tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32319976445727601722024-03-20T19:41:07.514-05:00Surpassing RubiesJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-75346229110512174412014-01-06T22:04:00.000-06:002014-01-06T22:04:10.510-06:00snow day struggles<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snow days are what dreams are made of.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least they can be.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A full day that has been devoted to being stuck inside, unable to venture out into the world, unnecessary to accomplish the plans that had been previously laid out for your weekday. Snow days are one of the many joys that go hand-in-hand with being a teacher, one of those simple pleasures you develop as a kid that you don't have to give up, even though you're now a working professional. </span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think today was the first day I haven't utterly enjoyed my snow day. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was supposed to be the first day back from a much needed two-week break, a break that was the perfect mix of travel, family time, catching up on chores around the house, and relaxation. A break that I hated to see end, but, honestly, needed to end. {<i>Who would have ever thought I'd say that?!</i>}</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've come to a point in my life where order, structure, and routine are a good thing. I need my days to have a purpose and a goal... so then I can enjoy the days that don't. I've had a few too many of the latter lately, so they're no longer as enjoyable as they were two weeks ago.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On top of itching to get back into the routine of things, another downfall to this snowy day is that I spent most of the day cut off from the world... the world wide web, at least. ;) Our internet just couldn't hold up to those billowy conditions. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't awful how attached we get? I had a few minor school things that I couldn't get accomplished without it, and even worse, I couldn't appropriately spend my snow day vegging out in front of Netflix. It was a travesty. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an hour or so of twiddling my thumbs and trying my darndest to enjoy daytime television, I finally remembered that I had a sewing project I had been meaning to complete. A perfect way to salvage my failing snow day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAtt0ZGozrtYiCHxd_GnGnwv1LFvT_b58c3WwNQfcCE_TE2nB-saQVj9vzrIk0sxq-aBxgCiPqruagT48TNINVPx9OakEAgWHowX3r3A9AwoKfF-UuVmL9k-N8cwNSYutujoA_bvGWgpB/s640/blogger-image-79204477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAtt0ZGozrtYiCHxd_GnGnwv1LFvT_b58c3WwNQfcCE_TE2nB-saQVj9vzrIk0sxq-aBxgCiPqruagT48TNINVPx9OakEAgWHowX3r3A9AwoKfF-UuVmL9k-N8cwNSYutujoA_bvGWgpB/s400/blogger-image-79204477.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first made this headband for my cousin, Drakshya for Christmas. I've seen several like it on Etsy or various craft blogs and I always think they're just so cute! Honestly, I almost kept the one I made for Drakshya but be decided against it {<i>what kind of present giver would that make me?!</i>}. Plus, I knew I had plenty of fabric to make another one on another day. So I decided I could wait it out.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoElkkpuDDaBnG1JQ7650QG5gCpwdkg-OOdSqYgpRM2jqnSqBbipucqcTj8DjNVwmtuXLPnvVJGOgAwUDJydp_ztA-tbuezM61I5hPmGl68lG0PHgKmLHcP36nX0bqDXcPDECRHuGkBPL-/s640/blogger-image--1533009313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoElkkpuDDaBnG1JQ7650QG5gCpwdkg-OOdSqYgpRM2jqnSqBbipucqcTj8DjNVwmtuXLPnvVJGOgAwUDJydp_ztA-tbuezM61I5hPmGl68lG0PHgKmLHcP36nX0bqDXcPDECRHuGkBPL-/s640/blogger-image--1533009313.jpg" width="425" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I originally started with a quarter yard of fabric, though I'm not exactly sure what material it is... I think it's either velvet or velveteen. Not positive though. :/ </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{<i>my textiles professor would be shaking her head</i>}. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. I cut the fabric into approximately 5" strips 2. folded it {<i>right-sides together</i>} 3. sewed up the side and 4. flipped it right-side out. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y94aEdZ8gYa0AEVBBlB5iQODqKX0J0Tc-byHu089zDCKQm10FBl1uleb7qWYHlrrK7LFlJ_ysg7Os_Hga7EVcNSGBAiBI__EKuuFcWoXLIuwNx-snc80HG789zC5w4CD4LYMKVMiRFzj/s640/blogger-image--1160275713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Y94aEdZ8gYa0AEVBBlB5iQODqKX0J0Tc-byHu089zDCKQm10FBl1uleb7qWYHlrrK7LFlJ_ysg7Os_Hga7EVcNSGBAiBI__EKuuFcWoXLIuwNx-snc80HG789zC5w4CD4LYMKVMiRFzj/s640/blogger-image--1160275713.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I had a "tube" I measured it to my head and cut and sewed the ends together. The remaining portion of the tube becomes the bow... decide how big you want it {<i>it sould be double the length that you actually want</i>}, and then cut and sew again. {<i>no pictures for these steps </i>:/}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. I then made an even smaller tube using scraps {<i>for the middle part of the bow</i>}. Once that is made, position the "bow" piece to where the seam aligns with the headband's seam and wrap the new small tube around the middle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu6u8jCw0uGi-ZwlPKrSoVc7IfYuPPrLMjpFd8wzuiuBsgwStHuMpPUkCGAql132hX2KTvwTp-8p5oWRcZ23uITwb0pCB7bGau7YoX-ZJubYHxZV4aQX_amF5IeZFDAvRXyHGwal6sHHh/s640/blogger-image-52913500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu6u8jCw0uGi-ZwlPKrSoVc7IfYuPPrLMjpFd8wzuiuBsgwStHuMpPUkCGAql132hX2KTvwTp-8p5oWRcZ23uITwb0pCB7bGau7YoX-ZJubYHxZV4aQX_amF5IeZFDAvRXyHGwal6sHHh/s640/blogger-image-52913500.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">6. Sew the ends together and you have a bow on your headband. 7. </span><span style="text-align: start;">As a finishing touch, I tacked down the corners of the bow so that it would lay flat on the headband. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwwR-jsB5un2156ASb7gHilWrEf1_AhiMKaldmC3VshdrVWnTdCvJ85BUZzsKydeboamOgcnn92gzSyRsR9grziDoetHcuRzJjkBAOtZkv7U4Aag1p-e_ZBWXBiZZeb8Wn6fr4ZZ9Dras/s640/blogger-image-560471401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwwR-jsB5un2156ASb7gHilWrEf1_AhiMKaldmC3VshdrVWnTdCvJ85BUZzsKydeboamOgcnn92gzSyRsR9grziDoetHcuRzJjkBAOtZkv7U4Aag1p-e_ZBWXBiZZeb8Wn6fr4ZZ9Dras/s640/blogger-image-560471401.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clear as mud? ;)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW_lWaTdmIx6v1AzyfX9Kj2eK5YKnujBtDzhb2v3r9iqdy3G6N3lJy3V1f2if992QQoxdA1uoKFCMjwyXkqAw1lGFMVELuWBaMcjF55hMOpbpLGsWdE0dJRrLayYqYmqYsoVFPc7dvkY2/s640/blogger-image-264289761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW_lWaTdmIx6v1AzyfX9Kj2eK5YKnujBtDzhb2v3r9iqdy3G6N3lJy3V1f2if992QQoxdA1uoKFCMjwyXkqAw1lGFMVELuWBaMcjF55hMOpbpLGsWdE0dJRrLayYqYmqYsoVFPc7dvkY2/s640/blogger-image-264289761.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though this wasn't necessarily the snow day of my dreams, it wasn't all bad. I did get a cute headband out of it and am wrapping it up with The Bachelor premiere... not too bad at all. And looks like I'll have tomorrow to practice snow day gratefulness too. </span></div>
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-89990232209088423812014-01-04T13:07:00.000-06:002014-01-04T14:47:16.447-06:00Reflections<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2013 was a year of endings and new beginnings. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started the year in Columbia, spending just a couple more days with my husband before traveling back to Kansas for 5 more months of living apart. It was a strange feeling because though I wasn't excited about that part of our journey, I had this overwhelming sense of peace and hope. Somehow I knew this was the Lord's plan for us, whatever it entailed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in Kansas by myself had its ups and downs. I was undoubtably lonely, but I also had the opportunity to deepen some of the friendships I had developed and spend more time at school functions that I normally might have passed up. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also didn't hate the fact that I could eat whatever I wanted for dinner and not have to worry if Derek would like it. ;) {</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I might have gotten hooked on broiled portobellos and ate them multiple times a week </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:/ } Another perk of living alone was that I realized I had so many clothes I could go a month...s? {</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shhh</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!} without doing laundry. Which then prompted me to take a few trips down to Goodwill when it came time to pack said clothes!! ha</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aside from the familiar challenge of a long-distance relationship, and readjusting to life in a new city {<i>which definitely isn't all bad</i>!!}, the only truly horrible thing about 2013 is that I lost my dear Ainslie. I know a lot of people don't understand the bond that can develop between a human and a dog, but our dogs are definitely our family. Especially in this time before having real children of our own. Ainslie was such a perfect dog for me and was with me through many challenges. I still miss her terribly. :( </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D54M77fwrtK1cnQFJ4wQeDCXyfTfs1PyQM-EH3yhv4mAX9fVnjnNZBzrANJsKekE9X2c2R8hkgoXAFqyvrGxVRwxfjKcXUP-dtYOuN0-5CcUL1361vXvGJMWdde4Y0Dj56M-H0xSQykt/s640/blogger-image--1495925431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D54M77fwrtK1cnQFJ4wQeDCXyfTfs1PyQM-EH3yhv4mAX9fVnjnNZBzrANJsKekE9X2c2R8hkgoXAFqyvrGxVRwxfjKcXUP-dtYOuN0-5CcUL1361vXvGJMWdde4Y0Dj56M-H0xSQykt/s640/blogger-image--1495925431.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course there was a lot of good in 2013, as well! Finally getting to move back to Missouri to be with Derek {<i>and being so much closer to family and friends than we were in Kansas</i>}, settling in to our new duplex which is so much more homey than our little apartment in GC, experiencing Columbia life {<i>M-I-Z anyone?</i>}. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWuPggsBbDoZn6tuApAS4gHeWCxFViw4WYASuxo6Pr51z_zGvkLa-qHJeo-rAI6bTNgGfzNfpGz08HyzTeXDaOL5w6khj1a75huYLT-rc0V7aDR_-NngwwNQWtxsy1_Z5UsS3qALDqvY2/s640/blogger-image-1008107821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWuPggsBbDoZn6tuApAS4gHeWCxFViw4WYASuxo6Pr51z_zGvkLa-qHJeo-rAI6bTNgGfzNfpGz08HyzTeXDaOL5w6khj1a75huYLT-rc0V7aDR_-NngwwNQWtxsy1_Z5UsS3qALDqvY2/s640/blogger-image-1008107821.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've even already went to a football and basketball game. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzUp157ZJJ16c_cooG5wG0cjwQ6-jCUBqMvTL3hIbX03Jlplr2lGYmdHqVXpdyy72JDf5l9-HiXKpYYcHgAgQ2JsDVvhspsom-iGahDJonKulw4RoL5BbDOiuCN60Mecdb4nI6nd83Ofi/s640/blogger-image-491031247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzUp157ZJJ16c_cooG5wG0cjwQ6-jCUBqMvTL3hIbX03Jlplr2lGYmdHqVXpdyy72JDf5l9-HiXKpYYcHgAgQ2JsDVvhspsom-iGahDJonKulw4RoL5BbDOiuCN60Mecdb4nI6nd83Ofi/s640/blogger-image-491031247.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also bought our first car, I started a new job, we've been getting plugged in to our new church, and I've even made a friend or two. There's definitely some fun to be had in CoMo!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And let's not forget our newest addition, acquired in July...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIccmMf3CODOBzZ4HzOvt3snZR5FQc5KZxls3A5PxbTG2H7VOdXY5jXwVCN3HtacGFCF-IzcgeG4uw0u_WgO2a2Bo6QRDsP-7Upjmp9D-emfz4Ft2ToyzxIrWEpXixeqhNf7Ck84OV8BjX/s640/blogger-image--1600935712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIccmMf3CODOBzZ4HzOvt3snZR5FQc5KZxls3A5PxbTG2H7VOdXY5jXwVCN3HtacGFCF-IzcgeG4uw0u_WgO2a2Bo6QRDsP-7Upjmp9D-emfz4Ft2ToyzxIrWEpXixeqhNf7Ck84OV8BjX/s640/blogger-image--1600935712.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reflecting over the past year, I think the biggest lesson I've learned in 2013 is that life isn't perfect {<i>duh, right?!</i>}. We can hope and dream for what's "bigger and better" {<i>in our eyes at least</i>}, but life is still life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord gave me exactly what I had been asking for this year... Derek and I have the same schedule {<i>finally</i>}, we live in a "bigger and better" city... in Missouri, I have a job at a larger school {<i>about the size that I've always considered "ideal"</i>}, we found a church that we love, and I feel like I'm developing some solid adult friendships... but guess what?! Life still isn't perfect. And it never will be {<i>until the day we meet out Savior, at least</i>}. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though the Lord taught me contentment while living in Garden City, I think I kind of kept it in a box and didn't realize I would keep needing it. The past few weeks I've realized that the sin of comparison and complaining is one that I struggle with and will probably continue to struggle with. I'm challenging myself this year to continue to apply that little lesson on contentment in all areas and situations in my life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few other <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ways I'm hoping to challenge and better myself this year:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Personal-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm challenging myself to do something with a friend(s) at least once a month. As an adult I haven't been intentional about friendships and that needs to change!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm also challenging myself to blog at least twice a month. I've come to the realization that regular blogging probably isn't for me, at least right now, but it made me sad that I had recorded so few memories in 2013. I love being able to read back over the past and remember even some of the tiny details I might have forgotten, or to just remember where I've come from and how I've grown. I don't plan on getting super involved with the blogosphere, but I do want to make time for memory-keeping. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Financial-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made a couple financial goals that I'll keep between the hubs and I. They probably wouldn't sound very significant to most people, but they are to us. :)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Physical Health-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's so cliche to make health goals, isn't it? I honestly have maintained a decent weight into my adulthood {<i>though sometimes it fluctuates a little higher than I'd like</i>}, but as I've gotten older I realize that exercise isn't just about losing weight, it's about living a healthy lifestyle {<i>yeah, yeah, I realize that's exactly what they tell you all through school, but sometimes it takes awhile to click</i>}. My fitness goal is pretty simple... I just want to find something that works for me. Something that I enjoy and that I'll stick with. And honestly something that doesn't cost a fortune, because quite frankly, I won't pay it! ha All suggestions welcome and appreciated. :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Spiritual Health-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think my biggest goal in this area for 2014 is to serve others more. I need to think outside myself and look for the needs of others. I strongly believe that a big part of worshiping the Lord is serving His people and I definitely don't do that enough. Whether it's opportunities through our church or simple, everyday things, I plan to be more intentional in meeting the needs of others around me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also want to spend more time reading my Bible. The morning devotion time that Derek and I started last year is a great way to start the day, but it often ends up feeling rushed and lacking depth. I want to read more for purpose and knowledge in addition to my morning routine. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started thinking about the new year as I was driving home from Marshfield on New Years Eve and got this overwhelming sense that change was coming. It was a surreal feeling and I couldn't help but pray that the Lord prepare me for whatever He had in store. As I continued to think about the changes that will inevitably come this year, I realized that this is the first year in many that brings about a complete "unknown." I'm not expecting to get engaged or plan a wedding, I'm not planning to graduate or get a new job, there's not a big move in my future, and for those of you wondering, I'm not planning to get pregnant {<i>for now at least</i> ;)}. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year is a blank slate all around, which is maybe why I was so taken aback by the stirring I felt driving home. Nevertheless, I love surprises, so 2014 is bound to be exciting!! I hope you're optimistic about your new year too! </span></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-53620495478271744242013-07-01T11:00:00.002-05:002013-07-01T11:00:53.299-05:00The story of the pew...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Being the Pinterest junky that I am, I have many "projects" stored up in my head to be completed in the unknown future. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One such project included transforming an old jankity pew into a lovely piece of furniture that looks right at home in the... home {<i>rather than a charming, yet dated chapel</i>}. You know, like these: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5uE_1eXOQyrtzVN2hMOSeWMizh6uqNZG469F2MIGsHth-9QRobSlMIS8TY6BEfMRfkAlCfPBbkD6Pdqg9zs15sNJA8vgN4ctVGYEBsW1I2vqrVvrdHcXglIThL5Tz2Mx54WPEeqtM2iG/s640/blogger-image-1614359101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5uE_1eXOQyrtzVN2hMOSeWMizh6uqNZG469F2MIGsHth-9QRobSlMIS8TY6BEfMRfkAlCfPBbkD6Pdqg9zs15sNJA8vgN4ctVGYEBsW1I2vqrVvrdHcXglIThL5Tz2Mx54WPEeqtM2iG/s640/blogger-image-1614359101.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/527273068842720315/" target="_blank">link.</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/92253492339693453/" target="_blank">link.</a> <a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2012/07/05/gwyneth-paltrow-chris-martin-buy-house-of-windsor-verandas-designer-showcase/house-of-windsor-hall-outside-mba/" target="_blank">link.</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/536195/Wilson-Entryway-traditional-entry-houston" target="_blank">link.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have loved the idea of having a pew in the "entryway" for quite sometime, but as mentioned above, figured it would be a future project. I mean for one, I don't even have an "entryway" and for two where in the world am I going to get a pew?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Well, wouldn't you know it... I found a pew! Not only found, was given a pew!! As in free! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The church Derek and I attended in Garden City recently bought a church building {<i>we had been meeting in a strip-mall</i>} and thus acquired several old, unwanted pews. After inquiring about purchasing an aforementioned pew, our pastor decided to give us one as a going away present! Yes, please and thank you very much!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We loaded it up in the moving truck first thing and hauled this ugly beast back to Missouri. Oh the possibilities...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQZbg27DWH5Xb2bRcryy9pHagvaOTrAiMdUSJP5Uvp2g98l9zl5llDa58vIzFwsVh2fxAB-KEmYEo8dtXj94s1V1WYwemrICQEPtpMjTkqmVAqKFZf206Z3trM_wYwixdciBB8ZQBjs1r/s640/blogger-image--328241829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQZbg27DWH5Xb2bRcryy9pHagvaOTrAiMdUSJP5Uvp2g98l9zl5llDa58vIzFwsVh2fxAB-KEmYEo8dtXj94s1V1WYwemrICQEPtpMjTkqmVAqKFZf206Z3trM_wYwixdciBB8ZQBjs1r/s640/blogger-image--328241829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcOj7P_4TUPtGmdlTbNj8Qzn27A_BZLDWK18aMGpaghA-3eY1AdSCnkXH4a5i3vDz9QH3ADNze4yR4JxnLaB8yzqX_6f2tRc4N7KqDhYkaZJ-qFAxLvCaGTMVGAvoHt7LC7DUERsikq6O/s640/blogger-image--806703313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcOj7P_4TUPtGmdlTbNj8Qzn27A_BZLDWK18aMGpaghA-3eY1AdSCnkXH4a5i3vDz9QH3ADNze4yR4JxnLaB8yzqX_6f2tRc4N7KqDhYkaZJ-qFAxLvCaGTMVGAvoHt7LC7DUERsikq6O/s640/blogger-image--806703313.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clearly, this wasn't going to work out {<i>though I must admit, the orange started to grow on me</i>} so the deconstruction began: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQZbg27DWH5Xb2bRcryy9pHagvaOTrAiMdUSJP5Uvp2g98l9zl5llDa58vIzFwsVh2fxAB-KEmYEo8dtXj94s1V1WYwemrICQEPtpMjTkqmVAqKFZf206Z3trM_wYwixdciBB8ZQBjs1r/s640/blogger-image--328241829.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really didn't get too many "in-progress" pictures because I knew this wouldn't be a tutorial. <i>No way!!</i> I did, however, have fun taking a few sneak peaks before it was all said and done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM4HcCGLYa8xGZt0EU5tBLDE8lQQBQJOBRdJuis-PbwzdjMcRe38WqUiWGULPbGOS_IbayqUnnL2S7CZkgJ3PrDo_uSZmccrT1CzOqIfQ3VWzqSX7lsVeqN25JpMIxpFd0-mDFtPbCxni/s640/blogger-image--1586105955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM4HcCGLYa8xGZt0EU5tBLDE8lQQBQJOBRdJuis-PbwzdjMcRe38WqUiWGULPbGOS_IbayqUnnL2S7CZkgJ3PrDo_uSZmccrT1CzOqIfQ3VWzqSX7lsVeqN25JpMIxpFd0-mDFtPbCxni/s640/blogger-image--1586105955.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can't tell in any of the pictures, but I actually ended up taking the back/arms completely apart too. This project really became quite the nuisance! I have a feeling I put way more into it than what was really needed and definitely more than I expected! Some of the unexpected extras included adding some paneling to the back to make it look a little nicer and to better hide the left-behind glue texture {s<i>anding didn't really cut it</i>}, as well as adding a piece of trim across a section of the front that wasn't exactly even since it was originally hidden by fabric. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN09myrBsV3mgH8Pp2vcJ_lUx9yJEJSGXoOE2Qzu70RVUEM-pI8WzsVWXCjvTu8OTpuxihlGtdM103JulaLTdiw3bkkHIS_ss5NIP2dlAPzKqaDA8pIY39keUQHsuM93PezfMEgL0EIWn/s640/blogger-image-606423347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN09myrBsV3mgH8Pp2vcJ_lUx9yJEJSGXoOE2Qzu70RVUEM-pI8WzsVWXCjvTu8OTpuxihlGtdM103JulaLTdiw3bkkHIS_ss5NIP2dlAPzKqaDA8pIY39keUQHsuM93PezfMEgL0EIWn/s640/blogger-image-606423347.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{<i>above is a far off and close up picture of the paneling that I added to the back and a similar picture, below, of the trim</i>}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg9grsqlXeA3DxxfPN07KalZ8kYCYAG_c77ufYIiAmqT668AUOxCjXS7WnhupYnfehgT2FCQMztEJYYSSIpeH_3_TCFFc6lRcY995W1eP9x0s3P0Q-RoxeuvXKSVgOCa2kSSrr7CjlzSS/s640/blogger-image--1094823552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMg9grsqlXeA3DxxfPN07KalZ8kYCYAG_c77ufYIiAmqT668AUOxCjXS7WnhupYnfehgT2FCQMztEJYYSSIpeH_3_TCFFc6lRcY995W1eP9x0s3P0Q-RoxeuvXKSVgOCa2kSSrr7CjlzSS/s640/blogger-image--1094823552.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I opted to use spray paint on this project, but had the darndest time getting an even coat. I was optimistic because I had seen some successful wood painting projects that used spray paint, but I really think I could have saved a lot of money if I would have just opted for regular paint from the beginning!<br />
<br />
<i>Live and learn, right?! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDOEB8zZ_uhL9TfBczxYCqITdUtlI-yy9kVUhV2fTII2BwIXFlYi1f8Gyox1d6JOEz5VsRxPHAavZdyUTCNjozcy24YJi0_tr1iw_SDQVnmpqqGgo3OJPRQxx5ACrHFHcvsyzIu0yCqAK/s640/blogger-image-2010710002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDOEB8zZ_uhL9TfBczxYCqITdUtlI-yy9kVUhV2fTII2BwIXFlYi1f8Gyox1d6JOEz5VsRxPHAavZdyUTCNjozcy24YJi0_tr1iw_SDQVnmpqqGgo3OJPRQxx5ACrHFHcvsyzIu0yCqAK/s640/blogger-image-2010710002.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ultimately, I love how the project turned out! It definitely isn't perfect and it cost a bit more than I originally expected {<i>which makes me even more grateful that it was a gift</i>}, but I think it's a great addition to our new Missouri home. And hopefully it will one day find itself in our very own entryway! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4iRr1ULigB7PFYzcaXgz98zkTDkapn-bm4H92APJYJDuaITM-PlXxKr3FmE36wNa_XkZ-PVNRniqI8HFkKrhJg0Ugz9ivn3DY_fKC7JExtRWy6cO4LEOoFeymhIU4QXi5r4IRDls1VLD/s640/blogger-image--940874987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4iRr1ULigB7PFYzcaXgz98zkTDkapn-bm4H92APJYJDuaITM-PlXxKr3FmE36wNa_XkZ-PVNRniqI8HFkKrhJg0Ugz9ivn3DY_fKC7JExtRWy6cO4LEOoFeymhIU4QXi5r4IRDls1VLD/s640/blogger-image--940874987.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you're curious about any of the specific products I used, feel free to ask! Since this is far from a tutorial I won't bother with all those gory details in the post, but am happy to share my thoughts and experiences if you are planning to complete a similar project! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm sure you're just <i>dying </i>to know what I did with all that extra paneling! Wonder no more... makeshift headboard! I think it adds a little something extra. Better there than in the garage at least. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXehZkqxzaTimoV-ALL_3IHin_R0DAm0DSZimDBqhZuqw8bmobGsrzKidgv2maykmrPCq2PuxECTWoo-POrxMyhFbPubeYAhze97K_iZR1ovpVVai3Af2lM82c-nwID1VnC9lHQHxPQ21P/s640/blogger-image-1789784531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXehZkqxzaTimoV-ALL_3IHin_R0DAm0DSZimDBqhZuqw8bmobGsrzKidgv2maykmrPCq2PuxECTWoo-POrxMyhFbPubeYAhze97K_iZR1ovpVVai3Af2lM82c-nwID1VnC9lHQHxPQ21P/s640/blogger-image-1789784531.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<i>By the way, don't you just love the new A Beautiful Mess app?! Sometimes when I'm bored I play with it without even posting the pictures. Trust me, my life is not interesting enough to be posting pictures to Instagram all the time!!</i> :)}</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-16481869425266716352013-06-27T11:23:00.000-05:002013-06-27T18:02:15.687-05:00Thoughts on blogging...<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know why, but I have this voice in my head that tells me I can only blog if I do it regularly, have at least 3 posts a week, have a certain amount of followers, or have Pinterest-quality photos for each and every post. Without these things {<i>and more</i>} my thoughts, ideas, projects, and life moments are not worthy to be shared on the interwebs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>What's up with that?! Why do I do that to myself? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly really enjoy blogging. The writing and designing that go into it. It brings out a fun, creative side of me that I don't share in other aspects of my life. Yet I limit myself, add all these self-imposed boundaries that scare me away from doing something that I truly enjoy. I really don't have the time {<i>or desire, for that matter</i>} to blog regularly at this point in my life. Throughout the school year I put crazy amounts of time into my work, and rarely take time to enjoy various hobbies like blogging. One day, <i>hopefully</i>, that will change, but I know it won't be any time soon. And that's ok. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This, however, does not mean that I don't have fun life moments with my husband, that I don't make some yummy recipes every now and then, that I don't come up with fun diy projects that I want to share with friends, or wear cute outfits to work. So why can't I let myself share those moments when they do happen?! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've realized a couple things about myself and blogging lately... having a blog brings out 2 not-so-great qualities in me. <i>What?! I have not-so-great qualities?!</i> Yeah, a few. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Blogging brings out the <b>perfectionist</b>. I am <i>SUCH</i> a perfectionist. It's dumb how much of a perfectionist I am. You know when you write your name on a name tag with a sharpie and it's not centered perfectly or the sharpie line is so thick that you can't see the little gap in an "a" or "e"... <i>KILLS me</i>!! ha! Anyway, back to blogging... the perfectionist in me feels like every post needs to have several f<i>ool-you-into-thinking-I'm-actually-a-photographer</i> quality pictures, every post has to be extremely witty and charming, every post needs to be formatted just exactly right. And, not to mention, if I'm going to be blogging I better be blogging no less than 3 times per week!! <i>Gah! It's exhausting just thinking about it!</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Blogging brings out the <b>people-pleaser</b>. I want people to like me!! I mean, who doesn't? But seriously, I have this crazy need for people to like me. Don't get me wrong, I've never been the kind of person to make horrible life decisions to make a friend or two, but I am the person that ties herself in knots anytime I get the feeling that someone doesn't like me or is mad at me for some reason. It's ridiculous! I mean, why do I even care?! I need this reassurance of sorts and blogging seems to amplify that. Like having tons of followers, or getting nice comments, or posting my projects to Pinterest hoping for repins. I tend to forget that the real reason I enjoy blogging is because I enjoy the creative process, I enjoy looking back on posts and reminiscing in this way, and occasionally, I enjoy having the pleasure of getting to know someone that I wouldn't have met otherwise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, all that being said, it boils down to this... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I want to blog and I'm going to blog!</b> <i>Profound, right?!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It might not be regularly, it might not be witty or inspiring, I might only be blogging for the benefit of myself {<i>along with my husband and mother-- who else matters, right?!</i>} but I <i>will </i>start blogging again. I'm not going to worry about a schedule, or about weird filler posts {<i>like "what's in my bag" type stuff. Seriously, who cares?! Unless it's your make-up bag, then I kinda care. anyway...</i>}. When I have a cool project to share or a fun memory I want to look back on, when I especially like an outfit I've worn or am excited about a new recipe, expect to hear from me. That's the kind of stuff I want to remember {<i>and the kind of stuff I like to read about on other blogs</i>}, so that's what I'll be sharing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Otherwise I'll probably be pretty quiet. <i>And that's ok. </i></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-79790604383003595862013-01-03T21:08:00.000-06:002013-01-03T21:16:41.054-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
While I was home for Christmas I was able to help throw a shower for one of my cousins. This is actually her fourth baby, but the first little boy. Our family is pretty heavily saturated with ladies, so it was exciting to venture away from pink and purple! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRnJvdFnVgRRKdSIXjrGZ62GKRHsi5RTJYOGQcF1bWjmUal5RfxIDGFe6yZ8xHno918uMVuTIv0eH6z09MAzT2HcFdlv49FBj11Q2mhD2x7P3ckYTO0kEUqrC-AHbZZSf6tPszM4fFZB0/s640/blogger-image-1835840639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRnJvdFnVgRRKdSIXjrGZ62GKRHsi5RTJYOGQcF1bWjmUal5RfxIDGFe6yZ8xHno918uMVuTIv0eH6z09MAzT2HcFdlv49FBj11Q2mhD2x7P3ckYTO0kEUqrC-AHbZZSf6tPszM4fFZB0/s640/blogger-image-1835840639.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll be honest, my aunt who I threw the shower with did most of the work {<em>it's kind of hard to plan a shower from a different state, especially in the process of moving</em>}, so I can't take much credit for how cute it turned out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I did have a hand in a few of the cutesy details. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My cousin is going with a sailboat theme for the nursery, so we decided to keep that theme for the shower too. I found these cute anchor and sailboat cookie cutters on ebay and knew they would be a perfect addition to the cake! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyYaVVKyy-nfUid0JHotHSYT-C_mpeW4_DZJnuoM9FzGDYJqVBxEw_lC8HCBSnVji2CMgYuYMqhyphenhyphenUURzDViAz_VqAN0w5bn0jNX0ptKKCOfdfWdwbdKMguv9G6k_VfU_N_YVIIWb2QMAN/s640/blogger-image--620786807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyYaVVKyy-nfUid0JHotHSYT-C_mpeW4_DZJnuoM9FzGDYJqVBxEw_lC8HCBSnVji2CMgYuYMqhyphenhyphenUURzDViAz_VqAN0w5bn0jNX0ptKKCOfdfWdwbdKMguv9G6k_VfU_N_YVIIWb2QMAN/s640/blogger-image--620786807.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I unfortunately had to buy a hand mixer while I was there, because even though I lugged my Kitchen Aide mixer <em>allllll</em> the way to Missouri, I somehow forgot to bring any of the attachments that go with it... so that was kind of cool. It made the icing situation a little more complicated, but I think they still turned out cute. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbmie1Cjyh8GB6VjmB5t0nHVQzgRyiiHmnACdC80BaJ2fFS1UVi2GoyZa35y1q75mUb1VCHjmySdaALUmljCb-DAKDXShnCXPZjStKtkoZvQncdgxttvLcR4BxXno-tOgayCZScpQlXNC/s640/blogger-image-1159573218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEbmie1Cjyh8GB6VjmB5t0nHVQzgRyiiHmnACdC80BaJ2fFS1UVi2GoyZa35y1q75mUb1VCHjmySdaALUmljCb-DAKDXShnCXPZjStKtkoZvQncdgxttvLcR4BxXno-tOgayCZScpQlXNC/s640/blogger-image-1159573218.jpg" width="640" /></a> I also made this bunting to hang on and above the table. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsbY6JzAeKZgfQyZi44pYrE3MQWaDGXjLLnusFPGl64_nRSwS4vA6QL7Laad1pNlodmXOXpIOcxwle8ek1J2bMhQlm1IkzaZkgmA7DuRb1QJ8W3AZzqB9_zK0pwjkAXasmhcVAR5eU-i4/s640/blogger-image-1174594974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsbY6JzAeKZgfQyZi44pYrE3MQWaDGXjLLnusFPGl64_nRSwS4vA6QL7Laad1pNlodmXOXpIOcxwle8ek1J2bMhQlm1IkzaZkgmA7DuRb1QJ8W3AZzqB9_zK0pwjkAXasmhcVAR5eU-i4/s640/blogger-image-1174594974.jpg" /></a>Don't you love the name Benjamin? I think it's adorable! {<em>We actually had a bit of a name situation for awhile... they were tossing around a name that Derek and I are pretty sold on, so we had to call dibs! haha It all worked out... after a black eye or two. Juuuuust kidding.}</em></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooqXCTqjcoAqRnYDSHGnsUbA2TjxytpdS3ikz3HOLjBNjWxIG4patsp0xAyEdugf_m9R2CRexmxCZTc7SNRB42Egllv2Ahv_UAXjaQWNG6QPNEyw7BJbJh8JRkkIUt9E5TFOZMaLSW7JH/s640/blogger-image-114334258.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I had to sew it on the floor since my desk was still in Kansas, but I actually kind of liked it. Maybe I'll sew on the floor more often. </div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp98WpdA9hrcQTsYbPZ6J2dJ-SfTZsSYksumjmOlZ1fFBeAPHivi3OQys5tO5ogcUujfp_YIuU1TVyYo1Eg40YMzmINn9p4STiv3-10WxdEsGN3LNSo4v89Hjh27QzcufWwiG52dWaT1uA/s640/blogger-image-56497615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp98WpdA9hrcQTsYbPZ6J2dJ-SfTZsSYksumjmOlZ1fFBeAPHivi3OQys5tO5ogcUujfp_YIuU1TVyYo1Eg40YMzmINn9p4STiv3-10WxdEsGN3LNSo4v89Hjh27QzcufWwiG52dWaT1uA/s640/blogger-image-56497615.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Like I said, I can't take too much credit, but it was still a fun day! And Benjamin made out like a bandit! </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Mission accomplished. </div>
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-16728260245668905662012-12-31T16:47:00.001-06:002012-12-31T16:47:08.610-06:00<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq0MykTZj0CQEvgA2w5c2EZNWPG10uo-Ck2C2yTk2ytXzVK_c5rrVTg10QOlCI6X5Is1RAxim93zbQdokPxG0YSq3zWblYRSJ5ZTwrCaaDV5bdt_VNFoetdpF1UK6yI7Cud9fbOOnh5tR/s640/blogger-image-1017665357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCq0MykTZj0CQEvgA2w5c2EZNWPG10uo-Ck2C2yTk2ytXzVK_c5rrVTg10QOlCI6X5Is1RAxim93zbQdokPxG0YSq3zWblYRSJ5ZTwrCaaDV5bdt_VNFoetdpF1UK6yI7Cud9fbOOnh5tR/s1600/blogger-image-1017665357.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking back on 2012, I feel that I gained a lot of perspective. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learning to find contentment and joy in every circumstance. Choosing to be happy where I am in the moment, rather than waiting for the future to bring bigger and better things. Trusting the Lord's plans and timing rather than my own. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These haven't been easy lessons, and I certainly haven't mastered them, but they have been so so beneficial for me. Life is what you make it, and 2012 taught me to live in the present rather than always waiting for tomorrow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though we usually don't make New Year's Resolutions, Derek said his only goal last year was to find a better job and get out of Garden City. I was in complete agreement because <i>I just had to get out of that place</i> and I wanted to be closer to family and friends.<br />
<br />
Like I said though, I slowly became more content over the year and more at peace with our current situation. Realizing and accepting that it was truly where we were supposed to be in the moment. I actually started really loving how things were going, not really worrying about <i>what could make our life better</i>. Life was good.<br />
<br />
And then... Derek was offered a "better job that would get him out of Garden City." huh.<br />
God's timing is funny that way. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a bittersweet feeling actually, one I didn't expect. I am so so soooo excited to be closer to "home" and family and friends, but I'm also a little bit sad. I dread leaving my students and the school that "broke me in," saying good bye to my new friends, knowing that facebook will be the only real way to keep in touch, and moving away from our first home together and the community that we've slowly learned to embrace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so happy to be wrapping up the year with the feelings of excitement and anticipation that we didn't have last year. I'm also thankful that I have learned to appreciate our first home and will be able to look back on it with positive memories and a grateful heart, rather than with bitterness. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year has been better than I expected and exactly what I needed. I hope you can say the same!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy 2013!</div>
<br />
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-36131821315045421792012-11-01T17:59:00.000-05:002012-11-01T17:59:38.036-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GtdLjTuzuRv3WZOYZ1hLU0E7aacJ_ZwR8-cniyk_nCpml1b_Yr4-0O9dc7XbXsRK7GyBicPGRJDgj3XmAMHfmR1QJTyblnTmLpIveL98BVkRkHc6j8SVAePNH7_68BUiXscSLFg9UJjS/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GtdLjTuzuRv3WZOYZ1hLU0E7aacJ_ZwR8-cniyk_nCpml1b_Yr4-0O9dc7XbXsRK7GyBicPGRJDgj3XmAMHfmR1QJTyblnTmLpIveL98BVkRkHc6j8SVAePNH7_68BUiXscSLFg9UJjS/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, November. What am I gonna do with you?! You are so full of bittersweetness I feel like I'm becoming bipolar... and this is just day 1. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My world is about to be totally turned upside down. I can't decide if I'm beyond ecstatic or totally depressed. Sooooo many emotions. Seriously!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One thing I do know is that I'm thankful. Thankful for so many things! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been really trying to live a thankful and content life these past few months, but this stereotypical month to be thankful is really putting me over the edge... happy life changes, fun plans, time with family and friends, early Christmas celebrations. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And lets not forget happy smells, yummy food, and getting to start Christmas decorating! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back November! I think we're gonna be friends. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-70840556122841792072012-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:002012-08-29T06:00:03.347-05:00Wearing: Teacher Chic I<div style="text-align: center;">
If I'm honest, one of my favorite things about school being back in session is the fact that I have a reason to dress nice again. I really love dressing up, but always feel silly wearing nice outfits when I'm just going to be home all day, or just running to the store. Such a waste, ya know?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bk6PtNh9P1arYfWAIo6hNLkOK1OqY0W3TMOxUs9dEstr3b-7n_S0IYi32hTPfkheV8OiFvRq9Nc8M1ou4ZwYAAjqfYj-Z1AVhMCFJhEs30AKC3-ce4VoYwn0REQ3GaD9MpD1nzxHaZzl/s640/blogger-image-906755345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bk6PtNh9P1arYfWAIo6hNLkOK1OqY0W3TMOxUs9dEstr3b-7n_S0IYi32hTPfkheV8OiFvRq9Nc8M1ou4ZwYAAjqfYj-Z1AVhMCFJhEs30AKC3-ce4VoYwn0REQ3GaD9MpD1nzxHaZzl/s1600/blogger-image-906755345.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In other words, I was pretty much a bum all summer and am enjoying feeling human again. :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've also recently discovered this new app that totally appeals to my geeky, clothes-obsessed self. It's called Cloth. You should really check it out!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See, I have this weird phobia of always wearing the same outfit over and over and not realizing it. I don't know what's wrong with me, but sometimes I nearly have a panic attack because "I can't remember what I wore last Tuesday and I don't want to wear the same thing this week, and especially not this Tuesday... I mean, heaven forbid someone see me in the same outfit more than once a month, right?!" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honestly, I'm not <i>that</i> bad, but these thoughts seriously cross my mind. And yes, I do realize that sounds ridiculous. But it's true. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, that's where my new <strike>best friend</strike> app comes in... it's basically like a clothing diary. You can upload pictures of outfits, write comments about them {<i>like when/where you wore it</i>}, categorize them by where you would wear them {<i>work, everyday, formal, etc.</i>}, and even tag the outfits with different labels {<i>polka dots, stripes, dress, skirt</i>} which makes it easier to find the outfits you've worn in the past. I've been so excited about it!!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbOcx51D_2M3NfFCx1co-Hkjqf1KKH6_9BmDgNSCE6BOyaHvSjcSeD50A5o9RJH7ADcMgztHEcBc377xoanNvlSG9c2HYJE-Hupi0GkjNX3vTEIA69AAuaNpM2DuiysP4L_fTiwFotH3E/s640/blogger-image-940619606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbOcx51D_2M3NfFCx1co-Hkjqf1KKH6_9BmDgNSCE6BOyaHvSjcSeD50A5o9RJH7ADcMgztHEcBc377xoanNvlSG9c2HYJE-Hupi0GkjNX3vTEIA69AAuaNpM2DuiysP4L_fTiwFotH3E/s640/blogger-image-940619606.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband is now completely convinced that I'm a big geek, but what can I say, we make a good pair. ;)<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>! </div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-65268001014234351572012-08-27T17:06:00.001-05:002012-08-27T17:10:31.057-05:00Coming up for air...<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh geez... real life is back in business! These last couple of weeks have been so crazy. Going to bed at a decent hour, waking up early... getting back into a routine is exhausting!! Not to mention that I actually have real work to do again. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvlsHoQsp-frTsMZtPdQ_jRC7hDT5MlHRQfRwI0JVkF8NSDsoyzR2NjXpeq247y4qpJCJ3elgIozxZreTKmplhVfTlLVYNrrmA9kqSB6-ymT_hEurQMEY_dN8MpJ1NvxRYR2sBw5gRTxJ/s640/blogger-image--1661976413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvlsHoQsp-frTsMZtPdQ_jRC7hDT5MlHRQfRwI0JVkF8NSDsoyzR2NjXpeq247y4qpJCJ3elgIozxZreTKmplhVfTlLVYNrrmA9kqSB6-ymT_hEurQMEY_dN8MpJ1NvxRYR2sBw5gRTxJ/s640/blogger-image--1661976413.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to say, so far this year is so unbelievably easier than the last! So much easier that I almost feel like talking about it will jinx me or something. It's been so nice!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't get me wrong, I've been stressed. But it's a bearable amount of stress, not a <i>cry-all-the-way-home</i> kind of stress. It's nice to be able to get most of my work done at school and only bring something home if I want to. Last year that wasn't even an option. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegOs65CnAgXOpG2TnUcuj0qL541t8Ty2C8P0V9GY-NCu3Iigm5cE_Ymhlq7FBjmt8YIOXiA5rv-TPeBxCkRTDrbQatGcYVV_1qpLHPTEwFfBi27_KtsZvPmeZCxZlIja7pIx9idtQw00O/s640/blogger-image-300551519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegOs65CnAgXOpG2TnUcuj0qL541t8Ty2C8P0V9GY-NCu3Iigm5cE_Ymhlq7FBjmt8YIOXiA5rv-TPeBxCkRTDrbQatGcYVV_1qpLHPTEwFfBi27_KtsZvPmeZCxZlIja7pIx9idtQw00O/s640/blogger-image-300551519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I actually feel like I could have a real life this year. Key word being <i>could</i>, of course. In my world, real life means having time to watch TV at night and maybe do some blogging, so that term should be taken loosely. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUycglBpvr01JtdyxnNcyhqEKwH9zcjLBHgP0xcQjGvd1DYryDdLy6DHZO-EskburB3seGxnktTiShrDTSINiEHocjePyVOwH2bEIFzBLlwg1ByiVvOERm8DxKgOdCmfj54SfwBt7-oANF/s640/blogger-image--148014181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUycglBpvr01JtdyxnNcyhqEKwH9zcjLBHgP0xcQjGvd1DYryDdLy6DHZO-EskburB3seGxnktTiShrDTSINiEHocjePyVOwH2bEIFzBLlwg1ByiVvOERm8DxKgOdCmfj54SfwBt7-oANF/s640/blogger-image--148014181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess what I'm trying to say is, life is crazy, but life is good! Lets hope it stays that way!!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the way, this where I spend my days. My housing class redesigned and painted my classroom last year, and in my opinion did a great job! Wouldn't you agree??</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Monday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-86216222901422606502012-08-10T07:30:00.000-05:002012-08-10T07:30:02.646-05:00Easiest Pizza You'll Ever Make<div style="text-align: center;">
Can I just say, I looove me some pizza!!! I could probably eat it everyday, and honestly any way... the only pizza topping that I always try to avoid is Italian sausage, just not a fan. But other than that, load it up! Hubs, on the other hand, is a strictly pepperoni and cheese kind of guy, so personal pizzas are the way to go in this house. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fortunately for me, in a moment of brilliance, I came up with the easiest, most delicious, time saving meal of all time! That's right, of<i> all </i>time. It's just that tasty and just that quick. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seriously people, you're gonna thank me for this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_gcn99txZuQ8WfhLuqUc_uTIbovsDlGEwYgU0msBdXiTDGfPpJI9OO7NAW8updunryDP4JoYGkVieDM0j8XaVtlRCyrFWPcwTfGhdZT-x3oS1qHpmqOHBSjYZivFbYjhc2lGEqRnhNsQ/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_gcn99txZuQ8WfhLuqUc_uTIbovsDlGEwYgU0msBdXiTDGfPpJI9OO7NAW8updunryDP4JoYGkVieDM0j8XaVtlRCyrFWPcwTfGhdZT-x3oS1qHpmqOHBSjYZivFbYjhc2lGEqRnhNsQ/s640/Ingredients.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Pizza toppings of your choice {<i>in this case: pepperoni, canadian bacon, mozzarella cheese, pineapple, mushrooms, and banana peppers... I decided against the tomatoes this time, but if you've never had a pizza topped with tomatoes and bacon, you're missing out!!</i>}<br />- Pizza sauce {<i>I like to use crushed tomatoes instead of actual sauce</i>}<br />- And the magic ingredient: Garlic Naan, that's right, as in the flatbread you get at Indian restaurants. It's the perfect size for a personal pizza and if you get the garlic kind, it becomes a nicely seasoned crust for all your delicious toppings. So good!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All you have to do is preheat your oven to 400 degrees, top it like it's hot {<i>the pizza that is</i>}, and pop it in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Q2NcJbkpMjkC_ibn6KGnXDYsM5rh5hmAMWweLHIGE5FYT9BzqF_YWZWPFuCg7mOEW07HTEgI_R8p4Nv1k1_tbjiJ1A770fc-ALBP13rLImxpkN6QRuiHo14GGUGnt-od3YNZL_WSnIH/s1600/LoadedUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1Q2NcJbkpMjkC_ibn6KGnXDYsM5rh5hmAMWweLHIGE5FYT9BzqF_YWZWPFuCg7mOEW07HTEgI_R8p4Nv1k1_tbjiJ1A770fc-ALBP13rLImxpkN6QRuiHo14GGUGnt-od3YNZL_WSnIH/s640/LoadedUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The longer you let it bake, the crunchier the crust will be. I usually think 12 minutes is just about perfect... the crust is still soft, but has a nice crunch to it too! Seriously, my mouth is watering right now.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslCM5EFmcDYr5DqR77HI7FPon5bx6keRrPK6CXz7HCfwmrTgjuTAYmOsIdt9fEuU5AxW6xZ80ghHaHngsloNRNthpuYOPSgV-pk86fFPa4eFUoOerjuud7-iRdSyaAeqCNyNLdk-_gv7U/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslCM5EFmcDYr5DqR77HI7FPon5bx6keRrPK6CXz7HCfwmrTgjuTAYmOsIdt9fEuU5AxW6xZ80ghHaHngsloNRNthpuYOPSgV-pk86fFPa4eFUoOerjuud7-iRdSyaAeqCNyNLdk-_gv7U/s640/Finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There you have it peeps... the easiest, most delicious, time saving meal of all time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I'm gonna copyright that! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go make it. Like right now! Seriously!!</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-34037760973334789652012-08-08T07:00:00.000-05:002012-08-08T07:00:16.879-05:00Wearing: Lake Style<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday we got to have church at the lake! We go to a small start-up church here in GC and it was our first annual church picnic. Growing up, church picnics are some of my favorite memories... we had them every year around the 4th of July, down by the river. So much fun!! So I was pretty excited when I found out that our new church's picnic would be at the lake! Water and Jesus, what more do you need?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to admit, the first time I saw this "lake" I was pretty disappointed. Derek and I rented a cabin here to celebrate our 1 month anniversary of being married. It was a sweet trip he had planned long before I even moved to GC and we were so excited! Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed when we arrived and I saw what appeared to me to be a large pond. <i>This</i> was <i>not</i> a lake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR64ItRXEHcSD2LkqRSMBK7Yj_zgwPwDRiIgTJ2rmedydKVMaSg7ZzX8-uPeoblBGUSNEBTQWcZS1Ry2WCMmAMxN3JtXoumr_pAEIOkAJbfcPVGc5Km27YMyzZmujp7M9a_vbLRtSSrEgk/s640/blogger-image--423291604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR64ItRXEHcSD2LkqRSMBK7Yj_zgwPwDRiIgTJ2rmedydKVMaSg7ZzX8-uPeoblBGUSNEBTQWcZS1Ry2WCMmAMxN3JtXoumr_pAEIOkAJbfcPVGc5Km27YMyzZmujp7M9a_vbLRtSSrEgk/s640/blogger-image--423291604.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's amazing what a year can do on a person's perspective... when we arrived to Scott Lake this past Sunday, all I saw was beauty! Not the mere size of the body of water in front of me, but the beauty of God's creation. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As much as I complain about our current circumstances, I really am learning so much about contentment and gratitude and joy. Perspective changes everything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj07HmzsdbNSLLb1STRNqEJK2kcJWfYAanVNfG3ugXCbWrVEclxge31iBIWlkw75Mt9PHHvZVUrvLNlcNWhbs2qJ9RihmEhwG96aWnsV3x1TT96Rw5fTG6wBG1i6X2H5t5Vj9Zbir4p_6/s1600/DSC04203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidj07HmzsdbNSLLb1STRNqEJK2kcJWfYAanVNfG3ugXCbWrVEclxge31iBIWlkw75Mt9PHHvZVUrvLNlcNWhbs2qJ9RihmEhwG96aWnsV3x1TT96Rw5fTG6wBG1i6X2H5t5Vj9Zbir4p_6/s640/DSC04203.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I honestly had planned to share a new recipe today {<i>from a new dish I took to the picnic</i>}, but decided better of it. The dish wasn't a complete flop, but just wasn't that great either... so I'll show you what I wore instead. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQh_Jy0Jhmn-OLyCfBu9lX_PX4GgIRlmPXsbRafhjgGDBPNUdS7Yd_8uahvk2RAxL_3jDonNMzucc5nrkuTVltkU0igVoHRZzlnvmsX0wd_NZszrXDbYdXsj0LdG4izfNuWBWDqqN01gr/s1600/DSC04171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQh_Jy0Jhmn-OLyCfBu9lX_PX4GgIRlmPXsbRafhjgGDBPNUdS7Yd_8uahvk2RAxL_3jDonNMzucc5nrkuTVltkU0igVoHRZzlnvmsX0wd_NZszrXDbYdXsj0LdG4izfNuWBWDqqN01gr/s640/DSC04171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQX-4hhYeghuhdhtFVFeXmWDAwD6fOLRf2m6Jh3u-OBRUjSNgP1Sj-uHDFksw342q5KKAmptk_GlxwN0K1Dttc0S9OMia_yUto-RiHmxYE_KgzemmqtxwezxAIs6jaCRG64omc43-C0JP/s1600/DSC04167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQX-4hhYeghuhdhtFVFeXmWDAwD6fOLRf2m6Jh3u-OBRUjSNgP1Sj-uHDFksw342q5KKAmptk_GlxwN0K1Dttc0S9OMia_yUto-RiHmxYE_KgzemmqtxwezxAIs6jaCRG64omc43-C0JP/s640/DSC04167.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing to write home about really, just a couple tank tops, bermudas, and shoes {<i>that were quickly changed to flip flops</i>}. I'll be honest, I'm not much of a fan of summer clothing... I love layers and scarves and close-toed shoes, but when you're at the lake, those things aren't really ideal, if ya know what I mean.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And in case you were wondering, this is what happens when you try to have a photo shoot with my husband... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DOiNHH_4wPfPiY7KQRKmzIB8EQcnAtzkIZOQ_3gihsTAazdz-f13E53v6quxAzf6sMxaIRzf23OtM6VNXodpzbSgXiLhmMlHQosvXHp90lB6xFYdWlgoupR4qUJ0fkpv_cyqm9VvFe_L/s1600/DSC04184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DOiNHH_4wPfPiY7KQRKmzIB8EQcnAtzkIZOQ_3gihsTAazdz-f13E53v6quxAzf6sMxaIRzf23OtM6VNXodpzbSgXiLhmMlHQosvXHp90lB6xFYdWlgoupR4qUJ0fkpv_cyqm9VvFe_L/s640/DSC04184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Goof!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Wednesday {<i>my last Wednesday of freedom, btw. I'm not freaking out or anything.</i>}!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>! </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-16966928268814405702012-08-06T09:30:00.000-05:002012-08-06T09:39:16.943-05:00When life gives you lemons...<div style="text-align: center;">
If you happen to follow me on instagram, you might have noticed that our a/c decided to quit working on Thursday. We were somewhat in denial and decided to "wait it out" but by Friday morning we knew it was done for. Derek told our landlord, who sent someone by in the afternoon, but unfortunately it was more complicated than the maintenance man could handle and we had to wait until Saturday for someone to come by and completely replace the unit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, my way of coping included escaping to my classroom to get some work done as well as posting pitiful pictures like these:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTlF1q7KpOZsLKCHhf_MwJWgaP6Hv93mGBrjQicmV4qDu-e75LwU95XqMklox4vGvENK849P268-cTPDksBfMyykaJSVVUaJe5A6NROG2w_q6KwpNGzqpqzBTOwhEFQGFb7KrcUQGoRA7/s1600/Instas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTlF1q7KpOZsLKCHhf_MwJWgaP6Hv93mGBrjQicmV4qDu-e75LwU95XqMklox4vGvENK849P268-cTPDksBfMyykaJSVVUaJe5A6NROG2w_q6KwpNGzqpqzBTOwhEFQGFb7KrcUQGoRA7/s640/Instas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also did a lot of reminiscing about the semester I spent in Tanzania... I lived in Africa for an entire semester without an air conditioner, but it's just different when you actually have one and it's not working, ya know?! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such an injustice! haha </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also became very thankful for 1. The invention of a/c 2. Being a renter and not having to shell out the dough for a replacement and 3. An awesome husband who helps turn everything into an adventure! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our first night without air, we we went to bed with the windows open. Our bed is right under the window in our bedroom, and luckily there was a slight breeze... however about 10 minutes later the breeze was accompanied by the first rain we've had in months! Normal people probably would have closed the windows as quickly as possible, but not us! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We left it open as long as we could stand it, enjoying the rain drops and their lovely scent. We probably would have left the window open all night, except the lovely scent quickly turned into a smell that made you wish you didn't have a nose!! Ick, gotta love SW Kansas... smells like money. And if you're not aware, "money" smells like cow poop. Gross, gross, gross!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Day two without air was considerably hotter... by the time we were getting ready for bed our apartment was 97 degrees!!! Insane! Chocolate in the pantry was melting; things were falling off the walls in Derek's office. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Insane, I tell you! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While some people moped around and posted pathetic pictures on instagram {<i>me</i>} other people {<i>Derek</i>} came up with brilliant ideas... like sleeping on the balcony! No need for a tent when you have a deck, right?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZprmbwAX9ZY5i7oaxoiqxuoZ6rmmCEw2xNX_ts36iD28UgtwVg_-P2g_v4bNpsoz_8okXAUfqSQuDdnG6PMUpbMYLCPv_0MoyZnxedczVEG1CCqqbHd7Xe2v1jmkrXn_FHj6qkwjxHHg/s1600/Bed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZprmbwAX9ZY5i7oaxoiqxuoZ6rmmCEw2xNX_ts36iD28UgtwVg_-P2g_v4bNpsoz_8okXAUfqSQuDdnG6PMUpbMYLCPv_0MoyZnxedczVEG1CCqqbHd7Xe2v1jmkrXn_FHj6qkwjxHHg/s640/Bed1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As soon as Derek even mentioned the idea I was packing up blankets and pillows, completely on board! We entertained ourselves with our tablets and dogs, and also met our new neighbors {<i>who probably think we're complete weirdos now, but what can you do?!</i>} </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48oU5LZi3A0qDC99FIWVYMICm1mTzKTtEN2mbTRoVVe-PSmgUDpwasU0PCswFe2edJz5aSuUWhZBfIU3qJL-lGRsOu2nRoTFFUwE8YAeWG4yQzcPc3KWH21KYAYfpLCFB_J4bJk8kq58V/s1600/Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48oU5LZi3A0qDC99FIWVYMICm1mTzKTtEN2mbTRoVVe-PSmgUDpwasU0PCswFe2edJz5aSuUWhZBfIU3qJL-lGRsOu2nRoTFFUwE8YAeWG4yQzcPc3KWH21KYAYfpLCFB_J4bJk8kq58V/s640/Deck.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't say it was the best I've ever slept, but at least I slept! And, not to mention, made yet another memory with my man! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When life gives you lemons... sleep on the balcony!</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-21569089976161017952012-08-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-08-03T09:00:06.506-05:00Who needs an Olympic medal...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got a blogger award!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How cool, right?! Now I'll be honest, I'm not exactly sure how these blogger awards are supposed to work, but I was still excited to be given the honor by the lovely Danavee of <a href="http://eevanad.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">This Vintage Grove</a>! She's my only real "blog friend" so far, but I definitely found a winner! She's so so sweet and I have come to enjoy our little chats. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://onehouseonecouple.blogzam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/one-lovely-blog-award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://onehouseonecouple.blogzam.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/one-lovely-blog-award.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, about the award... I received the One Lovely Blog award and from my understanding it means I'm supposed to tell some random facts about myself as well as give out some blog love by nominating others. Seems easy enough... so here's some facts that you probably didn't know about me and maybe didn't want to. :) </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>I played 4 years of varsity soccer in high school. </li>
<li>I also played the tuba. Yep, that big ole' brass thing. I've always had this weird thing about being unique, so I guess in 6th grade that translated into choosing the instrument that only boys chose? Makes since, right? :) </li>
<li>Although I teach Family and Consumer Sciences, I never took a FCS class. I loved all the subject areas, but always chose other classes instead. </li>
<li>There are 5 nationalities represented in my family... American {<i>duh</i>}, Mexican {<i>uncle</i>}, English {<i>aunt</i>}, Indian {<i>cousin</i>}, and Haitian {<i>2 aunts and 1 uncle... who happen to be in 10th, 8th, and 6th grade. nbd!</i>}</li>
<li>By the time we were married, Derek and I had actually lived in different states longer than we had lived in the same city. When he moved to Kansas we had been dating about a year and a half... the rest of our "dating"/ engagement was just a little bit longer than that. Glad that's over! </li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now, for my nominations... Since I'm pretty new to the whole blogging thing, and don't currently have <i>too </i>many blog friends, I decided to nominate just a few of my "real life" friends who happen to have blogs! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drum roll please... The nominations go to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thesethreadsofmine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">These Threads of Mine</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://emmyinthemaking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Emmy in the Making</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imbecomingmymother.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I'm Becoming My Mother</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There you have it ladies, all you have to do is link back to me, share a few random facts of your own, and nominate some other worthy bloggers! Or just make up your own rules... like I kind of did. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In other news, since this is kind of a wordy post, here's a sneak peak at a project I will be posting about next week! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8Fw5LKMEg3285Qk6RQXlQ3e5UgQTh16zQ5knhglmIGXcA4QZY-xq3yieF4I8nDdHQ4f2F75PjdSL6fCxqR1kpUyQqMjF6bPeLnk95sEbrexOhg_ekOHPOrFebR1pZrdXfriSbnxHyA70/s640/blogger-image-220469190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8Fw5LKMEg3285Qk6RQXlQ3e5UgQTh16zQ5knhglmIGXcA4QZY-xq3yieF4I8nDdHQ4f2F75PjdSL6fCxqR1kpUyQqMjF6bPeLnk95sEbrexOhg_ekOHPOrFebR1pZrdXfriSbnxHyA70/s400/blogger-image-220469190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What could it be?? I love surprises! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Friday! :)</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-55881671542739343352012-08-01T09:30:00.000-05:002012-08-01T09:46:37.795-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaz0LUr4y0DLzgDguzIyYqOPYrrJ7ow02wCCor2rsrX_qXTsqa-bXPtAgKVU-adPbBvS-jPUjx5XDpKv9XUoTMk6AswJt78ekLrg3S0qKj2THiymsHS1NZsnXmYuhRITLK6d1CyDj9Lte/s640/blogger-image-1076245108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaz0LUr4y0DLzgDguzIyYqOPYrrJ7ow02wCCor2rsrX_qXTsqa-bXPtAgKVU-adPbBvS-jPUjx5XDpKv9XUoTMk6AswJt78ekLrg3S0qKj2THiymsHS1NZsnXmYuhRITLK6d1CyDj9Lte/s400/blogger-image-1076245108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
This is the month I return to the real world.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
This is the month I begin year two of my teaching career, a year that is<i> hopefully </i>much less stressful than the last.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
This is the month I get serious about eating right and regular exercise {<i>that's the plan at least... wish me luck!</i>}.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
This is the month I get to cheer on the US as they compete in the Olympics {<i>though obviously that's already started</i>}. My favorite is women's gymnastics!<br />
This is the month I begin waking myself up in the middle of the night with new ideas and back-to school nightmares {<i>oh wait, that's already started too!</i> :(}</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
And this is the month my parents celebrate 34 years of marriage. I'm so thankful for their commitment to each other and our family!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
I've gotta admit, it was kind of hard to come up with a list of what I'm looking forward to this month... don't get me wrong, I'm excited to get back in the swing of things, but summer is just so great!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Here's to August... may it be just as fun and exciting as it will inevitably be stressful! :) Happy August everyone!</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-76198375217321806552012-07-30T20:17:00.001-05:002012-07-30T20:18:50.152-05:00July in Instas<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you believe July is over?? This month was so much fun, but went by way too quickly! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had our last hoorah of the summer this past week and were able to see some family and friends before reality kicks in again. It was a great way to wrap up the month, but I'm so not ready to get back to the real world... I told myself I have to get serious this week. That means organizing and setting up my classroom, getting on a running routine, and starting to eat right. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm determined to make August my month of motivation! But for now, here's some highlights from July:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZX7ic7Yetmf7VuUv6UJunO90UiJ7p6rapaaZHgf15qWlBls3yo_tri1h1z2TJ9HbUy4vEXn1gNwHV7ai3nNUEqoNtFePK2JrXMOA6Sg2vGBMp0p412NOs0hQ3q1kjMKAdcuim9qEEAX-/s1600/Insta+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZX7ic7Yetmf7VuUv6UJunO90UiJ7p6rapaaZHgf15qWlBls3yo_tri1h1z2TJ9HbUy4vEXn1gNwHV7ai3nNUEqoNtFePK2JrXMOA6Sg2vGBMp0p412NOs0hQ3q1kjMKAdcuim9qEEAX-/s640/Insta+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took a little day trip to a nearby town to see Dorothy's heritage, tried the "Best Burgers in Kansas" {<i>though I'm not completely sure I agree</i>}, and reminisced about our big day. So hard to believe it was a year ago!! Read about it <a href="http://surpassingrubies.blogspot.com/2012/07/best-day-ever-part-1.html">here</a>, <a href="http://surpassingrubies.blogspot.com/2012/07/wearing-wednesday-wedding-style.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://surpassingrubies.blogspot.com/2012/07/best-day-ever-part-2.html">here</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEDbdNfUhfy4hX1VSXrI52zwRUsTRQ6zR8ICRfSIliM-8RGGhuBRYex9xrXpgXylPu5rQsztlVU1PDBsdqZqaEGfB4dv5KPW144ys3KMj4BTCeLHGwZtF5ikaJxz-AVHReDBrNFh5o395/s1600/Insta+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEDbdNfUhfy4hX1VSXrI52zwRUsTRQ6zR8ICRfSIliM-8RGGhuBRYex9xrXpgXylPu5rQsztlVU1PDBsdqZqaEGfB4dv5KPW144ys3KMj4BTCeLHGwZtF5ikaJxz-AVHReDBrNFh5o395/s640/Insta+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were able to spend some time with my parents both here in GC and in Missouri. We love having company, but hardly ever do since we're so far from everyone. Our visits included a trip to the zoo, movie night, and a piece of our "wedding cake." My mom had one made for us since we weren't able to save our top layer {<i>didn't want to transport it 9 hours!</i>}. So sweet!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6o43t4cdlzXFz_CXid5SwlczBEJ-_Yy8oiq_tMrndv6XmxpMGsuX-O16bARD4Z3wunjPCbKaYxLayyCMb__TcDA1KXfIpNnv0t97PEQiaRwkbTWGGC6Qs3wXWEcROLmAg6ZiRSnv_DJN/s1600/Insta+1+opt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6o43t4cdlzXFz_CXid5SwlczBEJ-_Yy8oiq_tMrndv6XmxpMGsuX-O16bARD4Z3wunjPCbKaYxLayyCMb__TcDA1KXfIpNnv0t97PEQiaRwkbTWGGC6Qs3wXWEcROLmAg6ZiRSnv_DJN/s640/Insta+1+opt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated our first year by taking a trip to Kansas City... I surprised Derek with an original page of a Captain America comic by an artist he likes, we went to a Sporting KC game {<i>so much fun, we love soccer!!</i>}, and Derek indulged me by taking me to a fancy restaurant and letting us stay in a nice hotel! We had a blast!! {<i>And I may or may not have made up for the fact that I never shop in Garden City... shhhh! Teachers need new school clothes too!</i> ;)}<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6mA5-KonAriVlzriGEUuzO43QXzzfEOUt7DeFkDG_0Gf25-KMOChk4F9xXGz5THz-GLJzPNlruDBfTE5G8f9THL2JyKhoKQYbAa80Px2oYfsBmhWXYcj3wbotsQn48m8X2QkXcGzJLmJ/s1600/Insta+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6mA5-KonAriVlzriGEUuzO43QXzzfEOUt7DeFkDG_0Gf25-KMOChk4F9xXGz5THz-GLJzPNlruDBfTE5G8f9THL2JyKhoKQYbAa80Px2oYfsBmhWXYcj3wbotsQn48m8X2QkXcGzJLmJ/s640/Insta+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After Kansas City, we decided to head down to the Springfield area to visit family and friends for a few days before heading home. I was able to spend some quality time with my favorite little girls, <strike>kill myself </strike>relax at the lake with friends, and stuff my face full of the best Chinese food ever. If you live anywhere close to Marshfield, you've gotta get yourself some Oriental Inn!! It's sooo good, people!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such a great month!! What were some of your July highlights?</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-37347714305088657272012-07-23T09:30:00.000-05:002012-07-23T09:30:03.905-05:00Year One...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYglK5sVl6g9Ogx0K1C1eqFb4MtSPOXCPXxn3TKqshLkenzP86FJ-yh8Z0lwW1U5r2rjRn1-KhkcDpo2Lb7tGssSgLsf7HPLXLSDDYR4cnCLQRdtrfElDJ_MK8Wdx16qpTz69y6E_LtAj4/s1600/IMG_9337Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYglK5sVl6g9Ogx0K1C1eqFb4MtSPOXCPXxn3TKqshLkenzP86FJ-yh8Z0lwW1U5r2rjRn1-KhkcDpo2Lb7tGssSgLsf7HPLXLSDDYR4cnCLQRdtrfElDJ_MK8Wdx16qpTz69y6E_LtAj4/s640/IMG_9337Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{via <a href="http://www.twintownstudios.com/" target="_blank">Twin Town Studios</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the year I moved nine hours away from "home" to build a new home with my love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the year I <i>probably</i> cried everyday for six months.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the year I started a "big girl" job, and didn't think I would make it to December {<i>let alone May</i>}.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the year I realized that marriage is awesome! But it's not <i>always</i> awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this is the year I learned that I <i>might</i> not be as perfect as I probably thought I was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>but...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is also the year that I realized even a couple hours with the man you love is better than 24 with anyone else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the year I learned to truly appreciate my family and friends and not take a single minute for granted. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the year I realized that joy, happiness, and gratitude are decisions I must make everyday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the year I learned that it really is the small things that make life great... and that a dance party with the man you love can turn your whole week around.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this is the year that confirmed I've found my other half.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crazy, crazy year one, you have taught me so many lessons in your short 12 months. Thanks for the memories!<br />
<br />
Love you Derek, thanks for choosing me!!</div>
<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-80190431759932998972012-07-20T10:15:00.000-05:002012-07-20T10:15:00.230-05:00Best Day Ever, part 2<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In honor of our anniversary month, I've decided to share some of my favorite pictures from my favorite day. Today I'll be sharing our more "traditional" wedding pictures. I shared our wedding details <a href="http://surpassingrubies.blogspot.com/2012/07/best-day-ever-part-1.html" target="_blank">here </a>and the story of my wedding dress <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2129837056"></span>here<span id="goog_2129837057"></span></a>! Be sure to check them out if you haven't already!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibymEiYIYyIbMXnVdG1z03z58IIsoMa3liFVDx-Wh-1CFVSEsHqYSTRCnjMCqjc_TRDLcoqAXclyFgPPhi9wxG6uXRP0mqejEPnyYWFLLyVPC02rpKxlyH5-eJqv5rcZ4_vC14W1oEEzSR/s1600/IMG_9201Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibymEiYIYyIbMXnVdG1z03z58IIsoMa3liFVDx-Wh-1CFVSEsHqYSTRCnjMCqjc_TRDLcoqAXclyFgPPhi9wxG6uXRP0mqejEPnyYWFLLyVPC02rpKxlyH5-eJqv5rcZ4_vC14W1oEEzSR/s640/IMG_9201Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP52n84elGGoi2J4nbercUXCFvI2peZ9-cHknpzHhqJGocA1VvKEVV_9hvDeDztDpfj8UpT8jNcXEPWZsrM2hqr8hiROF3RqacBd8tXOlFi6Ef7oQ_u3UFsCcOPL9ps1xatBWDg3j2G39E/s1600/IMG_9225Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP52n84elGGoi2J4nbercUXCFvI2peZ9-cHknpzHhqJGocA1VvKEVV_9hvDeDztDpfj8UpT8jNcXEPWZsrM2hqr8hiROF3RqacBd8tXOlFi6Ef7oQ_u3UFsCcOPL9ps1xatBWDg3j2G39E/s640/IMG_9225Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI5RsQVBJpoF2bdK56YJG_ZPhKu2LwVKFtSihbSuso6BcUvn7e4dfWat8DXvfTjeBGLW6LPlgrXJVz1s51yCI1jiyQReOuJbv4gd0RU_z6mkH_dfr6VGhsXpNGsKIrUZU16su328mrN80/s1600/IMG_9254Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI5RsQVBJpoF2bdK56YJG_ZPhKu2LwVKFtSihbSuso6BcUvn7e4dfWat8DXvfTjeBGLW6LPlgrXJVz1s51yCI1jiyQReOuJbv4gd0RU_z6mkH_dfr6VGhsXpNGsKIrUZU16su328mrN80/s640/IMG_9254Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We definitely wanted to get the pictures out of the way before the ceremony. It was nice to be able to simply relax and enjoy ourselves at the reception and not have to worry about extra pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75dXtbw5QJt54qk8oqxxDPDU8lF9cMqC9uAZRw-9PcCASyEz6jjbJshQmp5O-s1Ev4qgDBFyxOi_5iF5UFc4IB-U-Mix5dFevpzt9RWEVtvniy9JR5UN_OXnUTq6eZ8nKJelBP_qUUVHZ/s1600/First+Look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75dXtbw5QJt54qk8oqxxDPDU8lF9cMqC9uAZRw-9PcCASyEz6jjbJshQmp5O-s1Ev4qgDBFyxOi_5iF5UFc4IB-U-Mix5dFevpzt9RWEVtvniy9JR5UN_OXnUTq6eZ8nKJelBP_qUUVHZ/s640/First+Look.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ztnXyUwTohZ17beFEElfbD3tnGELVssxUNCHxjweo_or_CfHMgpod9JWlnfoKLzN_6CKGkgSFgDDUfkn-zBQ0dCNOBgtcfPwwcAdf2yyqaDAo7Gm0DpL2R4cWV36HGXq0GT2ct-WERUD/s1600/IMG_9422Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ztnXyUwTohZ17beFEElfbD3tnGELVssxUNCHxjweo_or_CfHMgpod9JWlnfoKLzN_6CKGkgSFgDDUfkn-zBQ0dCNOBgtcfPwwcAdf2yyqaDAo7Gm0DpL2R4cWV36HGXq0GT2ct-WERUD/s640/IMG_9422Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided to keep our wedding party pretty small. Derek chose his two brothers and a friend he's had since middle school {<i>Josh was actually in all 3 of the Thompson weddings, he's practically a brother</i>}. I chose my 3 bffs who are all basically sisters, since I don't have any of my own. I've known Maryl since I was born, Kimberly since she was born {<i>6 weeks after me. We're cousins, too</i>}, and <a href="http://thesethreadsofmine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> since first grade. Don't know what I'd do without those girls!! Our flower girls were Kimberly's oldest daughters, Addie and Emme and our ring bearer was my cousin Eli.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFA-zg89GgKzIdQ-nJ5611LLMP4c7w1pJxgGOMoQbUz8eLNdurnm5ptql3w3Cb5oA9l9EzqkquFTkVkUxdH1sLPGmdWX0IuryWc9G5Tv0zJokCquP07Y6F7R6EQJutE48aENHE5fDgpdf/s1600/IMG_9437Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFA-zg89GgKzIdQ-nJ5611LLMP4c7w1pJxgGOMoQbUz8eLNdurnm5ptql3w3Cb5oA9l9EzqkquFTkVkUxdH1sLPGmdWX0IuryWc9G5Tv0zJokCquP07Y6F7R6EQJutE48aENHE5fDgpdf/s640/IMG_9437Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOp7Xpax_Vk8nYXMuCEIFCeo0IUuJYlMaKumpcd_MspI0OxhWbpJnmxvxS1svDuzTraJp3UoKG2g9wPyDMf1T7UkzhqB-Te1NVIpOfjXo62L94Dp52h0Nlob32dGGKNI1lO5fA3HsP8XJ/s1600/IMG_9482Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOp7Xpax_Vk8nYXMuCEIFCeo0IUuJYlMaKumpcd_MspI0OxhWbpJnmxvxS1svDuzTraJp3UoKG2g9wPyDMf1T7UkzhqB-Te1NVIpOfjXo62L94Dp52h0Nlob32dGGKNI1lO5fA3HsP8XJ/s640/IMG_9482Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's Derek, Brady, Josh, and Chris making sure we're on schedule. They all wore antique pocket watches passed down from their grandfathers. How cool, right?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-Eq_JyiC00MzEB4YXRavWeZkrsC-SYyHCjrWRn5Mqk3hlyJiMahbQxJ38Usks_vJWiWMMCXg9C-z8ALPGjIBA-PK112UDa-pA2T4iaggiXTe_oo1lyeGfHg-5LRf4aCZEhHtWnRwi6mC/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-Eq_JyiC00MzEB4YXRavWeZkrsC-SYyHCjrWRn5Mqk3hlyJiMahbQxJ38Usks_vJWiWMMCXg9C-z8ALPGjIBA-PK112UDa-pA2T4iaggiXTe_oo1lyeGfHg-5LRf4aCZEhHtWnRwi6mC/s640/IMG_0692.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Maryl, Kimberly, me and Anna chillin' at the reception. We just pose like that naturally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJXthPVbkouOUhmOIuv36nNxpuqZ5GEXAUOhEImYBncT-RT4MQCN59TYHB2rKBBr7j-5udJdbRn09Z-0e7IXKFDuN56wm7S8Fi8icTFCVR-von57nOh2eFZXsT1luSANltnOJVb04W2O9/s1600/IMG_9971Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJXthPVbkouOUhmOIuv36nNxpuqZ5GEXAUOhEImYBncT-RT4MQCN59TYHB2rKBBr7j-5udJdbRn09Z-0e7IXKFDuN56wm7S8Fi8icTFCVR-von57nOh2eFZXsT1luSANltnOJVb04W2O9/s640/IMG_9971Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't want a boring traditional family photo, so we made a heart! :) Everyone in this picture is related to us, but there's a lot more that couldn't make it. Fun fact: out of all these people only 6 of them are from Derek's side... I have a big family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgu2ypG2SJ65RR1JTq6e6-Fxjmf_yBpNj7sEfOcnD-uDwK8BGiAqrKkFXWM4Un7douP_rS4q0n4DTHu38lj_zPBwPfcSkg-hnNyu6WQgj6Tz-EY4CCVY3MYcFj4rOHyHRIF-MAyr7456v/s1600/IMG_9521Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgu2ypG2SJ65RR1JTq6e6-Fxjmf_yBpNj7sEfOcnD-uDwK8BGiAqrKkFXWM4Un7douP_rS4q0n4DTHu38lj_zPBwPfcSkg-hnNyu6WQgj6Tz-EY4CCVY3MYcFj4rOHyHRIF-MAyr7456v/s640/IMG_9521Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZSiosRtI_9eYz1oMlFLDS7K797UuJsgaJdXjLExpz5C15k1jZPvO6pd6oiunHlc9XcdSesWG4NLxWp22TaG67ma5a9NiS_Ety8bLgXY7nmE0SLn5__m6XGGlQT3OpvTvko9Q_wDmznlU/s1600/IMG_9721Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZSiosRtI_9eYz1oMlFLDS7K797UuJsgaJdXjLExpz5C15k1jZPvO6pd6oiunHlc9XcdSesWG4NLxWp22TaG67ma5a9NiS_Ety8bLgXY7nmE0SLn5__m6XGGlQT3OpvTvko9Q_wDmznlU/s640/IMG_9721Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g8q1g71Ww7-IawNq2D_J7DFTguAAQsSqj_hAIk7UAMsKG1Gy4Jc7jzqtFRqSpWjHdGJ7jb1N6TudSSSQbqYv2_bZdamg5LJ3gMsj9mdEsB9Y3aZDPYSNwt0vwj90vfmvHXKpBAkauRwp/s1600/WalkingIn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g8q1g71Ww7-IawNq2D_J7DFTguAAQsSqj_hAIk7UAMsKG1Gy4Jc7jzqtFRqSpWjHdGJ7jb1N6TudSSSQbqYv2_bZdamg5LJ3gMsj9mdEsB9Y3aZDPYSNwt0vwj90vfmvHXKpBAkauRwp/s640/WalkingIn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-DqIfuHrsqRx-LG45FT0_VkdhHq4EHTtDddfuf7R9A0ogPO9oN44mugzUg2VJysLCE0YkAsfcm7TvxKNF29b3WkZHz3CHPgpj-ps1EbaJAc1bNZEmyh1GChVEqPkNl5LQareVidLt0QY/s1600/Ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-DqIfuHrsqRx-LG45FT0_VkdhHq4EHTtDddfuf7R9A0ogPO9oN44mugzUg2VJysLCE0YkAsfcm7TvxKNF29b3WkZHz3CHPgpj-ps1EbaJAc1bNZEmyh1GChVEqPkNl5LQareVidLt0QY/s640/Ceremony.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a community prayer with our immediate families and wedding party after we lit the unity candle... maybe my favorite part of the ceremony.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6LtAlEBx1AEQ6iX7AGRjhHo8vQsanQMO_Is5QILcLvMoH81OudfTvAClaAuJbuTFwz6e8jCy92_bC-w-rxygg3YTcNSpHb-QwkUK-Yl1xv1a2qo63-BndfKVNQICS8V1bd4pbpR4AEzA/s1600/IMG_9833Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6LtAlEBx1AEQ6iX7AGRjhHo8vQsanQMO_Is5QILcLvMoH81OudfTvAClaAuJbuTFwz6e8jCy92_bC-w-rxygg3YTcNSpHb-QwkUK-Yl1xv1a2qo63-BndfKVNQICS8V1bd4pbpR4AEzA/s640/IMG_9833Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwxs3bceVpQvkdRMq6YdRqLQ90Al_bnnDEIIu95SKPr5FqwiOFNctlojzRDDDd4fV6A1JUulgLKCXNZTwiRMoCc7Q2T9WndVWAS-4Y7v3RtiNkLWyGYSmTC5Xj0-W5Zu9lCl8zPxyAV0Y/s1600/IMG_9847Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwxs3bceVpQvkdRMq6YdRqLQ90Al_bnnDEIIu95SKPr5FqwiOFNctlojzRDDDd4fV6A1JUulgLKCXNZTwiRMoCc7Q2T9WndVWAS-4Y7v3RtiNkLWyGYSmTC5Xj0-W5Zu9lCl8zPxyAV0Y/s640/IMG_9847Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MNIFdj7liUtLv9MOuDRO0B5-KecYJ9G7x9Qsh6gFkEk0SQsmner4BTI88DMSoNdKvbt71JzWhE9ayxXvEMOMXC7FdSQjrha5nXWs2pe15tGD-YIrddyyEfFYXum5NHb5m-8oUrzWLShP/s1600/IMG_0774b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MNIFdj7liUtLv9MOuDRO0B5-KecYJ9G7x9Qsh6gFkEk0SQsmner4BTI88DMSoNdKvbt71JzWhE9ayxXvEMOMXC7FdSQjrha5nXWs2pe15tGD-YIrddyyEfFYXum5NHb5m-8oUrzWLShP/s640/IMG_0774b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U6IxhI2H_K35iOjMZWNoHjc52cMsazIDokiklH8bI6BHAaZ-tfn5d6zzfLqNOH97Enw-V4qrdC26zlmilOtEJ9fYREFTIpkquPuIbZcwjHmXkdRgL_BBKV44JQmBmoBAkLnEaFTgTRBb/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U6IxhI2H_K35iOjMZWNoHjc52cMsazIDokiklH8bI6BHAaZ-tfn5d6zzfLqNOH97Enw-V4qrdC26zlmilOtEJ9fYREFTIpkquPuIbZcwjHmXkdRgL_BBKV44JQmBmoBAkLnEaFTgTRBb/s640/IMG_0777.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't let this picture fool you, we lasted on that bike for about 15 seconds... that's why we don't have a better picture!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU7pr8KsX0D__PFUOTkxDdsXBCOOU3F_auYi38l7987DxuRFw7COZU2CYyPgmtamVN0p81Hmaw9emd2cztBu1eVFoPJQ8bPcWrJxHoxTPHxUmI8dQer1ud8akQQ9FTxQzTs3UVTKrItTG/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU7pr8KsX0D__PFUOTkxDdsXBCOOU3F_auYi38l7987DxuRFw7COZU2CYyPgmtamVN0p81Hmaw9emd2cztBu1eVFoPJQ8bPcWrJxHoxTPHxUmI8dQer1ud8akQQ9FTxQzTs3UVTKrItTG/s640/IMG_0890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ex1KYfd8I0Ugay5U8MefC4SKqw40eIKHB0DnMDny-m74v5_4au_auir6aD-HZDmG-e1UKo7ISohZnd2S1UWgN0YaK_3IHeBY5VKFZ-L9x6MIPjrJSoQnZiij9L9Y-m7xevstPr0vopur/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ex1KYfd8I0Ugay5U8MefC4SKqw40eIKHB0DnMDny-m74v5_4au_auir6aD-HZDmG-e1UKo7ISohZnd2S1UWgN0YaK_3IHeBY5VKFZ-L9x6MIPjrJSoQnZiij9L9Y-m7xevstPr0vopur/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed a peek at our special day. I can't believe it was already almost a year ago! Do you have your wedding pictures posted? I'd love to check them out! I love weddings!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Our photographer was Adie Gateley of <a href="http://www.twintownstudios.com/" target="_blank">Twin Town Studios</a> and I absolutely loved her! We had a horrible experience with our original photographer after our engagement pictures and were fortunate enough to book Adie pretty late in the game. She understood exactly what I was wanting and was so great to work with. I would definitely recommend her! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
*Some of these pictures were also taken by our friend Les. He doesn't have a business, just a nice camera and a good eye. Thanks Les! </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-49794442896476744712012-07-18T10:26:00.000-05:002012-07-18T10:26:00.765-05:00Wearing Wednesday: Wedding Style<div style="text-align: center;">
With our anniversary coming up, I've decided to make this week "Wedding Week!" I wasn't able to blog about our special day last year because I literally got married, honeymooned, moved to a new state, and started my first "real" job within a matter of 3 weeks. If that's not stress, I don't know what is {<i>and I don't want to find out</i>}!!<br />
<br />
You can see the detail shots from our wedding <a href="http://surpassingrubies.blogspot.com/2012/07/best-day-ever-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>, if you haven't already.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XJJbyLzU7faMe76Bx3qFe1W9JMPZ0h-wMzd6ZydVf4GTynX9v9kil2WoEMEA_MXXg2jdR9-dqXKodd9Pcvz9OC8iwI_MsVCBm4HoElsI2WQr67mtonvpk7UtTuS6TNuY2CnAx7SVWJhG/s1600/IMG_9496Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XJJbyLzU7faMe76Bx3qFe1W9JMPZ0h-wMzd6ZydVf4GTynX9v9kil2WoEMEA_MXXg2jdR9-dqXKodd9Pcvz9OC8iwI_MsVCBm4HoElsI2WQr67mtonvpk7UtTuS6TNuY2CnAx7SVWJhG/s640/IMG_9496Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
{via <a href="http://www.twintownstudios.com/" target="_blank">Twin Town Studios</a>}</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found my wedding dress at <a href="http://karlsbridal.com/" target="_blank">Karl's Bridal</a> in Springfield. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The funny thing is, I actually saw it on their website and loved it before I was even engaged {<i>yes, I started planning before I was engaged, who doesn't?!</i>}. My mom and I were browsing some different dresses online and we both loved it, but in the picture it looked more formal than what I was wanting... definitely bummed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the time came to actually look for dresses {<i>after we were engaged</i>}, Karl's was about the third place I went. I had found a dress at David's Bridal that I really liked, but didn't want to commit too soon, so I ventured on to my next appointment at Karl's. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This dress is one of the first they brought me and I really liked it, but then when I realized it was the dress from online, I knew it was the one! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The reason I had loved the dress so much was because it had a really unique feature...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pDv5L3IgZeBfg-btZT7NXzZQonJR2vKdusMawRv2hSROE-OA5NDNDoYCWo7u7A05EYhxh-NviHeDJsZyTchuWzoUkldI7FRmGw1AP3nenOjG1aAS3sC-CgE9HwPe0raq5jgrQ0FaqvHD/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pDv5L3IgZeBfg-btZT7NXzZQonJR2vKdusMawRv2hSROE-OA5NDNDoYCWo7u7A05EYhxh-NviHeDJsZyTchuWzoUkldI7FRmGw1AP3nenOjG1aAS3sC-CgE9HwPe0raq5jgrQ0FaqvHD/s640/IMG_0910.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See how I'm wearing a short dress in this picture? It's the same dress from above, but the bottom portion comes off, leaving a cute, lace cocktail dress!! How cool is that?! It wasn't necessarily the easiest transition {<i>ask my mom and cousin!</i>}, but definitely a fun idea!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The only problem was that the dress I liked at David's had a really cute flower at the waist... the dress from Karl's didn't and felt a little too plain to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could have bought a custom-made flower for around $100 {<i>no thank you!!</i>}. But fortunately the staff at Karl's was amazing and did some calling around. They remembered a girl who's dress came with a flower, but didn't plan on using it. Sold for $30... that's more like it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOZeHRdSu1A4zToKeXofXw0-m1FSr5jGSBHuTMj7-QLxByi4m0a6DOlywKpCJhFqexIgPz1uH7SR9vtEOKqvhg4Y989RYDkcGfmLV7aQr-IZoHEdlx2SIsoAw7znHYPql5WhOL488mbL4/s1600/IMG_9185Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOZeHRdSu1A4zToKeXofXw0-m1FSr5jGSBHuTMj7-QLxByi4m0a6DOlywKpCJhFqexIgPz1uH7SR9vtEOKqvhg4Y989RYDkcGfmLV7aQr-IZoHEdlx2SIsoAw7znHYPql5WhOL488mbL4/s640/IMG_9185Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
{via <a href="http://www.twintownstudios.com/" target="_blank">Twin Town Studios</a>}</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I first started wedding planning, I would have never guessed I would end up with a dress like this {<i>I was envisioning long, lacy, and simple</i>}, but I'm so glad I did! I absolutely love that dress!! Simple, unique, and <i>somewhat </i>difficult to figure out. Definitely me. :) How did you know your dress was <i>the one</i>??<br />
<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a> today! </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-70095274762136750132012-07-16T10:10:00.000-05:002012-07-16T10:10:12.568-05:00Best Day Ever, part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I wasn't blogging this time last year, and in honor of our anniversary month, I've decided to share some of my favorite pictures from our lovely day. Today is for detail shots! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the amazing help of my wonderful family and friends, we handmade almost every detail of the wedding, from the invitations to the food at the reception. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8K6R33DBbPBxW8YSQIMjorWrGtn0yo52sXHre0SwpBZ4KRHxscn51rN8NmqKbAIpzAGja7fgj-86cZX-V1XT6m6f_ptBTacX9xQmxHQpHlQKsHuewdfpBvW9B-AY93Npfo_AI0PnT15F/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8K6R33DBbPBxW8YSQIMjorWrGtn0yo52sXHre0SwpBZ4KRHxscn51rN8NmqKbAIpzAGja7fgj-86cZX-V1XT6m6f_ptBTacX9xQmxHQpHlQKsHuewdfpBvW9B-AY93Npfo_AI0PnT15F/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVZ8F4SR9VNlBdLRG24amDUeN9sKwFyjcpW-UotZhKJv_8REKeY6aY5N4xllkij_iKR1sKhxUiJIPQxL_PcCxk8gCj3XQYcmUodpzS7KuyzAi3KWGVr8ub8kOL9upPyzOE9bio8328AhC/s1600/IMG_9677Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVZ8F4SR9VNlBdLRG24amDUeN9sKwFyjcpW-UotZhKJv_8REKeY6aY5N4xllkij_iKR1sKhxUiJIPQxL_PcCxk8gCj3XQYcmUodpzS7KuyzAi3KWGVr8ub8kOL9upPyzOE9bio8328AhC/s640/IMG_9677Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gnY5KDbF8qMR0zrZIl4XihbKaEbB_6DzoiCbqbP37qq-y_DO9vPGEC-vjr66STL7_dYRSbdbT6RGTfzOZKSdagzq1QmgCXP6BV4hqCDZ8RmXgr9ozh5yJAe7STKf6vmNUT9aUBg1Fk-J/s1600/IMG_9670Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gnY5KDbF8qMR0zrZIl4XihbKaEbB_6DzoiCbqbP37qq-y_DO9vPGEC-vjr66STL7_dYRSbdbT6RGTfzOZKSdagzq1QmgCXP6BV4hqCDZ8RmXgr9ozh5yJAe7STKf6vmNUT9aUBg1Fk-J/s640/IMG_9670Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_rBi7A7ii3s3CGrvCe1LVyGxwCVRxdDoowVBs8jt6honFF8u-XciYBIG8TRvbZqgmQfrQcXRFosmW69NixlUu01x-PmB6jxctIygzHVfAPENVWSk56iQK-T0mj7HkhmI0JRpxPrX8IQY/s1600/IMG_9666Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_rBi7A7ii3s3CGrvCe1LVyGxwCVRxdDoowVBs8jt6honFF8u-XciYBIG8TRvbZqgmQfrQcXRFosmW69NixlUu01x-PmB6jxctIygzHVfAPENVWSk56iQK-T0mj7HkhmI0JRpxPrX8IQY/s640/IMG_9666Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbF7EVYeLiW618p4kTWo3rlJorWxtg1bEmm2kvyoDu6g43Q5X3qa0Ev6sWbtnHEw1hss0OlCgeduUQ7r_gLv-pOqPdM8HxToqIYv8meyWX39esR_9-8YRgKDBa9FDuNJGltTghGvkGu8LS/s1600/IMG_9662Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbF7EVYeLiW618p4kTWo3rlJorWxtg1bEmm2kvyoDu6g43Q5X3qa0Ev6sWbtnHEw1hss0OlCgeduUQ7r_gLv-pOqPdM8HxToqIYv8meyWX39esR_9-8YRgKDBa9FDuNJGltTghGvkGu8LS/s640/IMG_9662Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD9UJzJZ6s5qwS84E8xZQ9xfyuM8XNTP6p2GXw7gEPWu58KQ1y1kY_-EEWaRIU3UFnvM9D3uMR6x_BNILSEwo2CrMXEXTsX3F7DHSV_vWC7URRM5_2tI_EoQB9D03ZEnagVwLidcJwDLp/s1600/IMG_9660Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD9UJzJZ6s5qwS84E8xZQ9xfyuM8XNTP6p2GXw7gEPWu58KQ1y1kY_-EEWaRIU3UFnvM9D3uMR6x_BNILSEwo2CrMXEXTsX3F7DHSV_vWC7URRM5_2tI_EoQB9D03ZEnagVwLidcJwDLp/s640/IMG_9660Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I couldn't have pulled off my dream day without the help of my family, even though the perfectionist in me probably rubbed them the wrong way a time or two. ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJPz8ZE15nJADDtzvUlxk4O2U5JohqFBwn_tBeCgGgAqo-Kavnhd3x0y026lW309eyMNyIuDkeZBabpnXglmfr2hdEYK-s0L8iVggWCjtPn8UORvjGTbE-6Lif5EDjrEhkEiEyFLanRI1/s1600/IMG_9650Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJPz8ZE15nJADDtzvUlxk4O2U5JohqFBwn_tBeCgGgAqo-Kavnhd3x0y026lW309eyMNyIuDkeZBabpnXglmfr2hdEYK-s0L8iVggWCjtPn8UORvjGTbE-6Lif5EDjrEhkEiEyFLanRI1/s640/IMG_9650Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlkRbBbj9O0CgytPwzDptpNC4g9zFIY2E9_8O4TT_d04psRbHrreZ15L_xAIAjcya38bKZGKn3tTMRciTvu8r4i2xJ_f2oLl3aLWJtT2aFeQbrTvcMzwHLYzQ58TmpJ6xr0yzeab571kP/s1600/IMG_9656Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlkRbBbj9O0CgytPwzDptpNC4g9zFIY2E9_8O4TT_d04psRbHrreZ15L_xAIAjcya38bKZGKn3tTMRciTvu8r4i2xJ_f2oLl3aLWJtT2aFeQbrTvcMzwHLYzQ58TmpJ6xr0yzeab571kP/s640/IMG_9656Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKhxxMV_G7-xpi2KYXLaERcEp6M5Zo53NyGmddoZApU6fBIctjQzAulLlJweA2esDqV4L8gWuQRG8KkDOKXGGM9wW0W5UnnN-B-kPast_itf-CBXDTEtUllxTjtLg6z1sH96qhODn59jl/s1600/IMG_9652Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKhxxMV_G7-xpi2KYXLaERcEp6M5Zo53NyGmddoZApU6fBIctjQzAulLlJweA2esDqV4L8gWuQRG8KkDOKXGGM9wW0W5UnnN-B-kPast_itf-CBXDTEtUllxTjtLg6z1sH96qhODn59jl/s640/IMG_9652Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgdBCdArHryzsD4Ry15KyYo_62QsFJgp4YcOw4VeotipckqRVezv7coGODhODU1VXJ93FX7E7uYNPZE_qquzEeBBRGhZIm-N8J5p6B5AJ82HBXWz2L4-wLh0TCzL6f38NF7Ioo08V-lDg/s1600/IMG_9657Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsgdBCdArHryzsD4Ry15KyYo_62QsFJgp4YcOw4VeotipckqRVezv7coGODhODU1VXJ93FX7E7uYNPZE_qquzEeBBRGhZIm-N8J5p6B5AJ82HBXWz2L4-wLh0TCzL6f38NF7Ioo08V-lDg/s640/IMG_9657Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp2RnTBxRVBgYaMOB_MhMNDOWFa0qmh36bcLcFTYE9us8x_5TU3lwCgbquqRsqsE8YTg1lrFpeh7UA8rJD3DN7toDV8l2kR7CxSzGUkwXQR3FA_rdGlnCEwmAt6AI1ZFpxYsmAYulo7R5/s1600/IMG_9658Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp2RnTBxRVBgYaMOB_MhMNDOWFa0qmh36bcLcFTYE9us8x_5TU3lwCgbquqRsqsE8YTg1lrFpeh7UA8rJD3DN7toDV8l2kR7CxSzGUkwXQR3FA_rdGlnCEwmAt6AI1ZFpxYsmAYulo7R5/s640/IMG_9658Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPjoTaIga6xWMv1ZKY2rwD82R-Im8ZLuCkNOzbwI0WykOnx1WgkF8w352_s890F2nBCbiAHW7mbH33J1G_vWv_eiHZkZH5EE5x7cxgeO2vVcs8uQwqhRnwyrm_CsyuWFcOV5QA6Od4RMr/s1600/IMG_9968Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPjoTaIga6xWMv1ZKY2rwD82R-Im8ZLuCkNOzbwI0WykOnx1WgkF8w352_s890F2nBCbiAHW7mbH33J1G_vWv_eiHZkZH5EE5x7cxgeO2vVcs8uQwqhRnwyrm_CsyuWFcOV5QA6Od4RMr/s640/IMG_9968Facebooksize.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These details, in my opinion, are what made our wedding my absolute dream day. They also kept the cost waaaaay down {<i>I'm talkin' less than $6000, people!!</i>}. Thanks family!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJjqdIScpHMp7a7PO03NzePv3fChzS7nqRhKPktoA4oeVChZg-cOotTV_1prQ9JSkrcuY6ra92rDkyxn8gc_zdgFopIJMBm6c0uPwnQ-queg-_KaSSLodJZG1kMRIGwIBD5x1hmiP0WLS/s1600/IMG_9941Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJjqdIScpHMp7a7PO03NzePv3fChzS7nqRhKPktoA4oeVChZg-cOotTV_1prQ9JSkrcuY6ra92rDkyxn8gc_zdgFopIJMBm6c0uPwnQ-queg-_KaSSLodJZG1kMRIGwIBD5x1hmiP0WLS/s640/IMG_9941Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgG5XwP2zouYGVTJO2ZCT-Z85lVjkTNOe_4_unGiV1QVe_Runw6wnkMBGUTB56pHB5Lvm1r0Anl1W-GkoyEHpX56AeFE3IJLj1l9BTC1zJIc03MzRccj_GfTStxJrGCE4QOZ-CEisGKsU/s1600/IMG_9683Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgG5XwP2zouYGVTJO2ZCT-Z85lVjkTNOe_4_unGiV1QVe_Runw6wnkMBGUTB56pHB5Lvm1r0Anl1W-GkoyEHpX56AeFE3IJLj1l9BTC1zJIc03MzRccj_GfTStxJrGCE4QOZ-CEisGKsU/s640/IMG_9683Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLlGMvf30boTxK42xZQAa_uzpQ0ySs3C9widw8DlziCcPJWCsr1qcde2K4AR7jMIeBQHIe2bJuGvV0haRo79n08Wqdnylvzm2nGybD6RpgNrAKIGqKROvqiQoBFDAVRYnN283Dmt4L9qz/s1600/IMG_9702Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLlGMvf30boTxK42xZQAa_uzpQ0ySs3C9widw8DlziCcPJWCsr1qcde2K4AR7jMIeBQHIe2bJuGvV0haRo79n08Wqdnylvzm2nGybD6RpgNrAKIGqKROvqiQoBFDAVRYnN283Dmt4L9qz/s640/IMG_9702Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXesk4KmxSrjEBDMsL50VtWhm3xw5oech-OnYQL0JNmf8rSdLQrA5fQfA-uvhtSUkusMWrIlEAREVxwlQzL3p0C_6hnMC1Pfhk2egNVFw35SijP1rYqJDtXp5gjtNpNpAkDmu8q43Vheh/s1600/IMG_9810Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXesk4KmxSrjEBDMsL50VtWhm3xw5oech-OnYQL0JNmf8rSdLQrA5fQfA-uvhtSUkusMWrIlEAREVxwlQzL3p0C_6hnMC1Pfhk2egNVFw35SijP1rYqJDtXp5gjtNpNpAkDmu8q43Vheh/s640/IMG_9810Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI4m2m2QMNV3kPry7DEfmg1kFXZKuI7XeUyEgV-GincU12kfWS3vujKARQ-inWfpw65wjfCuYIbdgMIpc6eCK6Y2GfzD3XQz_pzVSFYR0fvKUHk_9xL4K7ainGekVrI6Rur2o8dDJ9p20/s1600/IMG_9716Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI4m2m2QMNV3kPry7DEfmg1kFXZKuI7XeUyEgV-GincU12kfWS3vujKARQ-inWfpw65wjfCuYIbdgMIpc6eCK6Y2GfzD3XQz_pzVSFYR0fvKUHk_9xL4K7ainGekVrI6Rur2o8dDJ9p20/s640/IMG_9716Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DeSA5FaewZHm7LskAU0PWYXI1e4TyIBFGnk8o4lnNU8zyKw82DWLMftbwlFxkh9MWmnhLJiBjsQxxO8M29GyYWHl6A8PkDMZUjXWpjoXIx63MoVc2XvtMlJsfaHQoD-GikKZUBP_pZcw/s1600/IMG_9185Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DeSA5FaewZHm7LskAU0PWYXI1e4TyIBFGnk8o4lnNU8zyKw82DWLMftbwlFxkh9MWmnhLJiBjsQxxO8M29GyYWHl6A8PkDMZUjXWpjoXIx63MoVc2XvtMlJsfaHQoD-GikKZUBP_pZcw/s640/IMG_9185Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-iccxv03UZV5sIdFno4Z1tUmbHwUVwWrs-7gCT1-gQLFbfNkc98SdWQexpnY7iDH3urbjx2aDDbtHCMu6EnVwrlM5g4gvArBvMniFxV3eKfmg0Fb5ZlcGwaOY8cKOflLCQkqtMKoa5EY/s1600/IMG_9314Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-iccxv03UZV5sIdFno4Z1tUmbHwUVwWrs-7gCT1-gQLFbfNkc98SdWQexpnY7iDH3urbjx2aDDbtHCMu6EnVwrlM5g4gvArBvMniFxV3eKfmg0Fb5ZlcGwaOY8cKOflLCQkqtMKoa5EY/s640/IMG_9314Facebooksize.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AvsNY327if4bbAz2LHMlb3u_eJmSCNMWUP8D6wuNrm4BrwryTC51HHX54UwFi-m1vMcryUTfZ2vg0xNwKC1oPUgELPrjNXR-5lYSyiHxhkz3ljxjR37Gfca6m91V6wtutdB3Z8r6d7ep/s1600/IMG_9690Facebooksize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AvsNY327if4bbAz2LHMlb3u_eJmSCNMWUP8D6wuNrm4BrwryTC51HHX54UwFi-m1vMcryUTfZ2vg0xNwKC1oPUgELPrjNXR-5lYSyiHxhkz3ljxjR37Gfca6m91V6wtutdB3Z8r6d7ep/s640/IMG_9690Facebooksize.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, I just loved this day!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll be posting more "traditional" wedding pictures on Friday! Be sure to come back and check them out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Our photographer was Adie Gateley of <a href="http://www.twintownstudios.com/" target="_blank">Twin Town Studios</a> and I absolutely loved her! We had a horrible experience with our original photographer after our engagement pictures and were fortunate enough to book Adie pretty late in the game. She understood exactly what I was wanting and was so great to work with. I would definitely recommend her! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-40932988101207904412012-07-13T16:28:00.001-05:002012-07-13T16:28:59.388-05:00Current Obsessions: July<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought it would be fun to start a monthly feature about things that I am currently loving/obsessing over. I'll tell you about products, recipes, activities, etc. that I just can't seem to get enough of. The list may seem kind of random, but it will include several different things that I currently feel like I couldn't live without. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few of my July obsessions:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp_kC__3SAO42j7H-dbjEW-LuXLJFwlkhS3kiUlx0o0zWn9GfjBiLy1iHKu57lMi4oVvhkXHlAlmEBNcDrDZhLF4IVB53hqHtbWnYw_GRHZAr8cHktkTxRKkrrlJlp9m2rKxJpJppSXR7/s1600/BB+++Carmex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp_kC__3SAO42j7H-dbjEW-LuXLJFwlkhS3kiUlx0o0zWn9GfjBiLy1iHKu57lMi4oVvhkXHlAlmEBNcDrDZhLF4IVB53hqHtbWnYw_GRHZAr8cHktkTxRKkrrlJlp9m2rKxJpJppSXR7/s640/BB+++Carmex2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Garnier BB Cream</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can I just say, this stuff rocks my world!! Apparently this stuff {<i>BB Cream</i>} has been around for awhile in Korea, but is just picking up popularity in the US, and I'm so glad! I would describe it as a mix between moisturizer and foundation, but sooo much better than tinted moisturizer! It gives your skin a pretty glow {<i>which mine never has on it's own</i>} and smells oh so good. I seriously love it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Carmex Lotion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who knew Carmex made lotion?! I found this stuff while browsing Dollar General of all places, and had to try it out! I personally love the smell of Carmex, but hate the taste and feel of it on my lips... this stuff I love!! It has the yummy vanillay-mint smell of Carmex and leaves my legs sooo silky! My favorite part: I usually can't put on lotion {<i>for like a day</i>} after I shave because my skin is so sensitive and I end up with razor burn... I used this lotion about 20 minutes after I shaved the other day and had no irritation whatsoever! Sold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBqNZtNuIsvdMM0vI_wx9vnxBXHxw_LJB4N9a-qM-a_tkfgrBQmF2mlO7fvMibDhMOOVLV4d2Odfl23SXGGhpVDaPO8Tgs4_aF0Wdq5judd5vEtFXmE_CPSgZlANP1jJtVpnn771xkKVq/s1600/Iced+Chai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBqNZtNuIsvdMM0vI_wx9vnxBXHxw_LJB4N9a-qM-a_tkfgrBQmF2mlO7fvMibDhMOOVLV4d2Odfl23SXGGhpVDaPO8Tgs4_aF0Wdq5judd5vEtFXmE_CPSgZlANP1jJtVpnn771xkKVq/s640/Iced+Chai2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. Homemade Iced Chai {<i>from <a href="http://cravingcomfort.blogspot.com/2011/10/easy-iced-chai-tea-latte.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a></i>}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVE iced chai! It's my happy place. But I'm always so conflicted at coffee shops because I know a lot of them just pour it from a concentrate and add milk. Lame. I found this recipe earlier this summer and it. is. awesome! It also saves me from going to Starbucks as often as I usually want to. Double plus! The recipe says to use 4 tea bags/ quart, but I prefer 5 so it's nice and strong. Do yourself a favor and use good quality chai, I've tried Tazo and a Coconut Chai I found at World Market, and they both get 5 stars in my book!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10HV1LoemWV27oGKpXAh6uOAvcc-5osXpT3RP4aXy4BUrf6ouS3BGfbPwMgwJqQb8jonLkYZXnddsI6Jn2Ow5Npz_iUd-Hstogg9jyIQhS_9rwwbYxBUxRVTrMmQA_w2ySjHW-gKpLrvD/s1600/Books2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10HV1LoemWV27oGKpXAh6uOAvcc-5osXpT3RP4aXy4BUrf6ouS3BGfbPwMgwJqQb8jonLkYZXnddsI6Jn2Ow5Npz_iUd-Hstogg9jyIQhS_9rwwbYxBUxRVTrMmQA_w2ySjHW-gKpLrvD/s640/Books2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4. Kristen Billerbeck books</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Heard of her? She's a Christian Chick-Lit author. Let me tell you, her books are the epitome of a beach read: easy to read, funny, and a little bit predictable. </span>They're not very deep, but definitely entertaining!<span class="Apple-style-span"> I think I've read about 6 of her books at this point and I just keep going back for more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCCiXI8h4-o9TxGO50zo0_ZQMiLLZGffuS3i6z5FBQZkJiqNtdGJZpNGRULo0-gtF9Uv2wdJ2QofAEfKIWdS1IwttmEHlPHYBujeyy_8JZW0799oRjSHoRltO_l-uhPCgX72T2QyyrtrZ/s1600/Phone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCCiXI8h4-o9TxGO50zo0_ZQMiLLZGffuS3i6z5FBQZkJiqNtdGJZpNGRULo0-gtF9Uv2wdJ2QofAEfKIWdS1IwttmEHlPHYBujeyy_8JZW0799oRjSHoRltO_l-uhPCgX72T2QyyrtrZ/s640/Phone2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5. My new iPhone!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This might sound materialistic, but I just love Apple products! I had an iPhone 3g back in the day, but when we switched to Verizon I had to get a Droid {<i>they didn't have iPhones yet</i>}. I've spent the last two years annoyed with my phone and am happy to say I finally have an iPhone again! I honestly don't think I would have mined having a Droid if I hadn't had an iPhone first, but I just couldn't get used to it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On that note, I also spent about a week and a half without any phone whatsoever {<i>my Droid had a run-in with some Dr.Peppe</i>r :/} How in the world did we ever live without this technology?! I felt like an invalid and constantly noticed that it was missing. Our society has become sooo dependent on technology, but I'm just as bad as the next guy, so I won't even begin to lecture on the injustice of it all!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So there you have it, my current must-haves. What things are you obsessing over this month?</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-85376663854882897532012-07-11T10:14:00.000-05:002012-07-11T10:14:51.705-05:00Wearing: Scarf Style<div style="text-align: center;">
My name is Jamie and I'm a scarf-aholic. I seriously could not tell you how many scarfs I own. Well, I could... if I counted them. But I'm choosing not to. I'm pretty sure any normal person would say it's too many though, so stay out of my closet! :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU-pD4k4bU6lYzrd1ubvuAvNbjgoxSASG8yGwoCeNNZZc9kR2MH7vAU0qQEkdDw4uRqBWrKo4AnFy2nGgFH8uq1RtBYpeIvJt1IBP-HPKclCAI4wol1CqeY7xh82BiVxzTwpIjTnq7ARs/s1600/Scarf+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU-pD4k4bU6lYzrd1ubvuAvNbjgoxSASG8yGwoCeNNZZc9kR2MH7vAU0qQEkdDw4uRqBWrKo4AnFy2nGgFH8uq1RtBYpeIvJt1IBP-HPKclCAI4wol1CqeY7xh82BiVxzTwpIjTnq7ARs/s640/Scarf+Style.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarves: Charming Charlie's, Sunglasses & Shoes: Target, Shorts: American Eagle {<i>though they're actually hand-me-downs from way back in high school</i> :)}, Shirts: Forever 21/ Target</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The problem with summer is that I always feel slightly silly on the days that I give into my addiction. I usually try to wear them with really summery things, like tank tops so that the fact I'm wearing a scarf in 100+ degree weather is balanced out. That makes sense, right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, while I was in Dallas, shopping with my sister-in-law, we decided to take a stroll through Charming Charlie's. I've had a gift card to that place for over a year, but I always feel overwhelmed when I go in... so many shiny things! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the first things I noticed when I walked in was a mannequin wearing a scarf perfect for summer... knotted at both ends and draped over the shoulders. Loved it! So began my mission to distract myself from everything shiny and look solely for some cute new scarves {<i>like I needed them</i>}, and it was just my luck that nearly every one I found was on sale! Most likely because it's summer and normal people are not interested in draping themselves with even more fabric. Their loss, my gain I say!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7lKlYlJXGFRvX0QsJcL0twdf4cLHbaxWBOOxnmbI8io0mHTVLqAjscz1RANL0isMeEWXRQUqNtc9cq4ks9YgNeEjQXbm0Ji9gu60kMe1Sjal7jtlXd5mPj47s8WtNeVN2H0bB4jL0Vbp/s1600/Bangles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7lKlYlJXGFRvX0QsJcL0twdf4cLHbaxWBOOxnmbI8io0mHTVLqAjscz1RANL0isMeEWXRQUqNtc9cq4ks9YgNeEjQXbm0Ji9gu60kMe1Sjal7jtlXd5mPj47s8WtNeVN2H0bB4jL0Vbp/s640/Bangles.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangles: Windsor, Scarf: Charming Charlie's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With the gift card and the sale, I got both these bad boys for $4! Not too shabby. I also just got these bangles from <a href="http://www.windsorstore.com/" target="_blank">Windsor</a> online... $2.50! And that's how it's done, folks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
p.s. don't mind the fact that I'm wearing the same shorts and shoes in both outfits, I'm just cool that way.<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>! </div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-77726828639319846192012-07-09T11:10:00.000-05:002012-07-09T11:10:04.390-05:00Chex out this recipe!<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday my church had a pool and dessert party... a party celebrating two of my favorite things! Since Derek and I had been gone the past two weeks {<i>first in </i><a href="http://surpassingrubies.blogspot.com/2012/06/wanna-go-to-santa-fe-ok-sweet.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe</a> <i>and then in Dallas</i>}, we weren't aware of the planned festivities until we got to church yesterday morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That meant scrambling for a quick dessert to make. Preferably one that called for ingredients I already had on hand, because while I definitely need to go grocery shopping, I just wasn't in the mood yesterday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, what's a girl to do when she needs a quick and easy recipe?? Check her Pinterest boards. <i>Duh.</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How did anyone ever survive without Pinterest?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I quickly decided on Cake Batter Puppy Chow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{<i>originally from</i> <a href="http://www.soveryblessed.com/2012/02/cake-batter-puppy-chow.html" target="_blank">here</a> <i>and slightly adjusted to my preferences</i>}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What you need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 6 cups of Rice Chex</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 12 oz. Vanilla Almond Bark</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 1 1/2 cups Yellow Cake Mix</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Rainbow Sprinkles {<i>cause they make everything more happy</i>}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqDhjkjiUGL-aajJOFZFKFED8mJ4SlYUtL2V2Oyq8Py97NGGzYPcr0iZ6po_cAvmubtvfN1fhDaB3ZpnknIOBwyf2CTQK3G3hANA4UbTAQCwJo4nR2AuTCIih3ngq5SVPt0M8V40F-LSE/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqDhjkjiUGL-aajJOFZFKFED8mJ4SlYUtL2V2Oyq8Py97NGGzYPcr0iZ6po_cAvmubtvfN1fhDaB3ZpnknIOBwyf2CTQK3G3hANA4UbTAQCwJo4nR2AuTCIih3ngq5SVPt0M8V40F-LSE/s640/Ingredients.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to have all of my ingredients ready to go. Here I have the Rice Chex in one bowl, the Cake Mix+Powdered Sugar+Sprinkles mixed thoroughly in another bowl, and the melted Almond Bark in the last bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the almond bark is melted, pour onto the Chex until coated. I tried using the Ziploc bag method at first, but honestly, I think it was easier just to use a good ole' bowl and spatula. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've gotta tell ya, the melted almond bark was a lot more difficult to coat the Chex than the peanut butter+chocolate mixture used in traditional Puppy Chow. <a href="http://www.soveryblessed.com/2012/02/cake-batter-puppy-chow.html" target="_blank">Becky</a> recommended adding a small amount of oil or shortening to the almond bark, but I always feel like I can taste the oil when I do that {<i>all in my head, I'm sure</i>}. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the Chex are coated, add the dry ingredients in small amounts until the Chex are no longer sticky. I found that I had way more of the dry mixture than was actually necessary, so you might want to cut it down, especially if you have any other recipes that call for partial amounts of boxed cake mix. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The results:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW8mXSQNBko-CgXqB3F5ObkU9KtpXfN6mU1jl5PuY6NVvoxZ9l2c6EvM_3yWDjzbNaQL_QO2o3wIG1RfALhoWP3fLG-uIU-9afcuySakyZ3K6V5OmfPHdNhi26AQliUmKdlNL2U7vX3Io/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFW8mXSQNBko-CgXqB3F5ObkU9KtpXfN6mU1jl5PuY6NVvoxZ9l2c6EvM_3yWDjzbNaQL_QO2o3wIG1RfALhoWP3fLG-uIU-9afcuySakyZ3K6V5OmfPHdNhi26AQliUmKdlNL2U7vX3Io/s640/Finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must say, I do prefer the traditional recipe over this one, but I'm also a diehard fan. The hubs and I thought this recipe was a little too sweet for our liking, but it was a <i>big</i> hit at the pool party!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're looking for a new treat or need to throw something together fast, I would definitely recommend trying this recipe. Especially if you have kids. There were only adults at the party yesterday, but I'm pretty sure kids would <i>love</i> this!</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-5940759131055902542012-07-06T09:00:00.000-05:002012-07-06T09:00:02.236-05:00Top Knot Time!<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to wear my hair on top of my head. A lot {<i>as seen in most of the pictures I end up posting of myself</i>}. So today {<i>at the request of some lovely readers</i>}, I thought I'd show you how I create my Pebbles-esque top knot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's really quite simple and requires very little effort {<i>which is probably why I love it so much</i>}, but I must admit it's not completely original. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I first learned how to do this from <a href="http://www.thedaybookblog.com/" target="_blank">Sydney</a> {<i>yes, she personally taught me herself... in a video tutorial, I mean</i>}, way back before she had her own website {<i>I think she had a blogger blog then</i>}, but I'm pretty sure she removed her tutorials when she switched over. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, since I can't direct you to her much-better video tutorial, I'll just show you myself. The old-fashioned way... with pictures. By the way, don't you love how I'm talking about <a href="http://www.thedaybookblog.com/" target="_blank">Sydney</a> like we're bffs? We pretty much are. Even though she doesn't know I exist... minor detail.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, I hijacked my husband's office in these pictures, so excuse the geeky decor. :) Love you husband! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anywho, on to the tutorial... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What you need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dirty Hair</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dry Shampoo {<i>not necessarily a need, but I like to keep it around</i>}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 Hair-tie</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Several Bobby Pins</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hair Spray</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzjRoG-aTRlW09vpqRo-gx0PCrD_SZv6DTpBrnpJH3kS3n8O1ko4LZqZS5DQcoSrg4vMIECzWN2lbnWHCUd5ahHIk0myQMB8yOt28MxxhqFkS0he0g6EDQrt5LIcsJCNBPYltS_Bxmcnj/s1600/Top+Knot+Tutorial-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzjRoG-aTRlW09vpqRo-gx0PCrD_SZv6DTpBrnpJH3kS3n8O1ko4LZqZS5DQcoSrg4vMIECzWN2lbnWHCUd5ahHIk0myQMB8yOt28MxxhqFkS0he0g6EDQrt5LIcsJCNBPYltS_Bxmcnj/s640/Top+Knot+Tutorial-2.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Step 1:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brush your hair out. If using dry shampoo, spray it all over and brush through again after a couple minutes. I'm actually using third-day hair in this tutorial, though I usually prefer to wash my hair every-other day... my hair is so thin and fine it does next to nothing on the day I wash it. Blah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Step 2:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Put your hair in a ponytail on top of your head. I typically use a brush to keep my hair smooth because my scalp usually shows when I have bumps {<i>fine and thin hair, remember?</i>}, but if you have thicker hair, the bumps usually give it character and make it seem more casual.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Step 3:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a fine-toothed comb {<i>or whatever you prefer</i>} rat that sucker up! I usually divide my ponytail into 3-4 sections to do this. The bigger the better, baby!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Step 4:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Slightly smooth out one side {<i>this will be the the visible part that you don't want to look like a hot mess... I usually do the right</i>} and start swooping your hair around the center of the ponytail {<i>again, I usually go right to left</i>}. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Step 5:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use about 4-5 bobby pins to secure the bun to the top of your head... it doesn't have to be completely perfect, just secure.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Step 6: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now that your bun is secure, use however many bobby pins are necessary to smooth out, shape, and perfect the bun. I have layers {<i>and I'm a perfectionist</i>}, so I usually end up using about 10 bobby pins total. When you're happy with the look, spray, spray, spray. Hairspray is your friend... especially if you're like me and live in a place where the wind is the devil. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD3tPKhYy4TNUolAp0HgdJWYbrxXaMRObBOUaQowFE9TKhiSJTwmpOBecl3RPSDemifMstvHsbkJWUAdWqpIiz-y6nh_UJQ8_8zYCPIMGFh2rjICLxK3FFa96IApGKH2g5exUn-gddQI5/s1600/TopKnot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRD3tPKhYy4TNUolAp0HgdJWYbrxXaMRObBOUaQowFE9TKhiSJTwmpOBecl3RPSDemifMstvHsbkJWUAdWqpIiz-y6nh_UJQ8_8zYCPIMGFh2rjICLxK3FFa96IApGKH2g5exUn-gddQI5/s320/TopKnot.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have fun rockin' your top knots this weekend ladies! And if someone does happen to refer to you as Pebbles, try not to act like Bam Bam! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-5115563991917902902012-07-04T19:47:00.000-05:002012-07-05T18:06:18.076-05:00Wearing Wednesday: Star Spangled Style<div style="text-align: center;">
Can we all just admit that it's kinda fun to go all red, white and blue on the 4th of July? I think so at least. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I'm kinda cheesy like that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5dsLMiyAmcK7EI6foDn_G41d4g9o72aENaka0rcMV1FZqEX79QkQWIzZQmnZOh57NgQCa3DHyzmn0Y94GEIjGIGesvpSZLTY8J19oDrabZ0csc0hSFSr_y6G9Kz_TGxRPRt3UOric1G1/s640/blogger-image-815165869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5dsLMiyAmcK7EI6foDn_G41d4g9o72aENaka0rcMV1FZqEX79QkQWIzZQmnZOh57NgQCa3DHyzmn0Y94GEIjGIGesvpSZLTY8J19oDrabZ0csc0hSFSr_y6G9Kz_TGxRPRt3UOric1G1/s1600/blogger-image-815165869.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress {<i>worn as shirt</i>}: Forever 21, Skirt: Thrifted {<i>& shortened</i>}, Belt & Shoes: Target </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My hometown is known for having the "longest running 4th of July parade west of the Mississippi" so we're kind of a big deal... all seven-or-so-thousand of us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
George Bush {<i>the original</i>} even came to visit us one year. It was pretty cool. Even though I hardly remember it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fourth of July in Marshfield is actually pretty great... after the parade there's always vendors set up around the square selling fair food and junk you don't need, it's a time to catch up with people you haven't seen since high school {<i>or at least since the last 4th</i>}, and hear bluegrass and gospel music blaring from the courthouse lawn. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's also a day for my family to get together and eat way more food than is ever necessary {<i>not that we need an excuse for that!</i>}. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEVJVe0WLmT0BG9AYAYI1yjkjnzWCDr_2A7NhjmUVsAxcOJU-yRLdYhTw0nnIUu5chO0E6mtxyIso1TGB6-9DGkg7QsxdWTzBrDSmDS5mRme2QSny7mLo0xORbmDHHeZH56wEqB43Eio1/s640/blogger-image-991435954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEVJVe0WLmT0BG9AYAYI1yjkjnzWCDr_2A7NhjmUVsAxcOJU-yRLdYhTw0nnIUu5chO0E6mtxyIso1TGB6-9DGkg7QsxdWTzBrDSmDS5mRme2QSny7mLo0xORbmDHHeZH56wEqB43Eio1/s1600/blogger-image-991435954.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately I don't get to spend the day in Marshfield this year {<i>we actually spent the whole day in the car, driving home from a fun few days in Dallas with Derek's brother and sister-in-law</i>}, but I still wanted to dress for the occasion. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It doesn't really feel like the 4th for me without a mustard bathed corndog and all the craziness that comes from hanging out with my Marshfield family, but I hope you're having a fun-filled holiday doing all the stereotypical 4th of July things! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And don't forget to thank a veteran... thanks Dad! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Birthday America! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>!</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3231997644572760172.post-25401199891161812902012-07-01T09:02:00.000-05:002012-07-01T09:02:00.356-05:00Oh, hello July!<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the month we will travel to Dallas to visit Derek's brother and sister-in-law.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the month we will say "Happy Birthday, America!" {<i>and maybe watch some things get blown up</i>} </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the month I will bask in the last 31 days I can truly pretend I'm unemployed and lovin' it!<br />
{<i>August is when it gets serious, folks</i>}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the month I will {<i>hopefully</i>} get to show my good friend <a href="http://thesethreadsofmine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anna</a> around our little town.<br />
This is the month I will travel to Kansas City and spend an uninterrupted weekend with that guy I like so much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this is the month I will celebrate the first 365 days spent with the guy I'm gonna grow old with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy July everyone, hope it's a good one!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08589944122604065011noreply@blogger.com0