Walking down the aisle in PINK

The past few weeks I have been trying to decide on what kind of shoes to wear. To admit my addiction; I am a shoes, purse, jewelry kind of gal. The fabric or label that are shown on my clothing will never be as important as the ones that you find me carrying in my hand, wearing on my feet or dangling on my ears. So of course, one of the first things that came to mind once I had my sparkling new diamond or diamond(s) for that matter was what kind of shoes I would wear. A tall pair of heels or cowboy boots? Cowboy boots would go with our southern style wedding. Except heels are my life. The way they make you carry yourself or the confidence you experience once you have them on your feet. Besides, if I was ever going to spend substantial money on my attire this was my chance. I could find an affordable dress that looked fantastic and still wear an amazing pair of shoes.

It was decided. I was going to wear heels and not just any pair of heels. I was going to go on the search for a pair of pink satin heels! So this is where I find myself now. I am currently on the lookout for my dream shoes. Cinderella had her glass slippers… it’s my turn to wear something fabulous to get me to my prince!

178.

178.

I can hardly believe that four weeks have gone by since our engagement. I worried that this moment would fly by and I’d find myself standing at the reception wondering where the time went. I guess I have been lucky thus far in being so busy with the holidays that I have been able to enjoy every moment of it at a steady pace. It’s such an incredible feeling to stand in front of a man and know that you will call him your husband. I can remember frolicking around my bedroom when I was younger pretending to get married. I would wear one of my mom’s old white evening gowns and carry wild flowers out of the back yard. I had this image of what my future groom would look like but could never picture the actualization of that dream coming true.

All the events that you go through during high school and college changes you in so many ways that there is no way possible I would have been able to plan where I am now. These days when I wake up in the morning it’s hard not to smile. I am so thankful for the blessings in my life. I remember back in March when Casey and I began talking about an engagement seriously; my initial reaction was that I wasn’t ready. Could I be a wife? Could I handle the chores of a home and a family? I’m not finished with school, can I handle both? These questions worried me for months. My first action was to read.. read any informational book I could get my hands on. Then I went to talk to a counselor. I wanted an “outsiders” opinion on my readiness. Next, I talked to friends; both married and single. During this time, Casey and I both prayed. We prayed that if God didn’t want us to get married now or ever that he’d make it evident in our lives. Next thing I knew, 5 months later we were looking at rings.

After all my research, I’d discovered that every marriage is different. Some people wait until their careers are developed and successful, some wait until they’ve reached an “appropriate” age, some get married after only a few months of dating and some wait until they can have their “perfect” wedding. I finally understood that it wasn’t about what everyone else said as long as Casey and I felt it in our hearts and knew that God would be pleased with our decision. We consulted our pastor and a few mentors and made the decision that this was what we wanted and it would be our next step. I placed my “pre-engagement” books on my shelf and held Casey’s hand as we both whole-heartedly moved forward. We visited several jewelry stores and found many beautiful possibilities. I personally, didn’t care whether or not I knew what the ring looked like or how Casey proposed as long as it was personal and representative to both of us. You’d think after so many months of preparation that there was no way I’d be surprised when he asked me but I was. I use to daydream about what kind of reaction I would have. Would I cry? Would I say “yes”, “sure”, or “of course”? Truth be told, I think I did all of the above.

So here we are. Four weeks into a seven month engagement and we both are ecstatic. We booked our beautiful location (I never dreamed that it would be so perfect), we’ve picked colors, seen a florist, spoken to a musician, and picked our menu. Next up, the attire! I plan on going with a natural, southern look but as many brides have told me the minute you step into the dressing room all your “plans” change. So we’ll just have to see. My goal is to have my dress, the girl’s dresses, the flower girl’s dress, and the flowers done by late January/mid February!

P.S. I’d love any advice on this wedding bliss*

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

On November 29, 2009 Casey and I celebrated our third anniversary. We celebrate the day that we met since we can't remember when we actually decided to become "girlfriend/boyfriend". We went out to the Cheesecake Factory and Coyote Joe's for a Luke Bryan concert. This past week has been one of the best I have had in awhile considering that I was surrounded by family the entire time. I love being around people I love and love me in return. I don't think there is a much better feeling in the world. It simply warms your heart to give and recieve love. All weekend Casey's family had been glancing at my left hand to see if my anniversary gift was an engagement ring?!?! I had a small ponder in my head as to whether or not he would propose on our anniversary but also realized that the chances that may actually happen were slim. When Sunday rolled around I figured it would be Christmas or Valentine's Day before I saw a proposal. This didn't bother me too much because Casey and I are both extremely happy where we are in our relationship and content with our plans for the future ahead.

On November 30, 2009 Casey and I got engaged! I took the day off of work because I knew the weekend would be a busy one and I wanted one day to devote just to Casey and I. He picked me up at my parent's house and told me that we needed to return to his house before going out to breakfast. Once there we exchanged anniversary gifts. Our gifts this year were "made"

considering the economy and the creative juices we contain.(NOT) I bought Casey a "Fishin'opoly" game and made him a sketchbook titled "Smith Home Plans" for him to keep up with sketchs for the "Big" house one day. After opening my gifts Casey asked if I was ready for mine and replied "yes". He asked me to close my eyes and led me into the woods beside the house. After a few moments he turned me around, removed my sunglasses and asked me to open my eyes. In front of me I found a metal sign with my new initials "MS" and carved in the tree underneath was "Marry Me". At first I didn't see the carving and thanked him for the sign and told him how much I loved it. A few seconds later I realized what the carving was and began to cry. He asked me to stop crying and then he immediately began to cry. He got down on one knee beside me and asked if I would marry him. I said yes. . I believe three times* He then placed a gorgeous diamond ring on my hand and stood up to hug me. We stood there for several minutes crying and hugging before returning to the house to get the camera to capture the moment.

I've spent many months running over a proposal from Casey. What it might sound like, look like, feel like. I could never have prepared myself for that moment. It was a mixture between "I can't believe this is happening" and "I couldn't get any happier". I find myself staring at my ring

several times a day; and not even just the beauty of it but what it symbolizes. I think about placing it on my hand everyday and telling this story to our children in the future. It amazes me that a man as strong in his faith as Casey, as level-headed and smart as Casey, as romantic and genuinely caring as Casey would want to make me his wife. I know that I don't deserve him as my husband but plan on trying to earn him the rest of my life.

We shared the news with family and friends the next two days and are now currently enjoying this moment and are going to begin planning a wedding this weekend. We are hoping to marry on May 29, 2010. This day would be three and a half years together. Yes! Girls, that's less than six months to plan. Let's get started and hope for blessings along the way*

Thank you to all whom have helped Casey and I along the way. If we did not have the family, friends, pastors, mentors and support that we do; we would not be able to be making this decision at this time. We are truly grateful!

Wherever Life May Lead

I have always been a dreamer. Nothing is too big or out of reach. Never has a day gone by where I haven’t taken time to dream of the future and what may lie ahead. However over the last few years I have been forced to pull myself out of my dreams and face the reality in front of me. The time following my high school graduation to Christmas of my freshman year in college held some of the hardest moments I have ever had to live through and never want to again. Between being too young to know how to handle the circumstances and being too immature to face the facts of what needed to be done I found myself a few months later living a life different from the one I had been living before. I would never tell a young girl or boy not to dream of what their life may hold but I would recommend keeping a firm grasp to the sturdy ground. It took me coming through fire to find the oasis of what I never had anticipated but wanted more than anything. I use to kneel by my bed at night and pray that the Lord would deliver me from all of the pain that overwhelmed my body and know that he was teaching a lesson to a struggling student. Progressively I began to pick up the pieces of what life I had lived and lay out a new path to follow. Like a mosaic of my past and the unknown future ahead I was ready to listen instead of demand. For years I had made my own destiny and now I found myself hopelessly devoted to the plans that had been laid for me. Over the past year or so I have continued upon a different destiny that shines a much brighter future than the one I had seen through the dark tunnel before. I began to find interest in education and other hobbies once again. I changed the way I handled relationships and social interactions between friends and family. Even though there were still problems that arose born from the tragic events engraved in my past I was now equipped with the materials I needed to graciously overcome them. It was not until recently that I woke up from the sleepiness that I had been suffering from for the years past and realized that I was happier at this very moment than I had ever been when I constructed my own future. I had listened to the Words of the Lord and the advice of close mentors and now found myself in sheer bliss. Long ago when I came to the brink of continuing in my destructive ways and beginning a new I had this underlying voice telling me that I was leaving everything I ever stood for. I was giving up my dreams and my plans for the future that I knew I wanted and had to have in order to live happily. Now I can see that that voice was not the true spirit of whom I am but the person that I had habitually become and needed to leave in the past forever. What if I had continued? What if I had kept tearing away at life as if it was only what you made of it? What if I had kept telling God where I was going to go? What if I had never lifted my hands to the heavens and screamed to the light from above that I was giving in, giving up and stepping away from everything I stood for but what was killing me? All of these questions make me so deliriously happy that I did. I turned my back on the poison of younger years and walked into a new life of promises not declared by myself but by God whom was willing and wanting to give me the happiness I desired but could not and would not reach on my own. I am so grateful to the people, places and situations that had to happen in order for me to find myself in the standing that I am today. The peace of knowing that even through the drenching rains I will find shelter. I will grow like a never-dying floral vine. There will be thorns along the way but just at the right moment a speck of color will peek through. Life cannot be planned in an agenda or on a calendar. You cannot map out every event that will arise and if you could where would be the surprise. It took me falling to the end of the slippery rope I had been braiding to understand that the life I longed for so much was already carved in my destiny. And one day, like today I would find myself happier than I could have ever envisioned and none of that would be because of the plans I had prepared.

Sleepy All the Time

Recently, I have found that I am always tired. There are few times during the week when I am actually "energetic" and ready for the tasks that lay ahead. Plus, I am tired of drinking so much coffee and sodas trying to keep myself awake. I was researching some different ways to increase my energy levels when I discovered this great website. Now of course we won't be able to do all of these things everyday but maybe finding a few that work well in our schedules will help.

http://zenhabits.net/2009/05/55-ways-to-get-more-energy/

Little Backyard Garden

This spring I decided that I need a little hobby to keep me busy so I started a small garden in our back yard. I went back and forth on the issue because I really had no idea what I was doing and was scared that I would spend money on plants/seeds that wouldn't produce. In May I bought several plants and had Casey till up a tiny spot in the backyard. I planted 2 tomatoe plants, several broccoli plants, 3 peppers, 2 zucchinni, peas, cucumber, and strawberries. Later I added watermelon and cantalope along with several herbs and flowers. Throughout the summer I have produced many tomatos, a little bit of broccoli, several peppers and now a few cucumbers.

A month ago I had given up on cucumber and melons because they had been in the ground for months and had produced nothing. This past week I found a small cucumber

hanging on the pea line. Then today I walked back into the garden to check over everything and saw three more along with a few watermelons! I was so excited and dissapointed that I hadn't seen them before now. I guess there really is no telling when the p

lants will produce and just how long your garden will last. I look forward to planting a BIGGER

garden next year with several more crops.

Empty Room down the Hall

I've known that this day would come but I didn't expect it this soon. Larson graduated back in June and it was one of the best days of my life. To see him walk across the stage so accomplished and successful. Moving him into college is a little bit different. Of course I want him to go to college and have the time of his life. I want him to meet a lot of new people and make new friends. I'm sure that he will be excellent in his classes and continue to make straight A's. I am just going to H.A.T.E. walking down the hallway towards my bedroom and passing his empty room. My brother and I have always been extremely close because we grew up in the country away from any neighborhoods. If we wanted a play mate we had to play together. This created a great bond between the two of us because there was never a time when we didn't need one another and would just go to a neighbors house.

My family and I moved Larson's stuff into UNC Charlotte yesterday afternoon. We lugged everything up 7 floors and helped him get settled in. I must admit the rooms are small but really nice. They've recently put in brand new carpet and furniture. They also have a wonderful view of the downtown university area. After getting all of his stuff straight we walked around campus and looked at the brand new Student Union. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen on a college campus. The building includes a movie theater, several restaurants, barnes & nobles, starbucks, mac store and enormous multi-purpose area.

I am sad that Larson is moving out and we won't see him as much as usual but am also excited to see what his life will unveil in the near future.

Beach Escape

For some reason it seems that every summer Casey and I don't get a chance to go on vacation just the two of us. So this past Monday we decided to pack up early and head to Myrtle Beach for the day. We left Marshville at 7 AM and got down there around 930 AM. We ate breakfast at a pancake house and visited a local Eagles store(of course, since they're on every corner). Then we headed out to the beach for awhile. It was crowded but still perfect. <3

After a few hours we washed off and walked around "the strip" in and out of various stores. I've been coming to Myrtle Beach my entire life and it amazes me that year after year you will still find the exact same stuff in these side stores. Casey and I decided to fill the time we'd get henna tattoos. This would give us a chance to see if we would ever really want one.

Shortly thereafter we changed and headed towards the Dixie Stampede. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. I guess in my head I had pictured a rodeo but instead it was a show. It was amazing to watch the horses run and the way the actors/actresses performed. I have never seen such an impressive show and am so grateful that I got to experience it. The show ended around 730pm and we headed home. It made for a long day but I am so blessed to get to be with the man I love on days like these. I hope we always remember to take time out of our busy lives to embrace the love that we have been blessed with.

Falling In Love

After two and a half years together I have come to the realization that all of the "new" relationship stuff is

mostly over. Suprisingly, I am fine with this. I never really liked having butterflies in my stomach anyways.

However, there are times when our "comfortable" relationship seems a little bit more magical than normal.

These moments I cherish.

Friday night Casey and I went out to eat with my family at a fish camp in Fort Mill, SC. After dinner

I had walked out with my family and Casey followed a few steps behind placing something in his pocket.

After getting into the car to head towards the Knight's Stadium, as I buckled my seat belt Casey tossed a

small plastic case into my lap holding a small silver ring inside. I opened the case and immediately placed it

on my hand. As we laughed about the small gesture of affection I began to realize that these small(some

people may say insignificent) moments together were going to be the little sparks in our relationship.

Casey and I are not high-matinance people. We enjoy cooking dinner together and fishing for hours in the evening.

Eventhough Casey thought this 25 cent ring was just a small laugh shared in the car; to me it meant that I could depend

on him to continue to find ways to show he cares.

Angels On Earth

Why is it that in death comes so much turmoil? After my grandmother's death in November my mother's family immediately split apart instead of joining together to grieve a loss and celebrate a new life in heaven. My mother grew up a middle child of four. She has two older sisters and one younger brother. During my grandmother's last few months on this earth; through her pain and struggle, my mother's siblings began to argue and fuss over the details of the coming months. Instead of spending time with their dying mother; I must admit that much attention was paid to the material things. I watched my own mother struggle with the pain of watching her mother die infront of her and her siblings fuss over nonsense. Today, several months later my mother no longer talks to one sister and her brother.
After time had passed my mother spoke with her brother about possibly receiving a painting that my grandmother had purchased with my mother. This created such turmoil between my mother and her brother and sister that horrible things were said and eventually my mother had to decide between paying a larger amount of money for the painting her mother had owned or allowing her brother to give it to a client of his. As a family we decided that we could not afford the painting.
The week following this decision my mother attended a barbecue thrown by a mother of a child in her class at school. Once my mother arrived, the classroom mom took my mother by the hand and led her into a study in her home where my grandmother's painting laid. This amazing women explained to my mother that she did not deserve to watch her mother's painting be given away and that she deserved to have it. She had contacted my uncle's lawyer and demanded that the painting be brought to her office that day. I came home later that night to find this painting laying on my dining room table. Through tears and hugs, my mother and I stood there admiring this painting that had brought such trouble but held such close memories to our hearts. I can only pray that God bless this amazing mom that has touched my family in such a wonderful way. We will now be able to keep this painting in the family and remember my wonderful grandmother everytime we look at the painting. This woman has shown such grace and love towards my family that inspires me to do the same for others. She reminded me of God's power and strength over the evils in lives and the fact that angels do walk among us everyday. <3

If everyday were Sunday

i love Sundays.

The early morning worship.

The warm sun on my shoulders.

Driving my car as the breeze flows across my face.

i live for Sunday afternoons.

Walking barefoot in the grass holding a glass of sweet tea.

My hands deep in the dirt of my vegetable garden.

It's moments like these that I feel true and pure. I'm not trying to be anyone but me.

It's easy to get caught up in the stress of Monday through Saturday. To become overwhelmed with the grocery list, list of chores and to-dos. But Sunday is different. On this day all that dissappears. It's Sunday when I am reminded of all the blessings in my life.

I wish everyday were Sunday.

Last night I was reminded of one blessing in my life that I regretably take for granted too often.

Surrounded with friends, sitting, talking about hardships in the past and exciting events to come in the future I was reminded of just how lucky I am to be the girl I am and to be with the man I am. For years I prayed that God would bring a man into my life that would care for me, make me better than I am, and offer me a future that I could only dream of. It still amazes me over two years later that I have found that man and that I have gotten to spend so many wonderful moments with him. He is not only beautiful inside and out but a strong christian and hard worker. He is loving and hilarious. He would give you his last dollar and stand beside you through your worst days. He puts others first and is not swayed by society's standards. I love him more than he will ever know and pray that I get to spend eternity trying to make him as happy and he makes me. i love you Casey! <3

21st Birthday Bash

This past Wednesday was my 21st birthday. I could not have celebrated this moment in my life in any better way. Tuesday night Casey's mom threw a dinner party for my birthday and surrounded me with my second family. Wednesday, I woke up to coffee/cupcakes with Melissa at Carribou's. Later I got mani/pedi's with Miranda and spent some birthday time at work with my co-workers and kindergarteners. That night I celebrated with my family and Casey at Bonefish in Matthews. I wrapped up the night by opening gifts and enjoying my third cake that day. Friday I went out with the work crew to Sagebrush for dinner and later to Casey's for my gift. I finally have a digital camera. It is a Canon PowerShot SX110 IS. It is wonderful and takes such great pictures. I couldn't have asked for a better gift. (Good job sweetheart) Saturday, I woke up and went to Starbucks with my brother and picked up his stuff for prom later that night. In the afternoon, Casey and I got started preparing the house for the party that night. It went great! I got to spend the last night of my birthday week surrounded with my best friends whom showed me last night just how lucky I am. I love everyone of them and they mean the world to me. We played darts, fished, cooked out, ate cake and enjoyed the company. I really look back on this past week and just thank God for giving me this little bit of time in my life to enjoy another year older and the friendships that have grown stronger!

Should I or Shouldn't I?

Today on my way home I was faced with a crisis situation and the decision that followed. I had been driving down a fairly popular road in Union County when I passed a middle-aged man on a scooter. His ride could not have been going faster than 15-20 mph. Shortly after I passed him I continued through an intersection and looked in my rear-view mirror to check the traffic behind me. When I looked, I saw the same man riding down the hill on his scooter and a red car pulling out of a driveway. Suddenly, the red car hit the man on the scooter. I saw the scooter fall to the ground and the man lying on the road. The red car pulled over and immediately got out of the car as did several other cars that were passing the scene at that time.

Immediately I was faced with the decision to turn around and drive back to the scene or to continue on my way. My first thought was to call 911; which I did and there had already been calls coming in. My second thought was to turn around and offer my help; yet by this time the road was already blocked with cars and there was a crowd standing around the scene. Could I have offered anymore help than the others there? Should I turn around anyways and offer my help? Should I continue on and simply hope that out of the 20 people there would handle it? We've all been put in situations like these where you are faced with a decision to jump in or to continue on your way. What would you do?

L O V E

I am so proud! I just finished another book! I finally wrapped up "Before you get Engaged" by David Gudgel. It took me about two weeks but I am glad that I took time to read and re-read various parts of the book. It really helped me think through some topics that many couples in serious dating relationships should be focusing on. I want to make sure that if I get engaged at some point in my life that I am taking any and every precaution that I can. I want to be smart and make sure that I am not missing anything. I simply feel that our society has made it too easy and too regular for couples to plan a BIG wedding and then file for a QUICK divorce shortly after. I don't want to be one of the marriages that adds to the statistics! On a happier note! I ran across this video earlier on this week and have fallen in love with this young couple. They are from GA and have recently started a acoustic band called LukeAndDrew.

CHECK OUT LUKEANDDREW @ WWW.LUKEANDDREW.COM

Allergies or Cold?

Hello!

This past Wednesday I sat down to coffee with one of my best friends! :o) I thought I had awoken that morning to allergies. . . but as the day continued I began to think otherwise. It started with a runny nose and head congestion. By the end of the day I began to feel really tired and my chest became heavy. I took Nyquil that night and stayed home all the next day. Taking does after does of Nyquil. Friday and Saturday I continued my medication by taking Dayquil and Nyquil. Sunday had finally proven my success. I was still a little out of it but much better. I had beaten my "cold" by spending a day in bed and few dollars at the local CVS. There is something rewarding about beating a cold without having to see the doctor! So the next time you realize that your "allergies" are not "allergies"; grab your keys and head down to the local drug store! :o)

Love the Lord

Ok! I must say I never thought I would begin one of these things. I am just too much of a perfectionist to sit down and try to organize my thoughts so that others can read them. But. . . I feel like I am about to enter a year of "Jubilee"(Joel Osteen) so I thought this might be the best time to give it a try. Here it goes. . .

P.S. I apologize for the layout/blog skills at this time. I hope this gets better with experience!

March 16,2009

Happy 18th Birthday Larson!

I can't believe my little brother is official an adult.

March 22, 2009

Officially only 1 month until my 21st Birthday! :o)

Recently I have discovered a new love for reading! It started with . . .

And then I began . . .

And now I am currently reading . . . .

There is no telling where this reading spell will take me but if anyone has any suggestions. . please let me know! :o)