Life by Lace

Another busy month..

2009-10-29T21:00:00.001-06:00

Things have been changing. Things have been crazy.

Hopefully within the next week I can get things back to normal and blogging regularly. Hopefully yall are doing great.

November Goals

Work on my work schedule
Save more $$ (actual goal for 2009 savings almost complete)
Don't Box Us In Photo Shoot
One on One with Jamie Delaine
Alan Jackson concert
Winter Photography Seminar
American Cancer Society Relay For Life Kick Off Party
Christmas card list
Graduation Stuff
Christmas shopping
Holiday plans

My Husband is Perfect....FOR ME!

2009-10-19T11:48:00.001-05:00

Wow, it seems like we've been together for life. It turns out that for most of our lives we have known each other (he says he doesn't remember) and for the most part, we've been together.
We're those high school sweethearts that worked out. We are that couple that was really meant to be together.

Our story...
While at 4-H Camp (one of the coolest places on earth), we met but we were just there hanging around each other. (We were in 4th and 5th grade). Then in high school, I thought he was just the cutest thing ever...I still do! We went to homecoming together when I was a freshman and we've been together ever since.

This is our homecoming picture. I think it's gross. Look at those braces, my BIG CHEESE smile, and my ugly shoes. Also...look at J's gross belt.

Then as seniors...we went in the Boogie Bus to prom. It was fun and hilarious! I think I was looking good, but J looks like a dork!

Then...This happened. THE NAVY.

He was stationed in Chicago first...

Then San Diego...

Then we got engaged..

Then Married...

Then he was stationed in Japan...

Now we have a house...
That has been through a hurricane (Gustav) right after we moved in...Then it snowed last December. (Yep, the shutters were still missing) but we have new ones now!
We have a dog... DAISY! She is so cute. J gave her to be for my birthday a long time ago. She is perfect!

Now...we've been together for 8 years. Actually, it's been 8 years last weekend since we started dating. And I can honestly say that I wouldn't change much. Maybe a few little things but he is perfect (minus the temper sometimes and his lack of patience...he's working on them.) He is perfect for me.
I know that I am truly blessed and can tell that God put us together for reasons. Reasons that I couldn't understand before and reasons that I have yet to find out. He makes me a better person.

Weekend...(Part 2)

2009-10-12T14:15:00.001-05:00

These photos are just funny. She is hilarious and she kept both J and I on our toes all day!

Wow...The Weekend (Part 1=Saturday)

2009-10-12T13:47:00.001-05:00

WARNING: So many pictures to come!

We went tailgating ALL day on Saturday, watched the game at our house, and then we went to visit our niece on Sunday!

This is my friend Haley, her dog Sage, and her CUTE niece Jolie.

Then our friends Chris and Amanda...

Some played flip cup and others just drank straight from the bottle...

Then there is Stevie. As in Stevie Wonder...he is bling, dressed as a hot dog and eating all the grass he can find!

We ate A LOT! Chris and James cooked a gumbo and it was delicious.

We sprayed silly string on some Florida Fans!

And then I had to enjoy my friends' baby...Isabella!

We watched the game...the BAD game. :o( Then we all crashed!

October Goals

2009-10-08T17:35:00.001-05:00

Well since it's already 1 week into October, I should lay these goals out for myself.

Run 4 times a week
Drink more water
Cook at least 3 nights a week.

Tuesdays are late nights at work
2 nights are left overs
1 night of eating out/date night

Have a fun date night with J once a week
Save more money
Read 2 books
Book 3 1 photo shoots for this month
Book at least 1 wedding
Spend the day with Mom
Organize office
Donate all older clothes
Make curtains for laundry room
Relay For Life training and website stuff

I'm starting off with nothing TOO major, because the month is already filling up.

Girls' Weekend

2009-10-06T07:41:00.001-05:00

Wow, it was a girls weekend. I got to Alabama early by myself so I could have time to see my family without the stress of everyone being around. My aunt put me to work which was fine and then on Friday my mom, godmother, mother-in-law, and aunt (MIL's friend....we call aunt) all showed up. WOW! They wanted to shop and shop we did. The weather was great until Sunday morning when I wanted to get into the water. I was there the whole weekend and only got on the pier. Now it just gives me another excuse to go back soon!

I did get to see everyone but not for long enough which is another reason to go back.

Now...I should be studying for my Religions of the World test that I didn't study for all weekend. Why do they make tests the day after fall break?!?

Pictures to come!

She is So Happy

2009-09-30T23:21:00.001-05:00

She looks old in these pictures. She is only 6 1/2 though. My scruffy little golden. My running partner, my friend, my foot rest, and the one who always listens when I talk.

I enjoyed taking these pictures of her today. She was feeling great in the cool weather so she wanted to play more than pose.

Fall Break + Hunting Season = Girls' Weekend

2009-09-30T22:42:00.001-05:00

Well it's my fall break from school and work and opening weekend of hunting season which means I won't see or probably hear from my husband very much this weekend. Mom and I decided that we would go to Gulf Shores to see our family. Then it turned into a girls weekend. I get to leave before them but Mom, my Nanny, my mother-in-law, and aunt are all coming also. So we will see how this will go.

I am so excited to visit with my aunt and help with a charity event. I'm also very excited to hang out with these wonderful, fun, beautiful girls!

I just can't wait! I missed B's birthday last month...which sucks. Makes me feel bad because I hate missing family events much less my younger cousins birthday.

Now, my problem....I haven't packed! I am about to write a list of all the things that need to be put into my car. However, today I did manage to clean out my car, the fridge, and do laundry today!

I Miss Her Already...

2009-09-24T00:07:00.001-05:00

So we were gone for the weekend and when we came back on Monday Sassy was open-mouth breathing. This isn't good. She's my 16 year old cat that I really don't know life without. I watched her for a few minutes trying to recall what I know about veterinary medicine. I decided to bring her up to work. We tapped her chest and got 50mls of fluid off of one side and 60mls off of the other. I gave her some oxygen and she seemed better; at least a lot more comfortable.

I brought her to work with me yesterday to do blood work and radiographs to see what was going on. We ended up pulling another 110mls off of one side of her chest. The other was empty. She stayed in the oxygen cage to keep her calm and comfortable while I was at work.
The results were in....
It's amazing that she was alive and living this long. She looked so much better than she probably should have. She had tumors all over her lungs, rib fractures from breathing so hard, and a leak in a lung (could be from fracture or from chest tap).
I brought her home, fed her lots, and loved on her. She seemed a lot better. Today we had a great day. We spent some good time together this morning and then I went to school and lunch. I got home and hung out with her a little more. I went for a run and then ate supper with the hubs and all of a sudden she looked as if she couldn't catch her breath. It was getting worse.

I knew the decision I was going to have to make, I just didn't think that it would be this soon. I called Mom (what I always do) and she gave me the courage to make the decision that I needed. It was time for her even if it wasn't time for me.
Luckily I have great friends that I work with and one called the other to inform them that I was coming up to work to let her rest.
It was sad for me but I know she has had a great life. We've been together for 16 years (I got her in September 1993).
Normally at work we make clay paws for owners. I didn't want my paw to be from after she was gone so they made it before.

In all this, J has been great. He loved the cat and hated the litter box but he understood that I was upset and how hard the decision was. I was really worried about not being able to make the decision at the right time. I just wanted her to be ok. I can't believe she's gone. Tomorrow I am going to Mom's to bury her there. I know we won't be in this house forever and I don't want to leave her behind.

I'm glad I took some pictures of her last night... (even if she looks old)

This picture is from this summer. Looking back, I see that she has lost weight and stuff. She was normal until Sunday.

I'm writing in hopes that this will help me deal with all of this. I'm not sure if it is. I want to snuggle with her. It feels empty around our house already.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Cards

2009-09-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

Hmmm...Normally we do the same thing for Thanksgiving. Turkey day with his family and the Friday with mine. Now, maybe we can have T-Day here? Yeah right, but some sort of Thanksgiving celebration might be nice. If not, I think we're going to have Christmas here.

These invites are so cute!

Cute Invitations

2009-09-14T12:32:00.001-05:00

I'm searching for Christmas cards and saw this cute Halloween invitations. Too bad we're not having a Halloween party because they are so cute!!!

ACORN?!? For Real?

2009-09-13T23:20:00.001-05:00

Not many news channels showed this video this weekend, but this did happen!
OMG! I can't believe that someone would do this!

It's funny in some ways but very sad in others. I can't believe our country is coming to this!

More Bags! {I'll Never Decide}

2009-09-09T12:17:00.001-05:00

This bag come in the blue shown, green, brown, and orange. Of course I love the green color. I'm really liking this one because it seems to have more room for everything!

Hmm...too many decisions!

Then there is this bag from Target which I love love love but can't see the inside.

Then this is on sale...(And it's Navy!!!!)

Cute Target Chairs

2009-09-09T10:25:00.001-05:00

OMG! I am in LOVE with these chairs. We already have have a similar chair in the living room in brown and cream but these are so fun! They would be a great photo prop or some fun office chairs!!!

Of course these 2 are my favorites! I'm so going to be stalking these chairs until they go on sale!!!

Why Do You Pray?

2009-09-08T19:22:00.001-05:00

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. ~ Psalm 17:6

Do you know why you pray? Do you pray because you need to? Because you have to? Or just because?
Do you consider talking to yourself, praying? Are you talking to yourself or are you talking to God?

Wow, today I have so much to ask. In my opinion, I pray because I can. Yes, at times I definitely pray harder than others but for the most part I pray because I believe I should. I've said before that I receive a daily bible verse and today I was emailed the one above. I do pray with hopes that God will answer in the way that I want but I do know that sometimes the answers are the ones He thinks/knows are correct.

Isn't crazy? That He knows what is just right for each and every one of us? Sometimes the bigger concept with me thinking about God surprises me. I'm sometimes lost in the concept but it doesn't matter because it is amazing!!! He is!

Always remember to pray because you can and should not just because you need something! God will provide for us what we need and what is right!

God Bless you and your family; have a great night!

Laptop Bag?

2009-09-08T19:09:00.001-05:00

Hmm...I've been looking for a new one. The handles on my old one broke plus I wanted something a little more professional but still young and stylish.

The search continues to go on but I am narrowing it down!

1. Contour™ Balance Notebook Case

This one is nice. Looks professional and can hold a lot of stuff. Small pockets for cell, ipod, pens, etc. (As you can see...I know, I know...you're not blind!)

2. The Hipslip

This one is a sleeve and bag all in one. You can change the outsides and they go with the ShootSac lens bag. Look at the covers!!! Aren't the so cute?!?
Then look at the lens bag....

I really love this orange flower print one!!!

Which one do you like better?

I Heart Gray too!!

2009-09-07T19:57:00.001-05:00

I know that gray is sometimes thought of as boring but look at these!
{Forever 21}

{Forever 21}
This is my favorite! It is so cute!

Then...I also love these colors....{Anthropologie!}

Finally Friday

2009-09-04T09:04:00.001-05:00

Well I was debating about talking about relationship trials, etc but then I don't want a response like Jenna from ThatWifeBlog got when she talked about her relationship {HERE}.

Last night J and I got in an argument. In my opinion, it was a stupid one. I don't know if all men are like this, obviously not, but when he has a problem he doesn't really say anything until he gets mad and then he is mad about too many things at once. Of course, then my feelings get hurt.

It's not a huge deal and it will all be over and we will be so happy and in love again. Why do all the blogs I read seem to be people that are always happy with their husbands. Is that real?!?

{Us happy on vacation..}

{Hmm...aggravated about something going on in our lives!}

I was just wondering how often you and your spouse argue? Is it about meaningless stuff or do you have fights about real stuff?
Are we the only ones?

Graduation Announcements?!?

2009-09-02T16:49:00.001-05:00

So I'm graduating...finally! But it's just my bachelor right now so I'm not walking and stuff like that. I just want to send some sort of card to the important people in my life.

These are some that I like. What do you think?!?

Grace In Small Stuff

2009-09-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

So today I was catching up on blog reading (we went to the inlaws this weekend), and while I was reading I checked on Meredith's blog. I'm going to copy her great idea of Grace in Small Stuff and I agree that Monday is a great day to be thankful but since it's Tuesday...

So on this Tuesday morning I'm thankful for...

My husband. Yes, we can argue and sometimes have little petty fights but no matter what, we are in it for the long haul and for all the right reasons! He is my rock, my therapist, my partner, my better half. (Better...hmm...maybe just my other have..Just joking!)
My parents. They are the poster-people for me! I believe that they are in love and so happy. They just celebrated their 25th anniversary! They have beaten the odds, survived hard times, and triumphed very successfully!
My car brakes. Sunday night I went to Target and my car made a horrible noise. J told me to be careful on the way home. 5 minutes after I was home..he was under the car, tires off, flash light shining and the words...."You need new break pads!" I was sad because I had to take the truck yesterday which doesn't mean much just that I can't fit into tiny parking spots! Anyway, the car is good to go now! Yay!
Education. Thought I don't enjoy getting up and going to school all the time, I do enjoy learning knew things. I am taking a religion class and I really like it!
Chicken breasts...they are just so delicious!

More next week!

A Bad Blogger...

2009-08-27T18:29:00.001-05:00

That's me! I haven't been blogging like I should have. A lot has been going on. With me starting back to school, having to cut back on hours at work because of school, trying to do more photography, and determined to be the best wife I can be!

Here's a little of what's been going on...

Enjoying the city....(at least the skyline)

We decided to go home last weekend and we took the long way home. We stopped by the camp and enjoyed this nice sunset along the levee road.
Then I went to the zoo with these people....Mom, Carly (the sis-in-law) and Brennan (nephew)
I got to play around with my shutter speed!

He had a tigers blood snowball.

Then we decided to have a feast!!

That was last weekend. More stuff to come! I'm also getting pictures together to have a house section!

Spoke Too Soon...

2009-08-27T15:00:00.001-05:00

Well I previously stated that J got a job offer. Well he did and we ended up turning it down because of the drive. It wasn't worth it. There is still another offer on the table and we're hoping that goes through but we do still know that God is Great and we're praying that everything works out.
Thank you for your prayers and comments. They are all appreciated!

God Is Great!

2009-08-21T10:19:00.001-05:00

I have been praying! We have been praying...just a little more than normal. J found a new job, turned his 2 weeks notice in at the old one, started the new one and found that he HATED it. He got a quick job that has been working out for the past few weeks. Today he called me and said he was offered a job! A great job with great pay, insurance, benefits, schooling, BUT....it is a little further that he would like to drive.

Tonight we're going to talk about everything and weigh the options. It seems ok though. Hopefully this will work for a while!

Thank you God for giving us this blessing and chance to better our lives and ourselves!

Cleaning Supplies I Can't Live Without

2009-08-19T00:44:00.001-05:00

Swiffer and I are best friends FOREVER! I use the duster, the swiffer sweeper, and the swiffer wet jet. I have the extender duster so I do the ceiling fans, top of the tv, picture frames, etc at least twice a week!!!

I use the swiffer sweeper to keep up with the cat hair, my hair, dust, dirt, etc a few times a week.

I use the swiffer wet jet! It's awesome! I love cleaning the floor with it!

Then comes the Clorox Wipes....I clean up everything with them. I love knowing that the kitchen and bathroom are de-germed (is that a word? Oh well...it is now)

Plus....FEBREZE!
I love love love febreze! It's my real secret!

Living Thanks

2009-08-19T00:24:00.001-05:00

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.
~ John 8:12

What a promise! He is amazing.
We each have a path, a mission, a success story. It is through Him and with Him that we are able to discover and complete the things He has chosen for us. We just have to remember to seek Him and His path. He promises to light our way.

We so often think about what we want to do and not what He wants us to do. What we are supposed to be doing to better ourselves, others, and spread THE WORD. I know that there are times were I don't think about Him 24/7 and I should. I know that I should be trying to please Him in everything that I do but sometimes it is hard.

Does your daily life please Him? I'm trying to better myself and my life to bring praise to God. I am thankful for everything that I've been blessed with.

Do you live life being thankful and appreciative of the things that He has given you?

He has given me a body...so now I'm trying more and more to take care of it. I'm running, eating better, sleeping more, and trying to stress less. I want this body to make it far in this life. I want my body to be a shining temple of the Lord.
He has given me a husband...so I pray that each day our relationship will grow stronger and closer to God and each other. We've been married for 3 years and have been through a lot. I have faith that God is the reason that we are together, made it through our struggles, and will continue growing together in life, love, and faith.
He has given me wonderful parents...Growing up, I remember thinking about times when they didn't understand me or let me do things that I wanted. Now I am thankful for everything they did...the good and bad. They have allowed be to grow into the woman that I am and have supported me through it all.
The family that I was placed into is remarkable. Times get tough and we've grown apart and then closer. The truth is...we are family. Not only in the Church but through blood and we always have each other.
Friends...not the fair-weathered ones but the true friends that are always there. I've been blessed to know that these are the best friends and extended family that I could have.
Knowledge, talent, and drive to be more Christ-like and find my path.
Openness, ability to listen, communication...sometimes hinder me but overall I'm glad I have great social skills and enjoy meeting people.

I could honestly go on for days about the things that I'm thankful for. I am so blessed! I praise God for the prayers that have been answered and the ones that haven't. It truly seems like things happen for a reason.

His light is leading me and I am learning to follow!

Do You Like Tomatoes?

2009-08-17T18:02:00.001-05:00

I don't but my husband does. He loves them.

So now that we have both a large tomato plant and a cherry tomato plant in our back yard I can make tomato salad for him.

Ingredients:
Tomatoes
Feta Crumbles (or the chunk and crumble yourself...it's cheaper!)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Balsamic Vinegar

I can't tell you the measurements of the ingredients because it's mix to your liking!

Cut cherry tomatoes in half and larger tomatoes into small chunks of your liking.
Add feta crumbles and shredded cheese!
Mix!
Add the balsamic vinegar until you get to your liking! (It look like salad dressing when I make this)
Mix.

It is easy to put in a container and shake. Store in the fridge. J eats it out of the container whenever he wants it.

It looks bad and smells worse!
But everyone else loves it!

Another Day

2009-08-13T09:05:00.001-05:00

Another dollar? Yeah right. Well I guess I'm going to make some dollars while I head to work shortly. I've been working this 11am-9pm shift and I'm kind of tired of it. It's nice to be able to sleep a little later but I barely get to see J and I don't get to enjoy my afternoons.

I guess I shouldn't complain....I have a job!

I have a To-Do list somewhere in this house. And I haven't checked many things off of it today. I would enjoy a nap before work also since I got up very early. I did however go for a run and I'm glad I did. Now to shower....only 1.3 miles but the sweat was POURING off of me. It was pretty gross. I'm sure my neighbors appreciated me coming inside of my house.

I'm pretty excited for this weekend though. The American Cancer Society in our area is having an event/fundraiser. Jamaica Me Crazy! I'm a volunteer and trying to get more involved since cancer has touched my life (Mom had cancer a few years back, but is fine now plus a friend of mine is fighting it also!). Well I volunteered my time and services and I'm also going to be photographing the event. I'm pretty excited and kind of nervous!

Anyway, time for me to quick rambling on and get ready for work!

A Family Affair Afternoon

2009-08-13T08:36:00.000-05:00

It started by them waiting around until it got cooler before going to the archery range. (J sitting on the couch trying to nap)

J didn't spend too much time shooting his bow as something broke on it. (He was very happy at this point of the day!)

Then I decided to snap some shots of my brother. He stays at the house a few nights a week while he is working in our area.

Then of course...J and my shadows!!!
And some more of my honey. He is normally not happy about me taking pictures of him but lately he hasn't been too upset.

Just another random day in our life!

His House

2009-08-13T07:37:00.001-05:00

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
~ Psalm 23:6

This was my daily Bible verse and I think it's a good one. God will always love me (and you!) and then I can live in His house forever. That is a beautiful and wonderful promise.

A Fun Day

2009-08-12T21:45:00.001-05:00

So of course the day I get my camera I have to test it out..EVERYWHERE!

So while we were going to New Orleans to the airport to pick up my in-laws and niece from vacation I decided to capture a few (well more than a few) pictures.

This was the sky...I just thought the clouds were cool/crazy looking.

We crossed the bridges!
And then we made it to the airport.

J had the idea to take some pictures from the top of the parking garage. I'm glad we did!

Yes this is J...he thinks he is on ANTM!

Then we waited (we were a little early) and it was so cold in the airport so we sat outside.....in some wheelchairs!!!

Then they arrived...(horrible focus) but they were running towards us almost.

And I love our niece! She is hilarious!!!!!!

It's Finally Here!

2009-08-12T12:34:00.001-05:00

This baby is now MINE! I'm so excited. I'm learning it quickly because I've got a shoot Saturday night. I love love love the camera! I know it's not the camera that takes the pictures, It's ME, but this camera has a nice outcome quality.

The Perfect Tailgating Dress!

2009-08-11T12:24:00.001-05:00

Wow...it's almost football season. And of course LSU colors are purple and gold. How puuuurrrfect is this for tiger tailgating?!?

This would be cute around Death Valley.

Out For Delivery!

2009-08-11T07:12:00.001-05:00

In checking my emails last night I saw that my package was on its way. I had upgraded my shipping since it was only a few dollars more. J told me last night that it couldn't be here today! I'm so excited because my package is now "out for delivery"!!!!!!!!!! Now I just have to stalk the UPS man. Sometimes the deliveries come early sometimes they are late! I just want to make sure that I'm here because it requires me to sign! I'm nervous and excited, etc!

I'll show you later what is in the package!!!

The Key To Life

2009-08-11T06:46:00.001-05:00

You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life…
~ Deuteronomy 30:20

Wow...This was my scripture for the day and I'm so glad that I got to read it this morning. The key to life? Something I think we've all been searching for. I actually think that I knew that this was my key to life (or at least one worth living).
God is so trusting with us. He trusts us to have faith and trust him with versus like this one. This key to life thing sounds so easy....if only.

Some Etsy Finds

2009-08-09T09:02:00.001-05:00

So while browsing on Etsy I've come across these few things that I really like. I love vintage kitchen things. Reminds me of my great grandmother's house!

I also love yellow and I love Pyrex Bowls....(I don't love the price :o( )

Wow...our kitchen is yellow and green and I also love these canisters!

These aren't my fav but they are retro pyrex bowls...who doesn't love pyrex?!?

Balloon Festival

2009-08-08T23:48:00.001-05:00

Wow. I'm amazed. After a little arguing (that always happens whenever we are getting ready and I'm taking to long) we arrived. J carried our chairs and I carried the tripod and my camera bag. I only used one lens. My 28-70mm f2.8-4.0. I'm really glad I brought my tripod because I wouldn't have gotten the shots that I got!
We watched the balloons "glow" and "twinkle" in groups. Some were brighter than others and some more colorful. The ReMax balloon stood out since the words were written in large letters across it but we still had a great time!

After the balloon glow, the Army had skydivers jump out of an airplane. In the DARK!!! The only shot I got looks like something NASA would have captured years ago!

It's bad and they were moving too fast! But it was really cool.

After they landed and cleared away...........the fireworks began!

What's For Dinner?

2009-08-08T16:31:00.001-05:00

So I've been trying to cook more for us and so far it's been working well. Sometimes we do something fast depending on who's working until what time or what is going on.

This is our tacos from Thursday night. Friday night...I ate at work (end of block for the vet students so they have parties and we get all the food too!!!)
Tonight? Hmm...I don't know what is on the menu because I'm not feeling totally great but better than last night.

How Does He Know?

2009-08-08T06:05:00.001-05:00

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ~1 Peter 5:6 NLT
The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. ~Lamentations 3:25 NLT
…For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it. ~Habakkuk 1:5 NLT

I have been praying for understanding. It is hard for most to sit back and wait for something to happen, not knowing the plans. Well that's how God is! It's a secret! One that He wants to share with each of us.
There is a plan for me! I just have to continue to seek His plan. It's again amazing how my daily versus can be so on target to my needs for strengthening my faith. I enjoy this tidbits out of the great book and I'm glad that they seem to fit into my life perfectly!

Do You Have Pictures with Your FRIENDS?

2009-08-07T21:21:00.001-05:00

So Jenna Cole is a great woman, wife, and photographer (plus daughter, sister, friend, etc). If you dont believe me check out ThatWifeBlog or JennaColePhotography.

Today on her Photography blog she wrote about a shoot featuring a bride and her bridesmaids. This is something I wish I personally had. These ladies have great shots with their friends at a special point in their lives! You can check it out...HERE.

She's very inspiring and pretty funny. I enjoy reading her blogs and learning from her also! {Yeah, I know...I sound like a stalker but check her out!!!}

The picture below is a shot from the shoot that I'm referring too!

Blackberry

2009-08-07T07:23:00.001-05:00

So this is my phone. It's great and I really like it...for what I use it for. I use it for obviously a phone, for texting, the camera, and sometimes when I remember the calendar.
I chose not to add the media package before but am now looking into it. It's an additional $30/month so being the tight person that I am with money I am going to make sure that we can more than afford it.
I'm determined to sit down and make a budget for family and I really want to add this in!!! Hopefully with my photography business kicking in I'll really be able to add this into our budget!!!

Grocery Shopping

2009-08-06T15:57:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I walk around and question a lot of things. I question why and how. Don't get me wrong...I don't get dressed up by any means to go to run errands but do some people just honestly NOT care or do they get dressed in the dark or not have mirrors?!?
Hmm....the things people do.

Parking your buggy on one side of the aisle while you stand on the other...isn't this wrong? You are taking up ALL the room! I understand if you say Sorry and move but to stand there and expect me to wait?!? What makes your time worth more than mine?

Sorry.....just venting a lot!

Behind Me...

2009-08-06T12:14:00.001-05:00

So we no longer live in the "country" and we both miss it. We are in no way city people. We went "home" the day and I finally uploaded some pictures from when we were there. This is leaving my parents' house and I decided to take a picture of the sunset in the rearview mirror.
We were leaving home, our parents, and Avoyelles Parish. We were returning to the city. The sun was leaving us. But God was giving us the gift of rest with a small night light of the moon! His creation is so great!
Wow!

Showing the Hall Bathroom

2009-08-06T12:01:00.001-05:00

Our hall bathroom was plain and off white so I got a plan. I fell in love with a shower curtain so I wanted the bathroom to match.
After this amount of tape...

We so far have these stripes on the walls! It's not 100% done but it's coming together and I love love love the way it turned out!

New Website

2009-08-05T22:19:00.001-05:00

Well its really a little older but I redid a lot of it and added a lot more pictures. THE WEBSITE. {please check it out and leave me a comment or email me some feedback! Thanks} Now I'm looking for more photos to add. I have more weddings booked but for 2010. I'm excited to have a few engagement sessions lined up for the next month.

Plus a MAJOR event for myself....

I started volunteering with the American Cancer Society. There is an event during August as a cocktail party to raise money and awareness. The event is Jamaica Me Crazy and yours truly gets to take the pictures!! The pictures might even end up in City Social Magazine. It's a local magazine with events, weddings, and stuff happening in our area. I'm nervous, but in a good way!!

Puppy Sitting

2009-08-05T11:34:00.001-05:00

While my In-Laws and Niece are on vacation we (meaning mostly me besides J playing with her) are pet sitting the puppy!
Meet Foxy!
She is a Australian Terrier and she is such a cutie. She has a great personality BUT she sometimes poops on the floor. Luckily she is little and I know she is just a puppy but small poop or not it is still poop on our floor.

She is funny too! She does this arm crawl {pictured above} and she pulls herself forward with her front paws! It's hilarious!

She is very happy and another good thing is that taking her outside to use the bathroom and run for a minute wears her out! She is a great napper and she likes to snuggle!

While I was doing laundry, I saw this. I decided to grab my camera. This is about all that J has accomplished in 2 days. He loves this puppy and I think is going to have a hard time letting her go back home! She was asleep but I think the flash woke her. Together they have been enjoying Shark Week!

Movie Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009-08-05T07:21:00.001-05:00

Personally I LOVED the movie! J and I watched it the other day and it's funny! I want to read the book now!!

HE is emailing ME

2009-08-05T06:33:00.001-05:00

The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.
~ Lamentations 3:25

Wow! I'm so excited that this was emailed to me this morning. I had it set up for KLove to email me daily with a great Bible verse. Lately, I think God is directly e-mailing me. Is that possible? God@Heaven.com?!? I'm not sure but it seems like He is talking to me. BUT...this is a mass email sent to millions of people daily, how could HE be talking to ME?

This is a picture from a while back in our back yard (the fence looks horrible but it's better now!)

Rainbows...another way God talks to us. He always reminds us that there won't be another flood. But He talks to us daily by showing us how great He is because we see the creation every day. I truly am amazed at how the beautiful things around me look daily. He is a great God!

So...the verse says to search for Him. My mom {who is a wonderful wonderful blessing to me} always has told me to search for Him. But in the searching, she reminds me to "SEEK THE FACE BEFORE THE HAND!"

As a kid I didn't always get the meaning of this. Now I understand that it means to truly search for Jesus Christ and not what He can do for me. I want to seek His face but do find myself sometimes in search for things that might be considered seeking the hand. I am really trying to seek His face and His kingdom!!!

Good Morning and Have a Great Day!

Great Day Shopping

2009-08-04T21:54:00.001-05:00

Today was a friends birthday. So a bunch of us got together for lunch and of course shopping. We decided to go into this new store...Charming Charlie. The store was awesome! I did finally get a small across the body/over the shoulder bag in Yellow...of course! It's going to be great for shopping days, days where I'm also carrying my camera bag or game days.
I also found a great cake platter to go on the table. {Picture to come}

Meetings tomorrow. Now for bed!!!

Another Day Gone...

2009-08-04T01:16:00.001-05:00

And I feel like I didn't get very much accomplished.

I worked over night on Saturday got off in the am on Sunday. Slept 3 hours and then got up to hang out with my niece and in-laws. Slept a few hours last night, drove them to the airport at 4am, drove home, slept for a few hours, then went to work for almost 11 hours.
What's the common factor?

Slept for a few hours....

I plan on going to sleep in a moment and sleeping for a while!

This is my niece on Pappy's shoulders at the zoo.
This is the silly look I get when I pick up my camera.
She loves her Uncle J!!! And boy does he love her.

Tonight she called me to tell me they made it to their cabin. But the message was..."Aunt Lacey, It's me! I was calling to check on Foxy. Please give her a kiss for me! Thanks! Love you!"

Foxy is her little puppy that Uncle J and I are watching while she's on vacation. Uncle J is loving this dog and just lays around and lets it sleeps on him. He has gotten nothing accomplished the last 2 days because of her! {Pictures tomorrow}

Well I need to go to sleep and get those hours. Tomorrow is lunch with the girls and pictures to be taken!!

Just Knowing...

2009-08-03T07:12:00.001-05:00

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love!

I'm so happy to know that I truly feel and understand these words! Lately things have been a little crazy but we agreed that through thick and thin we would work it out and be strong in our love and faith.

Today...(I will be so tired)

2009-08-01T07:02:00.001-05:00

So I couldn't sleep last night so I stayed awake making my photography website better...Check it out HERE.
Now I'm awake (after pushing snooze on my alarm 4 times) and waiting on my mom, mother-in-law, and aunt to get to my house to pick me up. We're all going to New Orleans today for Market.

Do you know what Market is? Well it's a bunch of vendors that get together and sell their products for discounted deals. I haven't been before but I am so excited to go!!!

Then after an all day shipping affair...I must come home sleep for as long as I can and then go to work tonight! I don't think it will be bad as I will be working with my friends tonight but still. I will be tired come morning. Then when I get home J will probably not want me to sleep all day and I'll be ever more tired.

But let's see...I'm going to look at this with a glass half full (or even 3/4 full). I'm blessed enough to be able to go to spend the day with these ladies. I'm blessed that they are in my life. I'm am blessed to have a job that I can enjoy and that supplies us with money, food, and opportunities!

Married Life...

2009-07-31T20:46:00.001-05:00

Is it everything you dreamed of? Honestly...did you think you would argue about little/stupid things? Did you imagine walking into the bathroom while your spouse was going #2? Or when you dreamed of marriage was it just like in all the movies?

I don't know or remember what I really dreamed life would be like as a married woman. Three years after marriage I sit here as J is showering, we had supper while watching tv, and laughing. We don't always do that but every now and then. Most of the time we sit at the bar while talking about our day and our plans for the week or weekend.

I was just thinking about how life changes and sometimes things happen that we didn't plan or in a different way.

What is different about your marriage than that of what you dreamed it would be? Or just your life? Please share!!!

This is us changing. The picture on the left is in 2004 right after J graduating from Boot camp. The one of the right is last Thanksgiving. My hair is shorter, my waist is bigger, and I've learned so much. I've learned about myself, J, my life, our life, and our relationship. I'm thankful for the lessons that I've learned!

How Many Have YOU Read?

2009-07-31T15:48:00.001-05:00

BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up?

1 ~~Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen~~
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 ~~Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte~~
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 ~~To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee~~
6 ~~The Bible~~
7 ~~Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte~~
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 ~~Great Expectations - Charles Dickens~~
Total: 5

11 ~~Little Women - Louisa M Alcott~~
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Helle
14 ~~Complete Works of Shakespeare~~
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
18 ~~Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger~~
19 ~~The Time Traveler’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger~~
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
Total: 4

21 ~~Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell~~
22 ~~The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald~~
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 ~~War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy~~
25 ~~The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams~~
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 ~~Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky~~
28 ~~Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck~~
29 ~~Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll~~
30 ~~The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame~~
Total: 8

31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 ~~David Copperfield - Charles Dickens~~
33 ~~Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis~~
34 ~~Emma-Jane Austen~~
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 ~~The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis~~
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hossein
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 ~~Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne~~
Total: 5

41 ~~Animal Farm - George Orwell~~
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 ~~A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving~~
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 ~~Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery~~
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 ~~Lord of the Flies - William Golding~~
50 ~~Atonement - Ian McEwan~~
Total: 5

51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 ~~Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen~~
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 ~~A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens~~
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Total: 2

61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 ~~Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov~~
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 ~~Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding~~
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 ~~Moby Dick - Herman Melville~~
Total: 3

71 ~~Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens~~
72 ~~Dracula - Bram Stoker~~
73 ~~The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett~~
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 ~~Ulysses - James Joyce~~
76 The Inferno – Dante
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
Total: 4

80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 ~~A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens~~
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 ~~The Color Purple - Alice Walker~~
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 ~~Charlotte’s Web - EB White~~
88 ~~The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom~~
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
Total: 4

91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Ex upery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 ~~The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas~~
98 ~~Hamlet - William Shakespeare~~
99 ~~Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl~~
100 ~~Les Miserables - Victor Hugo~~
Total: 4

Grand Total: 44 out of 100 (more than 6)
Maybe I should start reading more of these!

Determined

2009-07-31T15:37:00.001-05:00

Have you ever stopped to think of all the things you want to accomplish? To accomplish in your life? The year? The month? The week? Or just today? I've always had a mental list of all the items I've wanted to accomplish. And I always continue to add to this list. (Especially the daily list)

Like today...
I had a list to pick up around the house, dust, vacuum, do some laundry and dishes. Then the list turned into all of that PLUS answering phone calls, making phone calls looking for some flowers, cleaning the fridge, cleaning the freezer, sleeping late, cooking, and a few other things.

But tomorrow turned into...going shopping with my mom, mother-in-law, and aunt. I'm sure it will be fun. I'm sure I'll have some interesting photos. And I'm hoping that I have some great items/deals!

Anyway, I'm determined in life! And through God I plan on succeeding somewhere and somehow. I will at least succeed in the path that He has chosen for me. I will either be successful and get into vet school and succeed there or I will be successful in my photography business. Actually I can't say "either" in that sentence because I don't know if those are my only choices. I might do one, both, or something totally different!

I will continue to be determined and do my best at everything that I do. I will continue to work hard and pray hard!

And again, because every post is better with a picture...
The sign bothers me. I believe it should be speed "bump". Hmm...Just makes me wonder!

Another Day and It's FRIDAY!

2009-07-31T11:11:00.001-05:00

I stayed up late last night reading, thinking, praying, and planning the rest of my summer. (Not very much summer left) This morning I'm off from the "day job" so I got to sleep in late....very nice and very needed. I've been clenching my teeth at night and that just isn't good! But my teeth/jaw don't feel bad this morning.
I've been praying a lot and reading my Bible. I'm coping with our life situation in ways that I never thought I could. I didn't think I would be this cool, calm, and collected about everything but I think it all comes through God and our relationship.

In other news...

I've lost more weight. At this point, I'm not totally sure of the number, which is not my point. I just want to be more in shape, thinner, and healthier!! And it's all working. Running, working out, ballet exercises, and watching what I eat (portions mostly)....it's all working!

And because you probably want to see a picture. I took this of my cousin and his (now ex) girlfriend. But you can't really tell. I just think it look magical!

Oh, I forgot...

2009-07-31T00:02:00.001-05:00

NEW HEADER!!!

I also made a new header for my photography blog.

And that's the logo....

I'm working on branding and making everything great!

With HIM

2009-07-30T23:58:00.001-05:00

Wow, things have gotten a little harder around here lately. J had a great job with a great boss. He worked there for over a year but at that job he couldn't go back to school (since the military is paying for it!!). So he got a new job making more $$ and ended on good terms with the old job (the all understood the situation). Well the new job sucked!!!!!! He is so frustrated and has already put in some stuff for a new job.

Ugh! God is testing me. God is testing us! I've been praying and reading my Bible to try to understand and be patient with this lesson/test/trial/life or whatever God is giving us. I'm praying that He will soon show us His plan and path for us!

I've also been given the opportunity to photograph the fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. It's Jamaica Me Crazy! I'm volunteering but this is a great chance and I might get my pictures in City Social Magazine!

And because all posts are better with a picture...here's a little beauty that HE gave to us!

Bad Blogger

2009-07-30T23:31:00.001-05:00

I've been a bad blogger. I've been so busy running around trying to get work schedules and shoot schedules straight that I have put my blogs to the side. Which is wrong...and I'm sorry. I do know that I do have a few readers (they might only be my friends and family). I recently received a Twitter message from Jenna Cole. I had sent her a message asking how her business was so successful so fast. She said it had to do with her blogging and her branding. I'm working hard on branding myself so now I need to work hard on blogging. I know that I like reading blogs that are updated daily and that have less words and more pictures. (Depending on the words). I will admit that I stalk some blogs but it's ok because Jasmine Star led me to her twin sister Bianca Juarez. Bianca is an inspiring young woman who speaks from the heart about her beliefs and her relationship with God. I enjoy listening to her on her blog and reading her posts.

All of these women are inspiring me. Inspiring me to be a better wife, daughter, Christian, business woman, and blogger.
So here's to me promising more blogging and better blogging! And here's to my promise to myself to continue to be better daily!!!

And because every post is better with a picture...

Loving Anthro

2009-07-21T10:04:00.002-05:00

I found the following items on Anthropologie and I'm in love! To purchase them, I need to wait on a sale or win the lotto. Hope you enjoy the beauty also!

Middle of the Night

2009-07-14T01:05:00.001-05:00

Wow, I've been neglecting my blog.
Here's what we've been up too...

House:
1. Painting the hall bathroom.{In progress}--the previous owners didn't take things off the wall to paint so when the ugly towel bar came down we had 2 big red circles on the wall. Solution: Paint horizontal stripes.

2. Shopping for living room curtains. I have yet to find the perfect ones. We've been in our house for a year. It's time.

3. Re-organizing office. I need to get it so I can actually work in there especially since the business is getting more and school will be back in action before long.

Work:
1. The vet school has been so busy. Last week I worked a few hours over because we were so busy.

2. Photography stuff is getting better. I'm learning faster. I have more pictures for sell on etsy.com and in the Court Street Cafe. I'm also pairing with a makeup artist to get some more portfolio work for both of us.

Husband and Family
1. Tonight we went to eat with his parents, grandmother, and niece. That was great!

2. Saturday night we are celebrating our anniversary with 2 other couples. We are all good friends. Texas de Brazil here we come!

3. And I'm running more. I did forget to turn on my workout thing in my shoe so I didn't record my run today!

Pictures to come of everything!!!

Running

2009-07-11T22:16:00.001-05:00

SO I've been jogging for about 2 months. I try to do it everyday or at least 3 times a week. But I was slacking this summer. I got some new shoes...Oh they feel so good.

Some gray and pink Nike Shocks.

Then today I got the Nike+.

I love love love it. This is me....I ran this afternoon and I love this even more.

I'm excited to keep running and see what goals I reach and how far I go!

So We're Home

2009-07-07T10:46:00.001-05:00

Alabama was great. Our family reunion was great. I enjoyed it all.
We left on Thursday and hung out that night at my aunt and uncle's house. We gave birthday presents to my younger cousin. She turned 5 on the 6th.

Isn't she a cutie?

Then Friday we spent the day at my other aunt's house on the river!

After we played on the boat, jetski, and all in the water we decided to play pool.

Here's J playing my uncle. You could have sworn that it was for a championship or something!

Then Saturday we headed to Loxley, AL for our family reunion. It was great to see everyone together! We learned a lot about our family history this year too!

{This is Gram...she was being silly}

{Uncle Allan, Mom, Gram, Aunt Shelley, Uncle Phil}

{Michelle, Emma, Brooke, Phil}

{Two grandparents, twins, and all their families}

Then Saturday night we watched the fireworks and fishes off the pier at the house.

{Horrible picture, but you get it. I didn't have my tripod and the wind was blowing!}

Sunday we came home but not before stopping to take a picture of this great magnolia tree!
My great grandfather planted this tree in 1933 and it was the same exact height as he was 6'6". Now, it's way more than that and it's very pretty!

Vacation....Day One

2009-07-03T23:30:00.001-05:00

Well it's not the vacation I would like to take (*HINT HINT Husband....ALASKAN CRUISE?!?!?) but I love spending the 4th of July with my family. It's a tradition and every year our family reunion is on the Saturday of the 4th weekend!

I look forward to chatting with my family that I don't see as much and I love to see how all the children are growing. Plus, its always a great opportunity for photos! I'm excited because I have my camera and tripod (plus all 5 lens and remote). We will have a family group picture with everyone included! But that's tomorrow....

TODAY....(Pics to come)

My aunt and I got up and ran 2 miles (actually she went for an extra lap so she ran 4). For some reason I just couldn't catch my breath. But my new shoes...AWESOME (post about them soon!)

Then we loaded up and headed to my other aunt's house at the creek. It's really part of the bay but it's a cutoff that they call a creek). We enjoyed a great lunch of hamburgers and ribs then went on countless rides on the boat and waverunner/jetski.

I applied sunscreen (SPF 50) probably a minimum of 5 times and my shoulders are still red. Thank God it's not my legs. That really sucks!

Well that's an update for now. It's 1130pm and it's time for me to go to bed.

Daisy Is Home!

2009-06-29T22:38:00.001-05:00

Yay. It's late, I haven't slept in 2 days, I haven't even eaten anything...probably because it's HOT as HELL here and i've been walking around our neighborhood all day. I really probably lost some weight!

Anyway, she's home!!!!!!!!!!!!

Safe, very dirty, hungry (not anymore), but home!

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!

She's Missing!

2009-06-28T23:39:00.001-05:00

She never leaves the yard. J was in and out all day. I went to put her up for the night and she's GONE! I walked out jogging route, walked the neighborhood, drove around, screamed and called her name, and NOTHING.

I don't know where she is. I'm not exactly sure how long she has been gone either.

WHY!?! Did someone take her? Did someone find her and is just waiting till the morning to call? My number is on her tag on her collar. What is going on?!?

Anyway, please pray that she comes home! I can't sleep or eat. She's my baby and she's not here!

Anniversary Will Be Great!

2009-06-28T14:19:00.001-05:00

So J has something up his sleeve but he wanted to make sure that I got some things that I wanted so this is what I'm getting this week!
I'm curious to see what else he is planning!Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 High Speed Zoom Lens

I love Catching Up

2009-06-27T19:10:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite shows. I missed some episodes during this season so I just gave up on trying to catch up. Now Netflix has gladly sent me disks. I'm on the 3rd disk. I'm really enjoying having no commercials!!!

I'm Dreaming Of Being Here

2009-06-26T20:16:00.001-05:00

Some Places I'm Loving

2009-06-26T20:15:00.001-05:00

All pictures were found on Home Sweet Home

This office is great. Simple, classic, and organized!

Looking for a Rug

2009-06-26T16:16:00.001-05:00

I've been looking for a rug to go under our dining room table. It's not formal and I'm really liking this pattern.

Martha Stewart Solar Garden Crocus Rug (4' Round)

Martha Stewart Bloomery Garden Row Rug (7'9 x 9'9)

Martha Stewart Astronomy Comet Rug (3'9 x 5'9)

Hand-tufted Tarni Rug (2'6 x 7'6)

Outdoor Area Rug (3'11 x 5'6)

Houndstooth Polypropylene Area Rug (5'3 x 7'6)

Hand-tufted Beige Cosmos Wool Rug (2' x 7'6)

My Encouraging Word for Today

2009-06-25T13:38:00.001-05:00

I enjoy getting an email each day that has a meaning full Bible verse in it. The scary part is that most of the time the verse gives me hope and renews my faith. It's nice to think that God knows what I need to hear. It's like a little email straight from Him.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
~ Isaiah 40:29, NLT

Monday Night...

2009-06-24T14:25:00.001-05:00

Was great!

Jen is leaving. Her rotation with us is done. *Tear* We will miss her lots. So we all decided to go to see a movie and have dinner to celebrate and spend some time together away from work.
The movie was funny. We all enjoyed it. Sandra Bullock is so cute and Ryan...well he is just a hottie!!!
La Madeleine was our choice for dinner. Go thing no one was in the restuarant because we were loud! Laughing and talking. It was great! We spent hours there.

Then we had to go home, say good bye. But first off, we took a picture. I look like a blew up! Great. It's the dress though. There were more of us but some had to leave early!

It was a great night!

Spent the Night Here...

2009-06-24T04:31:00.001-05:00

This is not a picture from tonight but this is where I was. Tonight we were too busy to take a picture.

I'm hoping that soon I will have to spend less time here. Since it looks like I'm not getting hired on full time, hopefully my photography business will take off a little faster! Then maybe I can work in the day...like normal people!

Thinking

2009-06-22T14:08:00.001-05:00

Wow, being alone gets me thinking. Thinking about myself , my husband, our relationship, and life! No bad thoughts just thoughts.
Lately, life just hasn't been going as we had "planned". J wants to go to school but the school he chose isn't approved for the GI Bill. Why not? Shouldn't veterans be able to go to any school they damn well please? They protect us...why can't we give back to them?
Vet school isn't coming as fast as we would like. Or as fast as I would like. Finally I'm getting to graduate this semester but I don't want to be in school forever.

We know that there is a plan for us. God has brought us together and brought us this far in life. But still, things are hard.

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made." ~Psalm 145:13

"All things are possible to him who believes." ~Mark 9:23

Mom gave me this small little pocket book called Promises from God. Lately, it's been a life saver!

This is us at J's bootcamp graduation in Sept 2004. We've come a long way and things have changed a lot. But together with God we can conquer everything!

Lots of plans for the week

2009-06-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

So I'm working this weekend but a shift that I can get a lot of stuff done around the house.
First plan...my office. I need to finish it. This is what the desk looks like now....

I want to rearrange the room. So this is now and later I'll post pictures of what I change up!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T18:49:00.001-05:00

Growing up there was always times that we didn't get along. Times I did things to make him mad, times that he did things to make me mad too! Both hardheaded, very opinionated, and we both speak our minds. But I've learned that he only wanted (and still does) the best for me. Since I've gotten married and moved out, I've realized how much more I enjoy Dad. He is the funniest person I've ever meet. Most probably because he speaks freely and without a filter. He might seem hard but he has a HUGE heart and is a great man. My dad has been through so much in his life and it all has only made him stronger, which in turn has made me stronger. Together he and Mom have raised me with a good head on my shoulders. Sorry we didn't get to spend time together today, I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day!

{Above: My Wedding Day: Picture by Azar Kayal}

{Below: Thanksgiving 2008. Dad, Mom, Me, James, Walt (brother), Carly, and Brennan}

It's his birthday!

2009-06-17T15:41:00.001-05:00

I worked all night, slept a little, and picked up some groceries.

I've wrapped J's presents (ryobi battery charger, screwdrivers, new cap, and some fancy extension cord thing).

It's all nicely wrapped and placed on the table waiting for him to come home. I got him some beer and already made some tomato salad...(tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, feta, and mozzarella cheese all mixed together). I'm cooking baked pork chops and some other stuff later!

Now for a little nap!!! And a little picture from our birthdays 2 years ago in Japan!

Almost his Birthday

2009-06-15T13:06:00.001-05:00

So...Wednesday is J's big day. I'm still trying to figure out what to do for him. I'm guessing that I'm going to cook something for him and make a cake for him.

I need to get the rest of his gifts. It sucks because his birthday is soon and then our anniversary is 2 weeks away. So hopefully he will enjoy the things I get him. What he really wanted was a lift kit for his old truck. I couldn't order it so I just told him to get it. I hate that it wasn't a surprise!

Pictures to come!

And because every post is better with a picture...

Colorful!

2009-06-13T22:32:00.001-05:00

I didn't think these were going to be so beautiful. The day was hot and the flowers seemed a little wilted. I continued to click my shutter and I'm so thankful I did. I'm ordering prints to be placed in our bathroom plus to sale in the local restaurant! Remember...all photographs are for sale. Contact for sizes and pricing!

National Cemetery...Wow!

2009-06-13T19:40:00.001-05:00

So instead of dragging J around to take pictures Mom and I went exploring! We drove to St. Francisville, Louisiana and went to some great houses. I've got great shots of flowers but we also stopped at this cemetery. I've always wanted some good shots of the rows and rows of names of all these veterans!!! Thank God they served our country! This one is my favorite.

Baton Rouge

2009-06-12T11:27:00.001-05:00

So I've been wanting to take my tripod out and get some nice night shots of Baton Rouge. If I have to live in this city, I should at least take pretty pictures. So I took the tripod, the camera, and the hubs (it is a river bank) and walked out to the water to get these shots!
So I really like this bridge shot...not because of the boat or anything but the bridge plus the lights of Death Valley!!!!

Men are Babies...

2009-06-10T17:20:00.001-05:00

Well J has been complaining that his nose is running. Things are blooming and we both have allergies so that's what we were blaming it on.

Last night he talked in his sleep about his head hurting and today he called me from work saying that he might come home early.

Well I wasn't going to listen to him complain about being sick so I suggested going to the doctor and to my surprise he agreed.

Sinus infection!!!!

So one doctor visit, one shot, and 2 meds (thanks for some samples!!!)....J is asleep on the couch feeling somewhat better!

Hopefully it gets better fast! I don't want him to feel bad but I also don't want to hear about him feeling bad!

Wow...what a day..

2009-06-09T21:40:00.001-05:00

Sorry no pictures yet.

Hall bathroom...

New shower curtain
Lined drawers and cabinet
New shelf (put together but not hung yet)
Painted the old spot from towel holder (previous owners painted around it and left a BIG RED dot)
Washed new towels and set up bathroom
Donated old towels

Still to do...

Hang shelf
New pictures
Organize counter space
ENJOY!!!

Then...the bad part.
I was looking for something, the shed was locked, I called J and he told me to stand on a bucket to reach something. I stood on a bucket (that was filled with oil) and fell in the bucket. UGH! Then while I was rinsing my leg off, the hose busted.

It was rough!

June Goals

2009-06-08T20:45:00.001-05:00

1. Get curtains for living room (been putting off for about 10 months..now I found them, I just have to get them)
2. Front yard flower beds
3. Paint rocking chairs
4. Organize office (again...but better this time)
5. Photography stuff!
6. Hang photos!
7. Finish all laundry and organize.
8. Donate clothes we don't wear/don't fit in/etc
9. Exercise at least 5 days a week!
10. Cook supper at least 4 days a week!
11. Vacation?!?

Hopefully I can accomplish all this and get to a vacation. I'm also praying that this photography stuff takes off more!

Hilarious!

2009-06-06T19:59:00.001-05:00

www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com

This is pretty funny!

I Want to Know the Plans

2009-06-06T19:56:00.001-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

This is us. Point Loma, California before we were married so I'm guessing this is Spring of 2005.

This is us..June 30, 2006 (almost 3 years ago). We were starting this new and wonderful life.

Years later...Summer 2007 in Japan. Married for a year already and living on opposite sides of the world.

Wow, 2008, new house (minus some shutters...stupid hurricanes).

And this is us now....

Questioning jobs, futures, and plans that we've made. J wants to go back to school and I think he should. He served his time and he should use that part of his contract to get his degree. Plus its in the same field he is already in and then he wants to have his own business one day! That's fine with me. While he is in school he is going to work (he goes for about 4 hours a day to school). So now he is trying to find a job...not so easy right now.

I'm trying to get into vet school. Trying to be a full time employee at the vet school...right now I'm only part time because of school. But I hope that my photography business will take off even more! That would be awesome!

Right now, there is so much uncertainty and I'm not liking it. J is ok, he doesn't worry. I always worry about things. But HE won't give me anything that we can't handle, correct?

{Also..wow, those photos like that show my weight gain....Soon they will show some weight loss though!}

Finally Friday!

2009-06-05T23:10:00.001-05:00

It is finally Friday and I'm off tomorrow. I get to sleep past 530am!! Today the alarm went off at 5am and I think I pressed snooze about 4 times! I've worked my 4 days (10 hr shifts) 4 days in a row. I'm off all day tomorrow but then go to working nights.
Wow, I really wish my photography business would take off. J says I'm not putting myself out there enough!

At the moment, I'm trying to create my own logo. Something that is recognizable. I'm having some trouble.

J likes this...

I kinda like it. But I'd love some feed back!

Now it's time for me to sleep. I did 2 work outs on my Wii Active {I love it}!!!!!!

Wedding Filled Weekend

2009-05-31T23:05:00.001-05:00

So Friday we rushed to the rehearsal (J got off work late). Rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, beer pong with the guys, very little sleep.

Saturday: Pick up cake, help with hall, get ready, take over 350 pictures!

The above is my favorite picture. [I think]

I was so nervous...I was hot, overwhelmed, and nervous! I wanted great shots but wasn't getting them. The lighting was horrible! Everything was an orangish/yellowish color. Honestly, I was in the choir loft trying to get a great shot...(shown below) I was listening to Father talk and I was over whelmed. I had a little meltdown moment because I was afraid my shots weren't great.

I got a ton of shots and on the way to our second wedding J started looking at the camera. He was reassuring me that my shots didn't suck and that they would like them. [What a nice husband, but he does tell me the truth!]

The second wedding was great....more food, more drinks, more dancing...and I wasn't taking pictures! And LOTS of friends!

The groom has an older sister who isn't married yet so she had to dance with a broom. And it was to the swiffer commercial song "Baby Come Back". She was a good sport and it was hilarious!

So we finally drove to my parents' house and CRASHED. This morning we got up to cook dinners at the church and I donated blood! {No wonder I'm so tired}

All this and we got 2 pictures of us...both look HORRIBLE but I'll share anyway...

J just can't take a normal picture and I look like I'm much chunkier than I really am. Oh well...we got out picture at my first wedding shoot! Too bad he had already taken off his tux!

Busy Busy Weekend

2009-05-29T10:36:00.001-05:00

J was supposed to get off today but he had to finish up some things so that wasn't happening. Hopefully he will get off early today so we can get to the rehearsal for his best buds wedding on time. J is in the wedding and I'm taking the photos!

We have 2 weddings to attend on Saturday (one afternoon and one evening). Sunday is a busy day at church. We're having a blood drive and we're having a lunch. I'm helping with the blood drive and J is helping cook.

Wow we're going to be busy. We've had so many weddings this year. I think we only have one more after this weekend. It will be a break for a little while.

Lots of pictures will be posted. I've been slacking on that lately!

Wedding Photographer Clothing...

2009-05-28T16:25:00.001-05:00

These capris with a purple sleeveless blouse with this sweater over it (for in church)...I didn't want to look to revealing or have anything hang out with me moving around.

And the shoes...These but they are black! I'm loving them!!!

I've got some nice silver jewelry to wear also. I'm pretty excited!

Philippians 4:13

2009-05-26T23:03:00.001-05:00

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Mom has always told me a few things...

Seek the face before the hand.

This can be with God or others. You always want to strive to know the person and have the relationship without expecting a handout of any kind.

God won't give you anything you can't handle together.

And this goes to Philippians 4:13. I know it does and it is possible for me to do anything that is in God's plan for me. I can handle horrible situations through prayer and understanding.

She's also told me a lot of other things but right now these are sticking with me.

I want to do the right things. I pray that the people around me find God or strive to have a better relationship with Him. It's there, we just have to work at it a little!

Loving the relaxing

2009-05-25T23:20:00.001-05:00

So I decided to drive over to see some family and I had a good day. Today I shopped with Mom (she's visiting also). I bought some great clothes at the Gap. And some birthday gifts for J. (His birthday and our anniversary are in June).

We had a family get together for supper and that was great. In the morning I'm going to go to the YMCA and work out with my aunt and then spend the day with her and the girls!

Home sometime soon!

It's been a while

2009-05-23T11:48:00.001-05:00

Let's see what's going on...

Photography seminar--Went great! I meet a lot of interesting people and learn amazing stuff.
The day job---is wearing me out! I'm hoping to get off early tonight!
Husband--had a little date night last night which was great. It was a quiet night to the restaurant but I was thinking of how it's been a year since he's been home. He even opened the truck doors for me! It was very nice.
Family--We've been having some trouble on both sides of our families. People making bad decisions and things we all are having to deal with. It's harder for me because I'm very close to my family. Sometimes J can just brush it off but I can't.

Hopefully things get smoother and the summer goes great!

What To Wear?!?

2009-05-16T17:34:00.001-05:00

Well tonight is a grad party for J's younger cousin. I'm still trying to decide what to wear for that.

Tomorrow is day 1 of my photography convention. I'm not sure on what to wear for that. It's only half a day.

I might wear this dress...

Day 2 is a long day! I'm wearing...

Day 3 is also long and I think I'm wearing dark wash jeans
and this shirt.

Saving Money

2009-05-15T09:26:00.001-05:00

Saving money is a lot harder now that J is home and we have a house. Our savings account was rather large before we bought the house but most of it went to down payments, some closing costs, and some work that was needed around the house.

Now, the savings account is smaller but I'm working to make it full of money again.

Trying to save money we've done the following....(OR plan on doing)

Eat out way less
Cook a lot more
Eat leftovers
Buy in bulk (We love Sam's!!!!)
Listed old school books and others online to sell
Wash clothes in cold water
Hang some clothes outside on clothes line
Netflix instead of movies (very good investment)
Garden (we've got eggplants, green onions, cherry tomatoes, large tomatoes, bell peppers, banana peppers, and cucumbers growing)
Finally gotten curtains for our living room (hopefully this will help with heat)
Keeping ceiling fans on
Programmable thermostat
Energy efficient light bulbs
Cash in credit card rewards

Hopefully all these things pay off. Some I know we won't see the pay off for a while. We have gotten our income tax checks back and that was great! We used some of ours on adding some rocks around the patio and some pine straw to our flower beds. But in the long run, that keeps us enjoying our home and not out and about spending money.

Good luck to everyone else saving money!

Can't Read Fast Enough

2009-05-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

James Patterson is my favorite author. I love the Women's Murder Club books that he writes!

My MIL gave me this book for my birthday and I can't put it down. Well for a few minutes at a time I can. I get sucked in quickly. I would recommend all these books to anyone!

Teeth Whitening

2009-05-13T11:47:00.001-05:00

So I tried the Crest Whitestips before and they worked...kinda

I decided that I was going to try them again. So I was cheap and bought the equate ones!

OMG! They are working great. After 2 days, I can already see a big change!

Yay!!!

Getting Fit and Slimming Down

2009-05-13T10:44:00.001-05:00

I'm determined to loose some weight. I hate a new season when you can't fit into something that was your favorite to wear. With school and work, I have gained some weight. Looking at some old pictures the other day made me realize how different I look.
The good thing about summer, is when I'm hot and busy I eat less and drink more.

So my new plan...

Eat smaller portions
NO fast food
Drink more water, lemonade, and tea....less soda
Jogging daily
Use WiiFit for workouts
Use exercise equipment (balance ball, free weights, resistance band)
Ballet stretching

So hopefully in the next few weeks I'll see some results!!!!

A Happy Day!

2009-05-10T11:52:00.000-05:00

So today was not only Mother's Day, but my birthday!

Mom and I decided that we would spend the day together since I was born on Mom's Day a few years back...

We spent the day in Washington, Louisiana at the Old School house Antique Mall....We didn't find anything that we just HAD to have but we did have a great time together!

I sure do have a great mom. Happy Mother's Day!

Finally...

2009-05-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

A hair cut.
I will post a picture later but I'm at mom's now and thank God I got my hair cut. It feels so much better not to mention that it looks better! Fresh and summerish!!!
Yay!