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.