimmers, and designed ones. I love them. The only issue is they're around 8 dollars.?
8. Snake....catching?
Ah, the adventures of Ferris & I will probably make a few of these photo blogs this summer. We were just riding & happened upon this little guy! Once we got out, he started towards me, and i ended up with a death grip on ferris' shirt (because we didn't know what kind he was), but it wound up being totally harmless. I love snakes. I told a friend of mine that we were "snake hunting", but I had to retrace my steps because we weren't harming the snakes! :)
9. Peacock Nails:
I am into doing actual design on nails now, and the one on the left (of the strutting peacock) is my current favorite. I have a lot of nail arts that I want to do, but I've gotta get some things to do them!

Ah, that's my phones story for the moment! :)

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Ode to the Realization that "Life Happens".

2011-05-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

For an entire year, I have been caught in a haze of stillness where life happened all around me, and I just followed behind it. I moved where it moved, I saw what it let me see, and I became okay with the things taking place around me.
With all the talk of graduation happening this week for so many people, including my small town high school where my feet walked the same row in the same building this time last year - I have been reflecting back on so many memories I had during my time there. It only feels right to write this now, a year later, because my thoughts are finally coming together. Disregard anything you've read about "growing up" from me up until this point. It is void. This, my faithful blog readers, is the honest truth.
Just in the past week, I have taking a walk - a run - a stroll - a drive - down memory lane. People that made up so much of my high school career have fallen back into my heart the same way that they were for four consecutive years. They have reminded me of the feelings I felt during phases in my life, feelings I hold onto even now. The same people have been there for me through thick and thin, and they have never left my side. The girls that I call my best friends are still true to me by holding my hand through every rough patch I come to, and the others - well, they know their place.
You see, I haven't thought throughout my first year of college that this is a stage in growing up. I have let myself believe that it's just another year of memories that I will wrap up and call off later. The truth is, this is a new season in my life. This is where LIFE truly begins. But the beautiful thing is that I've caught myself letting life happen instead of living it. I've just recently been slapped in the face by reality as it screams, "you are growing up. your friends are growing up. things are changing, and they won't always be here."
How true is that? My womb-to-tomb friends are moving on with their lives, and I am too - but recently it's seemed like I have been watching them move forward while I ask myself, "What will I do without them?" Let me state clearly to you that I have no regrets. I have lived and loved more than you would possibly understand. That is NOT what I'm saying. And granted, I know I am moving forward in my education, and I am by no means doubting my future because I know Who holds the plan in that, but it has become so real to me that after this year the things that have really always been a constant will no longer be.
I have started dwelling on this because I have learned over the course of the last few days that this is my last summer with them, and I wish I had taken more advantage of last summer because even then things weren't so different. You were still here, and life seemed right most of the time. Changing isn't a huge issue with me when dealing with paint colors, moving furniture, and transitioning to different atmospheres, but when you throw change into my relationships - we have a totally different case on our hands.
As I sit here typing this with tears in my eyes, I want you to know that this is a change that will take more than a "pep talk with myself" to get over because in some sense of the situation - this change is permanent. This all has to happen in order for our lives to begin, and I could NOT be happier for the people I love and the accomplishments they've already achieved. I would NEVER try to hold them back from doing their best, seeking their passion, and I will be the first to stand up and cheer them on as I watch it unfold - but only having the memories of our time together to reflect on seems so overwhelming and difficult at this very moment. My last 5 years of life have been basically the same. Sure, I've had some who have entered for a season, but for the most part I have kept you all in my own way.
I feel like everyone goes through this "crisis" (and I really emphasize the quotes here) at some point when they realize that life is happening to them. I am, by no means, unhappy. I am blessed, thankful, and appreciative for the people I know, places I've been, and things that are left in store for me. Please don't tally this up as a "poor pitiful me" post. I don't mean it in that sense at all.
I just felt like I should write about the way some of you may have felt in the past, or some of the feelings that are to be felt in the future. This isn't easy, yet it isn't horrible either. This is the way things go, and I know the ones who have truly been there for me all this time won't stray after distance brings us apart, I am not naive to the fact that it will be difficult. I just believe this summer is the epilogue to the rest of them as we wrap up our last few summer night drives down dirt roads, singing to songs that make us feel happy, walking barefoot around an old pond dam, and sitting in the back of trucks with the sound of locusts squealing in the background. All of these things have happened, all of them I've looked forward to with each last day of school.
Now? I will cherish every moment I have like that this summer. I look forward to the times that we can take advantage of the little things I hold onto. I will try my best to better understand the connections that have bonded us for so many years. I will hang on to every second of the time spent with each of the special people I have in my life. I will continue to remember the summer's that have molded me into the individual I am today. I will not let go of the love that radiated the night's of three consecutive months for basically all of my teenage life. Those nights that turned into those mornings that were really afternoons will always be ours.
I can't let my mind wander back without remembering the impact you have left on me. In this second right now, I can't imagine forgetting you & letting you walk away as if nothing ever happened. You are the main ingredient to the reason that the smell of a late summer night reminds me of you, and you are the icing on the cake of the afternoons we spent together. You are the voice of the past that rings in my ear as I playback the days that I thought would never end. You have taught me a lot that I know about myself, and we've stood beside each other as we have grown up. Throughout every season of my life, I've always found you amongst a crowd of people. You have made me happy; you have made me sad. You have forced feelings of weakness, and encouraged moments of strength. You are beautiful to me, and no one - not even you when you think of yourself at your worst - can change my opinion. You are more than one chapter in the book of my life. NO one knows me like you all do. No one tries to understand me like you do. And no one, no one could ever love you more than I do now, have in the past, or ever will. No one can take that away.

SUYL - Fave Vacationing Spots!

2011-05-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

This will probably be a fairly short post for me because we always vacation in the same spot, so I guess that's a sure sign that it's a favorite, huh? :-)

Gulf Shores, AL

Ever since I was younger we've gone to the same beach.

Even though we leave for a vacation, it feels like a second home once we get there.

Glasgow, MT

This very well may be the last place you'd want to find yourself: Sitting by the Milk River on snow laden ground at sunset, but for a girl who loves Winter, sunsets, and seeing deer - it is exactly where I want to be.

I don't know if this can be a "favorite" considering i've only been once, but if saying "I'd pick up and leave right now to go again" counts for anything, consider it SAID!

Where are your favorite places to be?

guess what I use as a bean bag chair? a raisin.

2011-05-04T00:09:00.001-07:00

This video sincerely cracks me up.

PLEASE allow yourself 3 minutes.

It is so dumb, but I love the voice & the 1 liners.

HA!

April Favorites!

2011-05-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

I love sharing what I love with you and giving my take on each thing!

Here we go....

Nail Polish: Orly: Crush on You

Essie: Lapis of Luxury

I couldn't choose just one. Orly is quickly taking over OPI for me, although I love their new collection that's fixing to release in tribute to the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Anyway, these colors are both springy & bright. They last forever on my nails, and while they're definite shades of orange & blue - they have a unique tint to them. I love that!

Face Product: Mabelline Fit Me Foundation

I know I'm way behind most of you, but I had never used liquid foundation before now. I trust Mabelline with everything (except eye shadow), so I grabbed some of this not knowing what to expect. I love it. Hands down. It is so weightless, it doesn't run, and it covers well enough to even out my "blemishes" under my eyes & my permenantly red nose I seem to always keep! It also has 18 SPF, but it doesn't make my face oily by the end of the day!

Food: Honey Bunches of Oats (with fresh strawberries)

I have been adding strawberries in, even though they're a fruit - they still have a lot of sugar in them. Oh well, I'm just telling myself they're a FRUIT. That means something, right? :-)

Hair: Feather Extensions!

If you read my "phontoblog" you saw the extensions in my hair, but I am loving them still! I can see myself enjoying these all summer.

Random thing: Burts Bee's with Milk & Honey

Some say this smells like sunscreen.......I like it! Maybe it reminds me of my childhood when I wore 3 coats of it just to walk from my house to the car in hopes that I wouldn't get burned on the way! Nah, it does smell a little like sunscreen, but I love that it isn't a thick lotion that makes my hands greasy.

Phone App: Tweetdeck

If you have an android or an iPhone, are an active user of Twitter, & need a good app - check it out. I love it. I also overuse it. ;-)

Movie: Red Riding Hood

Was it this month that we went to see that?? Um... Anyway, I enjoyed trying to figure out who the "wolf" was the entire time. Megan & I would whisper back and forth "ohhh.. it's her... no, it's him.. wait... I don't know! No... it's definitely her..", but seeing the end was fun & exciting. I liked it a lot.

Website: Bands for Arms

B4A is an organization that takes military servicemen's donated uniforms and transforms them into bracelets. These can be any type of uniform. I have 2 ordered now - one from a sailors uniform that served in WWII at Pearl Harbor, and the other is actually made from a Navy uniform, but I liked the look of it, so.. ;) This organization's proceeds go to:

- Marine Toy for Tots Foundation

- Project Little Spirits

- The USO

- Japan (Tsunami victims)

- The National WWII Museum

Song: Poison & Wine - The Civil Wars

Disclaimer: ONLY listen if you like "weird" music.

It's extremely singer/songwriter/alternative-ish.

Jewelry: AE Freshwater Pearl Bracelet

because it layers well, and it goes good with the necklace I mentioned last month. Now, if I could just find some earrings....

*********

Did you post your favorites?

I want to see!

Praising in the storm...

2011-04-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

I was talking to one of my best friends this morning on the phone, and as we re-hashed the situation in Tuscaloosa, AL, as well as what came through our portion of MS yesterday, I couldn't help but be more humbled than I was prior to the phone call.

There is no other way around saying that God had his hand of protection on us during yesterday's storms. I don't know why we have been spared, but I do believe there is a reason. The town of Tuscaloosa has been devastated - people lost their lives, other people missing. Clearly there is no cell service or electricty - and yet so many of us think the world is ending due to not having any power in some portions of our area.

How could we be so selfish?

How could I be so selfish?

I asked myself this a dozen times once we got off the phone.

All of my friends are safe, and although I have family members close to Tuscaloosa, they are all safe as well.

I had to take a moment to stop and be thankful, grateful, and although sometimes I fail at practicing both of those things - I had to give praise where praise was due.

I should remind myself to do that more.

This was our radar & predictions for Wednesday. Apparently "spotty" red is worse than red all together because all of those winds are working against each other or something? I'm no meteorologist, and I sometimes forget what I hear. Anyway... :

The following photos are a photo-journey that my Daddy & I set out on just minutes after our area was cleared from the "warnings", probably right around the time that Alabama's lives were changing dramatically. At the end, there is a video of the tornado going through Tuscaloosa.

I was sure by now,

God, You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

but once again, I say "Amen" & it's still raining.

As the thunder rolls,

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you".

& as Your mercy falls,

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away.

And I'll praise You in this storm,

And I will lift my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

& you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are

No matter where I am

And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills.

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord;

The Maker of Heaven and Earth.

And I'll praise You in this storm

And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are

No matter where I am

& every tear I've cried

You hold in Your hand.

You never left my side,

and though my heart is torn...

I will praise You in this storm.

"Give thanks in all circumstances."

- 1 Thes. 5:18

phonetoblog

2011-04-26T22:04:00.001-07:00

OK!! I'm calling this my "phonetoblog" because all of these images came from my camera on my phone! If any editing was done, it was through my app "LittlePhoto" and I love it. OK! Also, I am using "Blogger-droid" to type this post, so this is a trial run at how it will turn out. Oh, sweet technology.
Here's the story behind each photo!

1. The broken teacup:
While shaving the lumps out of my pinch-potted teacup, I squeezed too hard on the Earthenware (unfired clay mold) and it shattered. I had to start the process all over again, and I was nearly done before I took this photo.

2.) Ferris & I:
This was on Ferris' birthday at his "tailgating party" after the game...complete with his cake that I had to taste after putting my gum on his plate. Ha! That's true sibling bonding. Love you, Ferris!!

3. Fivefingers:
well, you can clearly tell why I had to take a photo. How interesting are they?? So. Comfortable. So. Unique. So. Cute!!!

4. TOMS:
I couldn't not get these. They are black, grey & white with "journey is the destination" all over them.

5. Teapot Malfunction:
my friend, Shannon, got a tad carried away while talking to me one day in class, and ended up with this. Typically the spout holes and the handle are supposed to be directly across from each other.

6. Baby Turtle:
I found him on the white line of the road at the Refuge, picked him up, drove him to a "safe zone" (tooksomerealphotos), and set him free! :-)

7.) Sunset:
I don't even have to tell the story for this either. All I can say is That I'm lucky to have been given the opportunity yo witness it.

8.) Feathers:
I got "feathered" yesterday by Claire, and I am loving them so much! I see myself keeping them throughout the summer. They're fun! And extremely temporary!

There. Now if this is completely unorganized, forgive me. I am testing this form of blogging. I will probably only use it for blogs like this - to keep you up to date with my phone's memory card. Hope you enjoyed! :) Happy Wednesday!

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Easter Sunday..and Saturday.

2011-04-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to you & your family!

we had a wonderful lunch at Mimi's yesterday.

great time with family.

it was good to see Uncle Jay & Aunt Dale.

& today we celebrated Easter by going to church,

having an Easter cantata,

and eating leftovers!

Now, time to relax, work on some schoolwork, and anticipate Summer for another week.

I always enjoy spending time with my family, and I am so thankful to have such a close knit one to call mine. We missed some, but they were here in spirit.

I know i've said it before - but with each gathering I realize more & more how important these people in my life really are, and how thankful I am that they have been such a Godly influence on me. Each one of them encourages me in a different way, and I am blessed to have that so evidently in my life.

shuttered smiles stories.

2011-04-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

I decided to start a photography blog to keep up with my sessions & events that I don't want to forget. I hope you'll drop by and check it out. Leave a comment or follow! :)

*This doesn't mean any changes are happening on this blog. All of my personal life "photography" will still be displayed here. As I said, only sessions & events.

Happy Monday!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY PHOTOG BLOG!

SUYL - Reading list!

2011-04-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

My daddy loves to read! My mom? She doesn't hate it, but it's not a favorite past time for her. I got my daddy's gene on this one. I love to read, I just don't read as often as I'd like to.

Kelly's Korner is hosting "Show Us Your Life - Reading List" this week, and I decided to let ya'll in on my "currently reading", my "favorite reads", and my "to be read" pile as well.! Enjoy!

Currently Reading...

I love the Pioneer Woman. If you like whitty blogs, check her out. If you like phenomenal photos, check her out. If you're interested in photo contest, check her out. If you love to eat, check her out.

If you love cowboy romances, check this out.

(typically I do not, but she is an exception!)

You may call me crazy, but Columbine stories have always peaked my interest, and so have any other stories involving school shootings. I don't mean this in a morbid way at all, but this book is about a girl who was killed the day of the Columbine shooting because she said "yes" when the shooters asked her if she believed in God as she sat under a table in the library.

To Be Read...

I don't know what either of these two are about, but Daddy wants me to read them.

Have you read them?

If so, what did you think?

Favorite Reads...

Along with being intrigued by school shooting stories, I love the WWII era, especially learning more about the Holoucaust and what was happening in Germany during this time. I loved this book because it was about ones personal experience with his dealings with the concentration camps, and how his entire family suffered. It has a goof ending, but I won't ruin it for those of you who may be wanting to read it.

*Also, if it means anything to you - it was part of Oprah's Book Club. (fun fact)

I wouldn't be a girl if I didn't include a Nicholas Sparks book.

This is one of the few that ends on a good note, thankfully.

This was my childhood favorite. It's one of the first Accelerated Reader books I finished, and I enjoyed this book so much. I wanted to go try & live on my own in the woods after finishing it. ;-)

Link up here to show your book favorites!

everything we see is beautiful.. like you.

2011-04-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Like You - Lee Dewyze

Everybody wants to
look into the mirror
feel little better now
And everybody wants to
know there's someone out there
waiting for you to come around

And I wish that
You could feel it
But you don't choose
To believe it
Cause I know that
You can't see it that way
That way

If you could only just stop stop stop running
If you could only take a second to breath it in
Everything that you know would be beautiful
Like you
You know they're never gonna stop stop stop your love
Let's pretend that the world is waking up
Everything that we see is beautiful
Like you

Everybody wants to
Tell someone their secrets
Why don't you tell me now

new tunes!

2011-04-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

SO!

I got tired of listening to the same ole' songs every time I got on my blog site, so I did us all a favor & changed it up.

Some are old, some are new.

Some you've probably heard, some you may not have heard.

Glorious Day - Casting Crowns

Sing for Me - Yellowcard

Two Sparrows in a Hurricane - Tanya Tucker

Vicious Circles - Aaron Lewis

a little variety? Yes. Sure. Why not?!

...and this concludes my pointless yet informative blog entry for today!

I'm off to shower numero two for the weekend, and after that - a Honduras meeting.

Have a pleasant Sunday!

ps - 12daysofclassleftandicannotwait.

my brown eyed girl.

2011-04-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

today we took Marlee to the barn for a little outing. I love taking her out, but I always do it during the time of the year whenever snakes are making their way out of hiding, and it scares me a tad.

she looks worried about it too.

this photo is so out of focus, and there's a million things wrong with it - but check out her tongue swaying in the wind.

bless her heart.

it's been awhile since she's been in the water.

sweetheart.

i love days like today.

we grilled hamburgers, and stayed outside past time for the sun to go down.

i love days like today because i can feel summer creeping in, and that makes me happy.

wings over Meridian.

2011-04-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Air show in Meridian MS.

The Honduras team went to work a stand here, and the weather wasn't looking so promising, but it held out & we had a great day. :)

March Favorites [in early April...]

2011-04-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

Let's just jump right in!

Orly: Gumdrop

I. heart. Orly. First of all.

I especially heart this color because I have been trying to find one that was opaque, creamy, and lasting for quite some time, but it wasn't until my first ULTA visit that I ran across this one. I love it SO much. It's so springy, yet it was a popular color in the fall too.

Sally's carries Orly too, incase you're not close to an ULTA (like me - on a regular basis).

*confession: it was hard to pick a favorite nail polish. For those of you who know me, you know why.

Yes to Cucumbers: Face Wipes

I have watched a few YouTube videos on this product (they also have "Yes to Carrots", but I don't know how I feel about my face smelling like a carrot...) & I wanted to try them out. I like trying new products on my face, but then again it scares me. I read the label on these when I found them, and I don't know if you can see it from this, but they are 98.7% natural. That doesn't ever mean much to me, but I don't like a lot of alcohol on my face because it gets TOO dry. These are working so far, and they smell amazing!

Aaron Lewis: Vicious Circles (song)

This song sums up my month in lyric form. I stumbled across it when I went to download his "popular" song, but I somehow always seem to fall in love with the underdog songs. I can't tell you why, but I love the melody of this, and his voice isn't half bad either. ;)

Favorite food: Tuna Roll

I don't guess I can "technically" say that this is a favorite, but I tried RAW sushi for the first time this month, and I was surprisingly surprised. HA! It was good, and I didn't feel gross for eating it.

Macadamia Hair Oil

typing out "hair oil" sounds disgusting, but it's basically a hair SERUM that protects your ends, and revitalizes your hair if you use heat on it a lot. No, I haven't been straightening my hair *this marks the end of the 3rd month with no straightener to my hair - except for bangs* but I do blow-dry it some, and I am trying my best to get it back healthy again.

This is similar to Moroccan Oil, but it's less expensive.

Favorite Photo

This may be my favorite photo taken on my favorite day. We [church mission team] worked the NAS Meridian Air Show a few weekends ago, and I loved it! They were calling for rain most of the day, but the planes flew, the lemons were squeezed, and the pretzels were made. I had so much fun being out there. It is so refreshing to go and be around people who love the military & respect them for what they do daily. I enjoyed it. I plan on doing a post with photos from it - just haven't had time yet.

My favorite store/addiction right now is this place.

Let me live here.

My two favorite accessories: AE Watch Band, Vintage Pearl Necklace

watchband? Not being used as a watchband.

necklace? gift from the best friend with "foralways, unconditionally" on it. Love.

Did you do a favorites this month? Comment with your link. Sorry I'm late! :)

Thanks for reading! Have a great week!

Sunrise in Turkey Territory.

2011-03-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

5:30 is an unfavorable time of the day for me. I don't intend to get accustomed to it, although when I do allow myself to crawl out of bed (and sometimes I do literally mean crawl), I am always thankful for the sights I see, the things I hear, and I'll be the first to admit that when the day breaks in Turkey Territory there is no other sound that i'd rather have fill my ears.

You see, I once was a turkey hunter. Wait - let me rephrase that... I once went hunting about twice a year to suffice the general public's shock when I answered, "No, I'm not really a turkey hunter." This is hard for people to believe because my Daddy's Daddy &My Mamma's Daddy ~~enjoyed~~ were obsessed with turkey hunting, and MY Daddy & brother bleed turkey feathers. That blood clotted once it got to me, but I would go to say that I went. I hated walking around, chasing around a smart bird, trying to avoid sticks, and training myself to breathe as quiet as a mosquito in order to make as little sound as possible. I would be aggravated with myself by the end of the morning, and I would tell myself I'm never coming back.

However, this year I have had a change of heart. I don't know if i've fallen in love with the beauty of a turkey, or if I just longed to hear the echo of their gobble throughout their territory. Either way, an urge has been brewing inside of me to go with Daddy.

Now, for the many of you who have gone - I'm sure you have your own way of going about things, and my Daddy does too. I just follow him like a shadow, putting on my mask when he puts his on, placing my boot in the footprints he just made, stopping when he stops, listening when he listens, holding my breath as he holds his, you get it. I mirror his actions... or... I try.

Once we got out of the truck, I was putting ~~the vest I borrowed from him~~ my gear on, and I glanced at Daddy on the driver's side of the truck. He seems to be a tad distraught with the mosquito repeller, and he seems to be in somewhat of a hurry. Daylight hasn't broken yet, so we're not technically running late, but we probably should be walking somewhere instead of fighting with a bug killer - it was 35 degrees, but he knows best, so I said nothing. It was funny for me to see him racing with himself and the sunlight. I can honestly say that I haven't ever had to beat daybreak, but sundown? That's another story for another day. Onward.... Sometimes I think he should be part of the Navajo Indian tribe. He can walk through a brush pile & never crack a stick. He can hear like an elephant with a hearing-aid in, and he's always been able to. He can see like an eagle, and he can spit out information & facts about almost anything just like a verbalized encyclopedia.

We have the funniest conversations (that I'm sure won't be as funny for you because ya kinda had to be there) while we're in the woods.

I was telling him about the rattlesnake that I stopped & let cross the road last year, and this was how the conversation went:

Daddy, "I'm sure an ole' rat family isn't too happy with you for that."

Me, "Yeah?"

Daddy, "(in a raspy voice, talking as a rat) Well... if she had just ran over him, Mamma'd prolly still be alive.."

***************

Yesterday, we went to listen for one in the afternoon. I saw something ahead of us in the road & asked Daddy what it was because I couldn't tell yet. (see comment about him having the vision of an eagle), he said:

"Looks like a piece of wild trash to me!"

Sure enough, it was someone's garbage they had thrown out their window. Geez.

Anyway, I was thinking of all those things as we made our way to where we would listen, and out of no where, just like someone rang an alarm to wake them up, turkeys start gobblin'. They sound like they're in a 5 gallon drum. The pitch of their call bounces off every pine tree out there. We're in Turkey Territory, and they're awake - ready to play. As I sit & wait on the next one to pipe up and play its tune, I notice the sunlight creeping in on the evergreens, just as if it wants to say hello. There's hardly no wind, which is good, and I'm too worked up to be cold from the low temperature. So we sit, they gobble, we listen & re-evaluate. We did this 4 times. None were successful, but then again they were.

All the while of walking back & forth and around in circles, it became clear to me - just as it does every time I decide to wake up before sunrise, of just how awesome God is. He not only created the plants that color the earth, but He gave them light from the sun that paints the most beautiful colors across the sky. He created the creatures of the earth that fill a once quiet patch of land with songs just as the day breaks. I consider myself lucky for every opportunity I take advantage of seeing a sunrise, sunset, or the beauty of the way that animals react around each other without knowing they're being watched by human eyes.

Although my morning didn't end with a kill, I enjoyed it, and I look forward to going back. Turkey territory is a new place for my feet to walk on, but I'm willing to allow myself to get used to the feeling of a spring morning sunrise amongst my eyes, and a bright green dewy ground under my toes.

"Waste not the smallest thing created, for grains of sand make mountains.."

- E. Knight

springbreakeleven.

2011-03-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Well we packed down the car, and left the Magnolia State around 8:53 am on Sunday. Destin bound!

We arrived around 3ish. We stopped for lunch, and a few breaks along the way, but we still made it down to the pool for a little while.

We ate good seafood.

Laughed.

Painted fingernails.

Shopped.

Soaked up [alittletoomuch] sun.

& photographed.

a lot.

I had a great week, and it made me even more excited about going back in the summer, but realizing that a trip to Honduras comes before that makes me even more anxious to get these last 6 weeks out of the way.

white blank page.

2011-03-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

getting caught up in moments.

acting on impulse.

over-thinking.

under-thinking.

holding on.

taking less when feeling like more has always been given.

getting carried away.

running from issues at hand.

being full of ungratefulness.

and.

so.

on.

These are things that I believe every eye reading this can relate to. These things may happen to you on a normal basis. You may be guilty of these things more than once a day. As I face you through words on the other side of the computer, my mind can go back to instances where I have been caught in the middle of each of these scenarios. I won't bore you with all types of things to think about, but I will bore you with a few, anyway.

getting caught up in moments, for example, is one I find myself doing all the time. I don't necessarily think this is a bad habit, actually. To me, it to me is a wonderful habit. Say you're on a nice afternoon stroll to the refuge and you're struck with a moment to just be still & take in the atmosphere around you. Sometimes, those are moments you may never forget. The serenity, the peace, the colors, the beauty, or the simple sounds of a summer afternoon.
It is a wonderful habit to be in the middle of a crowded room of your family at Christmas & let your mind stop only to remind you of just how precious the people around you are - reminding yourself of the influence they've had on your life by living from examples of the people who lived before you were born. Their words from meaningful conversations you've had with them dance through your head, and your heart nearly burst with happiness knowing that THEY are YOUR family.

acting on impulse is a constant struggle. Sometimes I allow myself to speak the instant thoughts that come to my mind, defending myself in a way that could have been handled differently if I had taken the time to think about what I was saying. I believe that you, as I said earlier, could probably nod your head in agreement when I say that I'm 110% sure there has been at least one moment in your years of living that you wish you could go back to, if only for a second, and tweak a sentence or two of something you've said to someone (or about someone). I know i've been there. That's the beauty of impulse, though. It is a sudden act, and during this act - sometimes words are spoken that you may not even realize you're saying until it's all ready been said. But as you know, by then it's too late, my friend.

holding on can come in all types of disguises. For me it's been covered in five years of denial with the outfit of pride to clothe its stupidity. You see, holding on, to me, is more often a bad habit than a good one. The past is obviously over, but you're making the future your past whenever you hold onto it like Lionel's (Charlie Brown) blue blanket. This can consume your daily actions, thought process, and sometimes even your life. Allowing yourself to be consumed in the hopes of the past coming back and reliving itself is clearly unhealthy. The hardest part about it, to me, is deciphering between "holding on" and simply "remembering". I'll get back at ya'll when I realize where that thin line is drawn. :) Moments are fragments of time that are unplanned, accidental, or non-intentional, and these moments can be unforgettable in a wonderful way or a horrible one. Why do we allow ourselves to go back to these instances when moments, unforgettable ones, were made? Well, because we want to remember the way they made us feel, so we can find that same feeling in another moment or so we can run far away from it. Holding on happens. Holding on is a form of coping, in my opinion. It is also consuming over the mind and cloaked in garments that are appealing yet deceiving.

being full of ungratefulness can't always be detected for me. It usually rushes over me like a raging waterfall all at once. I can be in the stillest of moments, and suddenly my mind reminds me of things that I have taken for granted. Sometimes, as I mentioned earlier, there are times when I am in the moment & nothing else is going on around me when I can be still and be grateful for whatever it is that I am experiencing. Other times, there may be something that triggers my thought process that takes me back to weeks or sometimes months beforehand when I should have been thankful for an opportunity that had been given to me, and it had simply slipped my mind.

These are daily struggles. This is just something to think about. Let your mind take you through the list of things at the top. Where do you draw the line for these things happening daily in your life? Are they struggles or situations that you shrug off your shoulders? Whatever they may be, these scenarios happen in an everyday life. It is neither a wonderful thing or a terrible thing. It is life, and it is really only a matter of whether or not you want take the time to notice them.

To think that this post was simply a big white box of nothing when I began, not knowing what it is that I wanted to blog about.....

...now you're full of information that is probably useless for you, but it's simply therapeutic for me to type out. Thanks for enduring it.