The rest of the story

Seriously. The best.

2012-02-13T21:21:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty sure I have the best family in the world. I got a box in the mail today from momma, Melissa, and the girls... They were so thoughtful! You can see the four handprints in the picture that made up my "hugs" from K and B :) I rarely stop and appreciate everything they are to me. Valentines day is a pretty cheesy excuse for a holiday but it is nice to know I have a love for some that won't go away and that I am loved in the same way. How many other people can say that?!

I also got a picture card from Kristin and her girls... Sweet smiles that make me happy:)

Thanks family. I love you!

Just a slacker

2012-02-07T20:41:00.001-06:00

I've had a lot going on at work so I have been slacking in the blog department. I'm still alive and kicking though. I know you were all worried :)

Hello Mr. Sticky Bun

2012-02-03T20:44:00.001-06:00

Not part of the 25 days of pics. Too good to pass up.

25 Days of Pictures

2012-02-02T21:29:00.001-06:00

I got this idea on pinterest. Today the subject was my hand :)

Tooth Fairy

2012-01-30T22:08:00.001-06:00

Couldn't help but repost melissa's picture of kayden. How can she be old enough to lose teeth?! I couldn't stop looking at her sweet picture today.

Sunset

2012-01-29T20:28:00.001-06:00

I saw the sun setting in my side mirror when I pulled up to church tonight. I love that the days are getting longer!

Mountain Home

2012-01-27T19:30:00.001-06:00

I went to the state Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in Mountain Home this week. I had a great time planning for the year and being reminded of the blessing it is to be a part of Special Olympics. I took this picture on the way out of town.

Scary

2012-01-24T15:00:00.001-06:00

This was in CID today... Little creepy.

Club Meeting

2012-01-23T21:26:00.001-06:00

Still on Monday nights... The meetings haven't changed much since I was in school. Maybe one day I will miss these :)

Pencil Test

2012-01-21T21:53:00.001-06:00

I spent most of today with a friend- we ran errands, picked up some sonic and whoppers, and had some baby prediction fun :) we tried the pencil test on her and me... As I predicted, when over my wrist the pencil stopped and didn't. Move. At all. It made me laugh and actually made me believe it more! We had a lot of fun and I needed that today.

Just me

2012-01-19T19:29:00.001-06:00

Just in case my family has forgotten what I look like :)

Relax

2012-01-18T19:16:00.001-06:00

I had a great workout today - tons of jump ropes and ab mat sit-ups. Now I just want to crash. I will probably do just that after bible study.

Gave blood

2012-01-17T18:40:00.001-06:00

Gave life :)

Soothing

2012-01-14T22:28:00.001-06:00

Aren't the blue lights of a police car soothing...

Forgotten pic

2012-01-13T21:58:00.001-06:00

I forgot this was on my phone... Love how brecken is looking up at kayden. I miss them :)

Plans

2012-01-11T22:37:00.001-06:00

I'm beginning to make plans for a trip to Montana this summer. Pretty excited :)

Owl mousepad

2012-01-10T21:49:00.001-06:00

Thanks Melissa :) love it!

Bible Study Buddies

2012-01-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

I took this on Friday at my friend Allison's store opening... My friends look so cute and put-together! I, on the other hand, had on my fancy SPD t-shirt - and totally look like I had just rolled out of bed. Awesome.

Anyway, I love these girls! We go to bible study on Wednesday nights together, and I have learned so much from them. They make me laugh and sometimes make me cry. I need that every now and then. So glad I have them in my life.

Running

2012-01-07T14:18:00.001-06:00

I'm not a big fan of running... That's another reason I like Crossfit. Most of the running we do- has a 400m or 200m sprint a few times in the middle of the workout. I have heard that it still prepares you to run longer distances. I ran a mile and a half today in 13:14. Pretty sure that is my fastest time. I was tired of running after that but not dying. I'm happy with that :)

New Shoes

2012-01-05T20:05:00.001-06:00

I got these at target. May be my first full-price purchase ever.

Best. Snack.

2012-01-04T21:06:00.001-06:00

Ever.

My CrossFit Journey

2012-01-03T14:30:00.000-06:00

I have been working out for the past 3 and a 1/2 years - mostly running at the track and lifting weights at the local gym. It was fun and challenging but I didn't think I was getting anywhere. Some of my federal LEO friends mentioned CrossFit and how that would get me in the shape I needed to be in for a possible future endeavor. I looked online and found the CF website and started doing scaled down versions of the workouts myself. I started doing those last May I think. I couldn't find a CF gym close enough and all of them were REALLY expensive so I figured I would just have to keep doing it alone. I stumbled upon a CF thread with someone living in Searcy on it and they were working on opening one here. Talk about perfect timing! They held the first couple months' workouts at HU's football field/weightroom. I was different than any workout I had done and EVERY day was different. I started out doing pushups on my knees, jumping pullups, barely lifting the light bar, and almost dying when we ran 400m. They moved to our new Box and had all the equipment we needed.

Our CF has a Monday through Friday schedule but many boxes have a 3 on 1 off schedule. I go every day - the "class" lasts an hour. The workout can be as short at 4 minutes long - and the long ones are about 24 minutes long. Each day is still different and each is more challenging than the one before it. We start out warming up and stretching... a little bit of a workout in itself, especially for an unflexible person :) We then move the the WOD (workout of the day). Everyone does the same workout with variations as to your fitness level. We have just a few people at our box that can do the workouts "as prescribed". Everyone else scales. Yesterday our workout was 3 stations - 8 minutes at each station with a 1 minute break between. Station 1 was 10 deadlifts (I used 45 lb bar), 10 burpees.
Station 2 was 5 pullups (I used a purple band for assistance), 10 pushups, and 15 air squats
Station 3 was 15 calorie row (on rowing machine) and 20 GHD situps.
You just keep doing rounds of the station for 8 minutes then move to the next. I ended up doing
50 deadlifts, 50 burpees, 25 pullups, 40 pushups, 60 air squats, 30 calorie row, 40 GHD situps.

I have noticed a huge difference in my fitness level from what I started at. I can do pullups unassisted (only a few but I'm working up), regular pushups, and I can touch my toes stretching (HUGE Accomplishment!). I also feel really good - my body is toning up. I did my first 5k in one of our WODs - did it averaging under 10 minute miles. The great thing about CF is they use functional movements ... muscles that you use every day and need to do normal things. The different workouts every day keeps it interesting. In six months, I'm not sure that we have done any of the same workouts. There are a few baseline workouts that we do to get a feel for where we are - they are named Angie and Fran and some others that I try to block out of my mind. Our box has tried to keep the rates pretty low so anyone can afford it. It is more expensive but you also have a personal trainer helping you Worth every penny to me. You can see more about our CF at http://www.searcycrossfit.com/ and more about CrossFit in general at www.crossfit.com .

Hope this helps if anyone is trying to decide what to do this new year!

My hand

2012-01-02T18:56:00.001-06:00

In honor of all those pullups I've been doing, I'm posting a picture of my hand. I plan to write a post about CrossFit (just for you Lindsey), but I will have to do it from my work computer... It would take too long to do it from my phone. I went shopping today and got a few fun things. Everything was on clearance though :)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:34:00.000-06:00

These are from Christmas in Georgia.

Can you tell Papa was excited that Santa was coming?!

I changed this to black and white because my face was rashy... but Melis put the full color one on her blog. Thanks :)

I really like this one of Granny and Papa and the girls.

I couldn't make myself do the cheerleader pose. Sorry.

I got some goofier ones of the moms and dads but I like this one for everybody smiling. So blessed to have all these people in my life.

I have had a good 2011 ... I feel kind of demanding asking for another good year. I would gladly take another 2011 - without the rash.

NYE CrossFit Hike

2011-12-31T19:42:00.000-06:00

All of our Searcy CrossFitters were invited to go on a hike today. It was great weather and wonderful to be outside! I like how we are all randomly thrown together with mainly just CF in common ... and that's enough :)

I played wwith my shutter speed with this one .. LOVE it! Next time I will take a tripod though.

A month of pictures

2011-12-30T19:33:00.001-06:00

I think I made it a whole month! It has been a fun project... I might just keep it up :)
I took some pictures for a family that is sweet and dear to my heart. I love each of them and I always look forward to seeing them when I'm home. I have known them since I was born. In fact, there's a story that I was brought home from the hospital to the Strange's house... And rolled off the bed. The details are sketchy since, for some reason, I don't remember that far back. Anyway... Glad I got to take some pics of them!

My Gym

2011-12-29T16:16:00.001-06:00

Searcy CrossFit. This month I did my first pull up. I would say it is working!

Sulfa Allergy

2011-12-28T21:04:00.001-06:00

Apparently I'm allergic to sulfa drugs. This rash covered me! Not fun.

Unique Present

2011-12-27T16:35:00.001-06:00

My sister made me this scrapbook for one of my Christmas presents. Growing up, I "collected" handkerchiefs. One reason was because I'm pretty sure my nose ran all the time. I had many older ladies in my life that happily supplied me with enough hankies to last me a lifetime. Melissa and momma found a box of these in storage somewhere and put them together in this scrapbook. Some were easily recognized (I probably had my favorites). It also reminded me of those ladies at welcome hill c o c - most have passed on and I couldn't tell you which ones were related to me or not since they were all "Aunt". I am really glad I have these memories in one place now.

Little K

2011-12-26T18:45:00.001-06:00

Necklace

2011-12-25T22:19:00.001-06:00

One of my presents today... I love it! I got way more than I deserve... Some surprises and some that I kinda expected (that happens when you are ordered to make a list) :) overall great day! I found out yesterday I have an allergy to some meds I was taking for ear infections. I am just one gigantic red rash. Neat.

So fun!

2011-12-24T21:55:00.001-06:00

Great day and ready for tomorrow!

Beginning

2011-12-23T19:52:00.001-06:00

To look a lot like Christmas! We shopped today and wrapped presents... Love it!

Home

2011-12-22T16:56:00.001-06:00

Nothing like home.

Unedited

2011-12-21T17:17:00.001-06:00

Sunset

Foggy dreary night

2011-12-20T17:58:00.001-06:00

Through the screen at my apartment.

Yesterday

2011-12-20T11:57:00.001-06:00

I missed a day to post... I put these on Facebook and just forgot to put them on here. This is a genuine sweet smile :) love her.

Quick Visit

2011-12-18T20:27:00.001-06:00

Melissa and the girls stopped by for a short visit and I really enjoyed it. I found a tree on sale Saturday so I brought it home and made it our project. The girls picked out the ornaments and helped decorate it. I made dinner last night and it wasn't too bad. We walked around at Hu looking at the lights and then got froyo :)

I have cooked three times in the past week... That has to be a record! Thank you pinterest.

Girls are here :)

2011-12-17T20:55:00.001-06:00

Dessert

2011-12-16T18:46:00.001-06:00

I am sitting on my couch eating some of my leftover sopapilla cheesecake. I have cleaned up the apartment some - trying to rest and take it easy. My ears still have fluid in them and I have strep throat. Dr. caught it early so hopefully I will be fine by tomorrow when the girls get here :)

Christmas party!

2011-12-15T21:06:00.001-06:00

We had our bible study Christmas party tonight. We all decided to bring finger foods/ desserts. I brought these kabobs - they were pretty good if I say so myself! I also took sopapilla cheesecake. Got there and 2 other girls made the same thing! There are only ten of us in the group- what are the odds that we bring the same thing?! I have a lot of leftovers :)

On the job front, there is a glimmer of hope for something to happen this year(2012). I am hopeful.

And there's always hope since I won the Justin beiber cd at the Christmas party :)

Presents Ready!

2011-12-14T15:49:00.001-06:00

I don't have a tree so my presents are nestled under my tv with care :)

Had a rough day today... I'm going to have to make some decisions about my future and career that I didn't think I would have to make. It's like someone punched me in the stomach. A job that I really want keeps moving just beyond my reach. This time it moved a long way beyond my reach as far as my ability to wait it out from where I am now. Lots of questions. Not many answers.

Funny Girl

2011-12-13T18:28:00.001-06:00

I miss this kid... And her sister... And my sister. I get to see them this weekend!!

Photo shoot

2011-12-12T18:49:00.001-06:00

I took some pictures for some friends from my wednesday night bible study. Their little boy is SO cute! I couldn't get on the Internet on my laptop so I took pictures of the pictures- that's hopefully the only reason the quality is horrible :) these are two of my favorite.

Big job

2011-12-11T21:55:00.001-06:00

It's a big job that I have... Not at the PD. I'm talking about trying to live up to what Kayden thinks of me :) I framed this and put it up in my apartment. Humbling.

Polar bear plunge

2011-12-10T19:44:00.001-06:00

The annual polar bear plunge was today- raising money for special Olympics Arkansas. I didn't plunge but I helped out with logistics. It's alway fun to watch crazy people endure serious pain by jumping into freezing water. :) I went shopping after it was over and got all of my shopping done! Yay!!

Heavenly Sunlight

2011-12-09T15:52:00.000-06:00

I took this picture with my old camera on my way to my parents' house from town. I kept looking in the rearview mirror thinking about how beautiful the sky was. I finally pulled over and found my camera (in the trunk) and took this. I'm so glad I did.

This was also a reminder to always have a camera with me :)

We had our potluck at work today. I feel like a hippo. I had a horrible day of working out yesterday. I felt weak and completely not ready. I rarely say I shouldn't work out but yesterday... I should NOT have worked out. I should have gone straight to bed. The only thing the workout did was make my day worse by having a bad workout. Lesson learned.

Guess who?

2011-12-08T19:44:00.001-06:00

Our department is having our potluck tomorrow and they are posting baby pics for people to guess who is who. I have been told mine is the easiest to identify. I guess I still look a lot like this :)

Not cotton

2011-12-07T15:36:00.001-06:00

I woke up to a blanket of snow this morning! Very surprising and it made going to work a lot easier.

Christmas Parade

2011-12-07T11:33:00.000-06:00

I went to the Christmas parade - mostly to take pictures for work but I enjoyed it. I always love the blue lights :) - except maybe when they are in my rearview mirror.

It is VERY hard to get my camera to focus when the blue lights are flashing and reflecting off everything. I liked that this caught the person in the coat in focus.

I went with some friends to see the "Living Nativity". It was neat ... great hot chocolate while you wait! This guy was guarding the entrance.

Busy at work

2011-12-06T13:59:00.001-06:00

I took this while we were sitting in CID today. Det. Hays is one of my good buddies... We were all working hard, as you can tell.

Pictures and Pajamas

2011-12-05T18:48:00.001-06:00

Finally got my pictures matted and put up in the bathroom. If nothing else, this photo-a-day thing is making me do some stuff around the apartment I've been meaning to do for a while. The other picture is of my pajamas. I like the pattern.

My present to me

2011-12-04T21:13:00.001-06:00

I bought a Kindle Touch 3G! I've had it for about four days and I. Love. It. It is so much easier to read in bed ... And I have the kindle app on my phone so I can keep up with the same book anywhere I go. Can't wait until our library starts lending ebooks- they said soon!

Riding around

2011-12-03T15:32:00.001-06:00

The Christmas parade is today and I'm riding around with one of the officers on patrol before it starts. Pretty good lazy Saturday :)

Christmas Decorations

2011-12-02T20:16:00.001-06:00

I have my Christmas decorations up... These lights are pretty much it :)

Fruit finally

2011-12-01T14:24:00.001-06:00

I found these fruit pouches in the produce section (actually another brand but you get the point) and didn't realize they were probably marketed more for toddlers. I tried them and really like them! It's now my ten a.m. Snack every day. Now I just wish I could get my protein and veggies in something this cheap and simple :)

Owls

2011-11-30T18:22:00.001-06:00

They are one of my new favorite things! I know they are very trendy right now and I'm usually not trendy so not sure what's up with that. This one is on my bathtub.

Photo A Day?

2011-11-29T13:49:00.001-06:00

I am going to attempt taking (and posting) a photo a day for the next month... And if that works out, maybe for a whole year. Some days will be very boring. I am sure of it. I think it will also be neat to look at after it's over. They will NOT all be pictures of me. I heard that collective sigh of relief :)

Seriously, They are My Favorite

2011-11-24T19:10:00.000-06:00

I got to take some pics of the girls while I was home ... I'm not putting all of them on here because she wants to use them for Christmas cards ... these are just previews :)

I was pleased with how they turned out. After an hour and a half of picture taking, the girls were DONE. It was hard not to laugh at the faces they were making towards the end. You would think they had been tortured. Love these girls and so glad I got to be with them for this holiday. Hopefully, I will post some more pictures from my trip soon!

Georgia Trippin

2011-11-20T13:04:00.001-06:00

Got to Georgia a few days ago... Came early for dad's surgery. It went well thankfully! Here are just a couple of pictures I have taken. I am enjoying time with the family- especially the girls :)

Sisters

2011-11-14T20:41:00.000-06:00

My friend Leslie asked me to take pictures of her girls this fall ... initially, the brother was supposed to be involved but apparently hunting is more important. It's okay though because we had a good time - Riley and Hannah were super easy to take pictures of. Looking at these pictures reminds me of the love I have for my sister. I don't know that there is anything like it :)

Hannah had this pose for every picture - not shy!

Riley is the more easy-going, no stress girl.

I think I have a picture of me and Melis that is similar to this.

I work with Leslie's husband and have gotten to know their kids pretty well - I pick them up sometimes after school. They really are great kids and I enjoy being around their family. BTW, I did take color pics - just chose the black and white for my blog.

Late Night

2011-11-05T20:06:00.001-05:00

I went to the last night of club week last night... It was a sleepover at a camp. The other sponsors and I stayed up all night. We got back to town at about 530 this morning. I would say it reminded me of my college days, but I don't think I EVER stayed up like that :). I am not as young as I used to be! We had a lot of fun though... I haven't laughed that much in a long time.

Ok last one

2011-10-18T14:34:00.000-05:00

Okay this is the end ... I just liked these pictures. Love my girls!

Sarah's Wedding

2011-10-18T14:32:00.000-05:00

I was SO glad to get to be there for my friend Sarah's wedding! Sarah, Katie, and I were pretty much inseperable in High School. KT and I got to have a small part in the wedding and it meant a lot to me. Here is us with our roses.

Sarah and her dad - she was GORGEOUS!!!

Me and Sista!

The three of us :)

Me and Melis again ... I got to spend a lot of time with Melissa this weekend and just loved it. We needed this little catch-up.

I enjoyed the trip home ... glad my dad is feeling better and it was great to see some family and friends that I have been missing. And my Aunt ran over the well. The End :)

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza

2011-10-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

Kayden and Brecken got to decorate their pumpkins ... a little harder than the box explained.

Melissa and I decided to have a carving contest ... see how hard we are concentrating.

The final products! SCARY!

I forgot to post this in the last post but Brecken's favorite present out of everything she got (and she got lots of good stuff) was a small box of goldfish crackers. Note to self: for Christmas, get Brecken a BIG box of goldfish crackers.

Chick-Fil-A Birthday

2011-10-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

How cute are they :)

Avie, Brecken and me at the bday party ... not sure Avie knew who I was but pretty sure she liked me!

The birthday crew

Birthday Girl

2011-10-18T14:18:00.000-05:00

I got to go home for a quick trip - and perfect timing because Brecken's 3rd birthday was Friday and my friend Sarah got married Saturday! First post is about Brecken ... she was so excited about her birthday! We went and got birthday donuts for breakfast and then we took some pictures around VSU.

I only got a few good ones of Brecken because this kid NEVER STOPPED MOVING. She ran non-stop.

Caan you see the joy in this face?!

She had her crown and new shirt on for her birthday party at Chick-Fil-A. She was SO good all day.

I am very glad I got to be there for her birthday. She is growing up fast and is funnier than anybody else I know.

Good Cousins

2011-10-04T21:13:00.001-05:00

Sorry no pictures this time... I just wanted to brag on my cousin a little. I talked to kayden on the phone last night and she told me that she learned to ride her bike! Without training wheels! My cousin Boston apparently went over to the house and got her on two wheels. I don't know that she has ever seen me ride a bike because she went into full detail on how to ride... Beginning with starting with your foot on the pedal that is up:) she ended saying that if you fall off, then you have to get right back on, and if you say you can't, then you won't be able to. Wise words from a 5 year old... She said Boston told her that and I so appreciate him doing that. It might not mean a lot to anyone reading this, but I wish I had recorded our conversation to play back when I'm struggling with something. It also made me so proud of the caring young man Boston is becoming. He's a good cousin :)

Loving Me Some CrossFit

2011-09-28T15:10:00.001-05:00

I've been doing CrossFit for a couple months and our CF gym finally opened yesterday! We have been working out at the football field and weightroom but this will have all the equipment we need. I can already see results - and I did 100 push-ups on Friday (real ones, not girl ones). I have a long way to go but I'm getting there! Next up: a pull-up!

Bottles with pictures

2011-09-23T18:57:00.001-05:00

I found this idea on pinterest... Im still collecting cool bottles and want to print some photos on photo paper- these were just trials :)

Spring River

2011-09-22T14:45:00.001-05:00

JuGoJu decided to float the Spring River for its major function this semester. I was pretty excited that I got to go float a river instead of wearing a formal dress and heels… that is, until I woke up Saturday to weather in the 50’s and low 60’s. And it was raining. The river was pretty stagnant – not sure if it had to do with water levels or if that is how it normally is. We paddled about 90% of the time. By the end of the 3 hours of paddling, rain, and cold, we were all ready to get out and into a heated vehicle and dry clothes. I think everyone had fun – I even had some moments of fun J Float trips are definitely warm weather functions. Lesson learned. Of course, the girls and their dates were oblivious to the cold and rain. I must be getting old!!! The pic is of me and the other sponsor that braved the day … I totally kept my life-jacket on the whole time. You can call me a dork, but I was NOT going to drown in that cold water! J

Pics from Last post

2011-09-19T19:47:00.000-05:00

Hot Springs National Park

2011-09-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I took a trip to see my cousin Ashley in Hot Springs - with a side purpose of seeing Hot Springs National Park. It was the motorcycle rally weekend so the park wasn't near as quiet and serene and it normally would be. I had a great time though and saw some beautiful nature. I love hiking - the whole trail was about 2 miles long and I hiked at a very leisurely pace :) It was exactly what I needed ... a great (but sadly short) visit with Ashley and some good outdoor time.

Pretty sure this snake was dead ... or it played dead REALLY well.

I'm trying to get back to posting more often ... I can post from my phone now so maybe that will help. Last week was super busy and I'm glad it is over! My dad is in the hospital but I talked to him a couple times today and he sounds really good ... hopefully he can heal quickly and go home soon.

Dragonfly

2011-09-14T17:00:00.001-05:00

Snapped a pic of this gigantic dragonfly at the fair booth today.

9/11

2011-09-12T10:47:00.002-05:00

I went to the 9/11 memorial yesterday at our local Fire Station ... it was very touching. An FDNY firefighter spoke at the memorial and really brought that day's details into perspective. They unveiled the memorial with a piece of steel from the WTC. They also had a fly-over. I was glad to be able to be a part of it and remember the first-responders that kept going towards the destruction when everyone else was running away.

Friday I got to go to two very different memorials. The first was at a local middle/high school. It was a short program and everyone was reverent. But. The oldest student there was 8 years old when 9/11 happened. You could tell it was difficult for them to see the impact that day had on their life. The second was at HU - during chapel. I guess this was so emotional because that is exactly where I was when 9/11 was unfolding. I was a sophomore sitting in my chapel seat in the Benson as we watched it on the screens. The program honored those lost and the heroes still among us. The speakers did a great job and I left after wiping my eyes for the 100th time.

Even though I was old enough to "understand" what was going on at the time, watching the videos replay last week brought new emotions. I can see now what a huge turning point in our country's history that day was.

Catchin up

2011-08-22T15:29:00.000-05:00

Took some pictures where our Sunday night heart group meets ... I got to ride some - made me miss Montana.

The girl that barrel races this horse... they won the previous weekend!

Last weekend I got to go down to Texas and see some friends! Stayed with Sarah and Sparky - and Riley :) He was too cute! Very well-behaved and fun to be around. Sarah and I did lots of stuff- I slept in, we ate at a few different restaurants - my favorite was probably Einstein Bagel or the Orange Leaf (froyo) ... sooooo good :) we also shopped a little and we both enjoyed that. It is always good to see her and her family! We got this nail stuff at Walgreen's and tried it out - it's nail polish that you press on - I kinda rushed putting it on but it was neat!

I got to stop in and see Jaymie, Kory, Kanyon, and Quinn on my way home - also a great visit :)all caught up! lol

Little M

2011-07-16T19:22:00.001-05:00

My friend wanted me to take some pics of her and her family and I was more than happy to! This was really the first time I have gotten to really practice with my new camera, so it was a lot of fun ... also learning a LOT about what to do and what not to do. These are some of the pics ... Blogger really drops the pic quality down when I upload from Picasa - so just know that these are much sharper in real life :)

Great Weekend with the Girls

2011-07-13T14:31:00.000-05:00

I am so mad at myself - the only time I took pictures was the first night the girls were at my place - we played on the playground. It was fun and I think I passed on my love for rocks - looking at rocks, finding neat rocks, piling up rocks :) You are welcome Melissa!

We had a great time (for the most part). I am living in a one bedroom apartment - sold my house! The apartment is small for me after leaving my 3 bedroom house. Add my sister and two sometimes rowdy young 'ens and there is just not enough space. By the last day, we went and shopped just to get out of there. They did really enjoy the pool and if it wouldn't have been 109 degrees, we probably would have stayed out there all weekend! We got to go see Zookeeper - funny and we got to eat Froyo's and Dynamite Donuts so the weekend had some really good times :) I got a babysitter for the girls on Saturday night so Melis and I could go eat and shop by ourselves... much needed. I love spending time with them - but it was noted that my small apartment is not ideal :) Overall great weekend though!

Fun with Fireworks

2011-07-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

I LOVE fireworks! It was a good 4th of July since I got to see fireworks all weekend ... and got to play with my camera a little!

This is my favorite type of firework - the huge crackly kind :)

I spent some time with friends - got moved into my apartment - and rested some. Overall great weekend!
Can't wait for the girls to get here!

Braves Game

2011-06-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Melis, Dad, Kayden and I went to the Braves game that night... Brecken and Mom stayed at the hotel and seemed to have a lot of fun riding the escalators around. Kayden and I raced to home plate and as you can see, she was trying to push me down!

Then she had this happy face!

Honey I shrunk the family!

The sistas in their awesome Braves hats. I can't seem to go anywhere now without mine on - I love it!

I painted mine and Kayden's fingernails alike - sparkles!

Great game even though they lost... we had a lot of fun and Kayden only slept for about 15 minutes of it!

CNN and World of Coke

2011-06-21T21:53:00.000-05:00

Melis, Dad and I went to the CNN center and took the tour - very interesting and fun.

especially with the yay-hoo in the group with us :)

World of Coke ... we were supposed to go to the children's museum but the line wrapped around the block so we went to the World of Coke - not the funnest for the little girls but I enjoyed it. I liked tasting all the different flavors and seeing the Coke memorabilia.

Brecken got this Braves shirt at the CNN center and did NOT want to take it off - even after wearing it for 2 days... She watches the games with Granddaddy so she knows it's a "jersey". She was SO proud to wear it.

Me and the sis - a little pasty looking but it was just really bright by the huge window. We each got a coke that was made there that day... good souvenir!

Evening in the ATL

2011-06-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

We ate at Hard Rock because Brecken saw the "big guitaw"... she loved it! And I loved the food! Some kind of chicken and mac and cheese...I want some now.

Such a little sweetie

Melis and her beauties... I love those three

Not the most modest kid but they are both so cute!

Mom and sista

Part of the half-hour long torture of Aunt Terri... these girls ran and played and chased and climbed and wore me out!

They took on another victim after I gave up... I have video of this somewhere.

Georgia Aquarium

2011-06-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

Our first stop in Atlanta was the aquarium ... It was where we bought a CityPass - great deal if you are in Atlanta and want to see all the sights. The Aquarium was amazing! I think we all enjoyed it - Mom and Dad have been there before with school trips and I think they still enjoyed seeing it again. Brecken and Kayden liked it too - lots for a little one to see. I think Melissa just wanted to find somewhere to sit and stare at the fish swimming by - it was very relaxing to watch.

GG pointing things out to the girls - and a little boy that whacked Brecken in the head and made her cry. I think he was trying to hug her.

Me and My sista! And some random people taking engagement pics in the background.

When she wasn't choking you, she was a pretty good rider :)

Wanted to show these - a picture later shows them from the top of the tank...it is hard to see how large these whale sharks actually were!

Just some neat marine life - kinda wanted to play with these little guys

The whale shark from the top... our City Pass included a behind the scenes tour so we got to see the big tanks from the top - this one is as big as a football field.

Lady's man.

Ladies

Home Girl

2011-06-19T18:44:00.000-05:00

I got to go home for about a week... LOVE it! We did all the fun summer things - played in the water (at Wild Adventures), went to a concert, ate watermelon and boiled peanuts (thanks Uncle Mikey!), and just had a good visit. The last 3 days we spent in Atlanta and I will get those pictures on here later. Here are just a few from the fun we had at the house:

Melis enjoying some cool watermelon

Love this look :)

I also love this look - typical Brecken probably up to something :)

Sweet Kayden - one of the few pictures where she is not squinting!

Me and my papa!

Random Day of Golf

2011-06-17T15:39:00.000-05:00

I have tons to update on but I don't have those pictures on this computer. Sooooo - the p.d. put on a golf tournament today so I went and took some pictures. These are my favorite from the day. The squirrels were like Harding squirrels - not afraid of anything. Great day to be outside! It made my transition back to work a lot easier :)

I took these three with my old camera (which I now use for work since it won't matter if it gets dropped). It is still a GREAT camera!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day - I just want to thank all that have served and are serving in the military. Also, thanks to the families of those. I walked through one of Searcy's cemeteries this morning and was surprised at how many flags I saw. So many that selflessly served. Thank you.

My neighbors

2011-05-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

I have a bird nest in one of my camelia bushes ... very pretty eggs - the momma bird doesn't like me taking pictures but I made sure not to touch any of the shrub while I was taking pictures. I also have at least one baby bunny hopping around in my backyard. So cute!

Belly Pics

2011-05-16T15:48:00.000-05:00

I went to take pregnancy pics of my friend Ashley on Saturday - lots of fun and hopefully baby Tate will stay in there a little longer! Couldn't resist taking some of Little Burke too :)

Most were belly shots - similar to the ones we took when she was pregnant with Burke. I thought this one was G-rated enough :) She looks great!

Burke on the trampoline

She's a little daredevil!

Great Ending to A Great Day

2011-05-12T13:55:00.000-05:00

My 29th birthday was this week and it was wonderful! I got some great gifts, lots of food, hugs, and more birthday wishes than I can count! Our bible study had a fiesta get-together to celebrate my birthday and because mexican food sounded good to all of us. Allison made these cupcakes and they looked like they could be on pioneer woman's website - the best part is they tasted even better than they looked! The rest of the food was phenomenal also - I'm still not hungry.

The girls from our group - Beth, Lauren, Shaya, and Allison (cupcake extraordinaire)

The guys from the group - Ray Lyn, Mark, and Logan

The two that missed the first pics because they were making some AMAZING guacamole and cheese dips. Jake and Jaclynn - and me :)

Hopefully I will be updating some more later. Thanks to all the family and friends that made my day wonderful!

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T19:26:00.000-05:00

Ms. Carolyn invited Allison, Ashley, and me over for Easter lunch....it was SO good - nice to have home-cookin every now and then. I got to spend some time with some great people that I love.

Ms. Carolyn and Allison

Me and Ms. Carolyn

Me and Allison

Me and Ash being silly :)

Just More Fun

2011-04-16T20:47:00.001-05:00

Here are a few more pictures from the family's trip to see me ... These kids are such goofballs!

One of her many "cheerleading" actions. I am slowly coming to grips with the fact that Kayden might end up being a cheerleader. Maybe she can be a cheerleader AND a basketball player! We will see...

This was after I finally said, "give me a good smile and then we will stop taking pictures." She was ready to be done. And still so cute!

Tulips

2011-04-12T11:09:00.001-05:00

I bought some tulips the other day … I love having them on my table J

Chalk Steps

2011-04-09T12:55:00.002-05:00

I just realized that when I exported these to a folder from Picasa that the quality was set too low ... pictures are WAY better in real life :)

Kayden did a GREAT job coloring my steps with chalk ... very pretty :) These are some of my new favorite pictures! I wonder how many times I have said that of my nieces? A friend from back home had her baby yesterday - sweet little Hannah - and all I could think about was how excited for Katie (the baby's aunt) I was! There is nothing like being an aunt :)

I love being an Aunt!

2011-04-09T12:51:00.001-05:00

The fam came for a short visit on their 10+State Spring Break Tour ... I loved having them all here - a little crowded for one bathroom but it worked pretty well! We went over to HU for a little walk and took some pictures. We mainly layed in the yard and played, read, napped - you know - all the really important stuff :) I absolutely love that my family is so low maintenance on trips like this. I couldn't be happier than sitting in the yard chatting and watching the girls play.

Sweet Kids

2011-04-07T08:56:00.001-05:00

We took some pics of the girls in the backyard yesterday ... I have enjoyed them being here SO much. Too short of a trip but really glad they were able to come see me :)

Tyler, Texas = Azaleas!

2011-03-30T18:49:00.001-05:00

I could NOT get enough pictures of Riley - seriously so cute! Sorry about the picture of me and you Sarah - not great of either of us but the best I had :) The flowers in the area were just gorgeous! I'm emailing this to my blog so I'm hoping all the pics will make it... The picture of Riley laying on my lap cracks me up! I did not know he was posing like that when she took the picture ... such a ladies man ;)

Retreat Weekend

2011-03-30T11:29:00.001-05:00

I posted some pictures on facebook from the retreat but will have to put them on here later. I just wanted to give a recap of my wonderful weekend in Texas. I left Thursday and headed to the Longview area - got to see my great friend Jaymie and her family! Kanyon and Quinn were lots of fun - and so very easy to make smile :) We had a good visit - then I got back on the road for Tyler! I got to see one of my besties SarahDeanSmith - I know that is not her name now but it is hard to drop a last name, even after a few years of it not being Dean. We got up and went to the park and played with Riley and a little girl that Sarah babysits. We walked along some of Tyler's Azalea Trail - BEAUTIFUL! And I must have been there on the perfect weekend because it seemed like everything was blooming! I got lots of pictures of those .... such a pretty day. We did some laundry - which is probably my least-hated household chore. I got that from my momma :) We piddled around until it was time to head out to camp. We did make a Target run before we left - figured we would be snacking a lot so we got enough swiss cake rolls, star crunches, and oatmeal cream pies to last for 8 weeks.

I got to Camp Deer Run just as is was getting dark. I thought I was going to be late but it seemed everyone took their time getting out there so I was just in time. I snagged a bottom bunk and set off to the mess hall to catch up and say hey to everyone. It was a women's alumni retreat and our theme was "Reconnecting". Perfect theme for this time we had to reconnect with CDR, old friends, and God. Jaymie and Janelle were the major planners of the weekend and they did a great job! We played minute to womenit - LOT of laughs! There were 29 girls there and it was a great mix of younger and the more *ahem* wiser ladies ;)

We had group bibles, flagpole devos, cabin bible, group activity (awesome amazing race game), cabin activity, hymn times, quiet time, and lots and lots of fellowship! We strayed from the schedule a few times because it is hard to get 29 girls to be quiet :) We tie-dyed shirts - the real way (as instructed by some guy by a pool in Florida). They turned out really well - pool guy knew his tie dye. We all stayed up WAY too late both nights ... and realized in the morning that we are not as young as we used to be. It is amazing that we did that for 8 solid weeks during the summer and lived to talk about it. It was good to reminisce about why we loved camp so much. Even the most stressed out person can let go at camp, put on your old shorts and t-shirt, and be amazed at God's presence and peacefulness. We had worship together Sunday morning and everyone packed up and went back home. I always hated leaving camp at the end of the summer but this was just as bad. Being with a group of like-minded Christian women was just what I needed.

I wanted to list a few things about the weekend that I really liked: putting my feet in Killi Creek, reciting the cheer to start our day, hearing Momma Gay talk about how great it was to see her children seeing camp as she did with her children, sitting in the sun, sitting in the shade, being outside, eating camp cinnamon rolls, leaving with really dirty socks, looking up at the stars on Hoche ballfield, singing Savior Breathe an Evening Blessing, hymn time, hugging my camp friends, Getting to see these kids in person (Mo's kids, Doodle's kids, Janelle's kid, Rachel's kid (kinda)). The only part I didn't like was the leaving part.

The Beauty of Spring

2011-03-20T20:22:00.000-05:00

I took these pictures the other day at Brett's house. I had never understood the beauty of flowers until a few years ago when I saw some growing in my yard. For some reason that sparked my interest and now I really love seeing flowers! Even weeds are pretty to me sometimes;)

Name Pictures

2011-03-20T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've gotten to do a few name pictures lately for some friends. The lady I used to use to frame my pictures had her business burn down so I have had to go to a different format. I actually like the way these turned out with the clear frame so they match any wall :)
If you can't tell, the first one says Scott, the second says Avilyn.

Redo

2011-03-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

These are the pics from the first post that didn't show up