A weekend at the Speedway

I love spending time with my husband but even more I love it when we get to spend time together doing what we love. This past weekend was so important to Casey and his Dad. Ever since Casey was little he and his dad have been working together on classic cars. Casey’s dad, Mike taught Casey the insides and outs of cars and how to create something beautiful out of what an average person would call junk. The Goodguys show began on Friday and continued through Saturday and Sunday. Mike, Casey and I went down to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday morning and spent the entire day walking around looking at cars, watching the Auto Cross and sifting through vendors. It was a big deal for Casey and his dad to be there together this year considering after all the years that they’ve worked together on their cars, this was the first year they both had their own car at the show. So Saturday night they got the opportunity to share another momentous occasion. Casey and Mike got to drive their cars around the speedway for a few laps. This was such a neat experience to share with them; watching my husband smile from ear to ear driving his prized possession around each turn while also getting to witness his dad do the same sharing such a wonderful father and son moment.

We returned to the speedway on Sunday for a few hours to walk around and look through pictures the photographers had taken the night before. I certainly don’t know very much about cars or how they work or how you build one and even though most of my attention was on what color the car was and how much fleck was in the paint, I had a great weekend spent with two amazing men and I can’t wait to share many more “car shows” with my husband and his family.

Working in a Children's Hospital

Ever since I started my new job back in August, people have asked me how I deal working with sick kids all the time. To tell you the truth, I never thought I’d be here. I never pictured myself in scrubs, driving to Charlotte at 5:30 in the morning to take care of sick kids from the ages of 1 day to 18 years. I never thought I could handle this either. Growing up I pictured myself as a teacher, or a coach of some sort. I began college declaring my major in Sports Management, thinking that I wanted to manage a professional football team. I had always dabbled in art, so one summer I even thought I wanted to study Interior Design and start my own company. This whole shenanigan with working in a hospital literally fell into my path and I never saw it coming.

The first time I even thought about “nursing” was when my grandmother was dying and I watched her day in and day out in the hospice house in Monroe, NC. I watched this powerful woman that I looked up to in so many ways go from living in a house by herself to not even being able to get out of bed. The highlight of her day was watching the birds eat at the rusted bird feeder out of her window. It was then, that I realized “nursing” is where I was supposed to be. I was sitting at my grandmother’s bedside, just her, me and the nurse. The nurse was helping my grandmother move in bed and get back and forth to the bathroom. I could tell that this woman was ready to head home but had taken a few minutes to help my grandmother with the tasks that she could no longer perform. She carried my grandmother with such passion and love and I could see it in her eyes that she genuinely cared about her and about the fact that her granddaughter was there visiting her dying grandmother. The fact that that nurse had cared for my grandmother, this lady she hardly knew in such a loving manner forced me to look into nursing.

Now, almost two years later I work at Levine Children’s Hospital on an amazing floor with amazing people for an amazing cause. Yes, it’s sad. It’s definitely not easy to walk into a room where parents are holding their little boy or girl just praying that the test comes back negative or that the procedure goes just as the doctor promised. It’s not easy seeing a baby lying by herself in her crib because her parents are forced to continue to work to pay the bills. But I do it for my grandmother and for that nurse that doesn’t even know the impact she made on me. I get up when it’s still dark out and I work hard until it’s dark again because even without knowing these kids, I care for them and even if it’s the smallest gesture, I want to make a difference. I want to make a parent feel safe and secure in the doctor’s orders; I want to make a child laugh when their away from home and their toys and I want to wear my badge proud because I love what I do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else ever again.

The Knot

It's hard for me to believe that after studying theknot.com for years looking for ideas for my future wedding.... I can now find the pictures from OUR wedding. This was definitely my favorite place to go to find ideas for the wedding. You can search colors, locations or styles. They've made it super easy to find what you're looking for and have tools to help you along the way. The only down side is that you are guaranteed to find so many cute ideas that you'll want to fit them all into your special day! Here's our link:

http://www.theknot.com/contests/my-real-wedding/photo/156963/casey-and-meagans-sweet-country-wedding

Change

If I were still putting up numbers it'd be 48. But this number is no longer the amount of days we have left until our wedding but how many days we've been married. I can hardly believe that much time has gone by and how quickly it has. It seems like yesterday that we were standing in the woods and Casey was putting a ring on my hand. Now, we've not only planned and had the wedding but been on our honeymoon, moved in and changed careers. If I had to choose one word to explain the past 9 months of my life it'd be CHANGE.

I feel as if I woke up one morning and from that point forward each day was going to be different. There hasn't been a week that's gone by where something hasn't changed. First it was our engagement and all the events that come along. Then in late June we had our wedding and suddenly it wasn't Ms. Meagan but Mrs. Smith and we were off to Mexico. A week later we were moving boxes into this house and figuring out how to fit a girl's stuff into a bachelor pad. Then for the next three weeks I underwent interviews, orientation and numerous phone calls that changed not only my career but the city I worked in. I must say, I think I am about ready to settle down for awhile. It's been exciting and wonderful but I need a break.

So.. the next few months of our lives will be calm at home and crazy at work. Casey, owning a landscaping company will begin the fall season and work 6 days a week from sun up to sun down. I will begin my new career at a children's hospital in Charlotte working full time and an hour away. We are so blessed to have this life and one another. We are grateful everyday and try to live our life accordingly.

30*

30*

What can I say? June is practically here and I feel as if I should still be standing in front of the tree where Casey proposed. Everyone told me that time would fly but I never thought it’d be like this. Here we are; celebrating three and a half years this Saturday with a wedding less than a month away.

There are so many ups and downs in life. It’s amazing to sit still for a moment and think about all the emotions and experiences one person goes through over six months. If there were one thought that has never altered over our engagement it’d have to be that we’re ready. After three and a half years I truly believe Casey and I are the healthiest and happiest we’ve ever been and are more than prepared to take on our first year of marriage. We certainly haven’t had the easiest three years nor have we always handled things properly but through all of our hard times we have come and learned together how to make it better as a couple. I’m sure I will continue to learn a lot over the next year and I look forward to it. What better than to take the man that holds my heart and walk through life together from this moment on hand in hand. Many think we’re too young or that we’re too simple but I think we’re a perfect match. We hold what is dear close to our hearts and we stand for what we believe.

I never thought I would find a love so genuine. I am thankful everyday for the man that I get to take as my husband and I smile every time I think about the moments we will share in the future. God has really shown me over the past six months all the treasures in my life and I am so blessed. To all the friends, family, co-workers and mentors that have surrounded Casey and I with love and support over the past six months and three years: I thank you and love you with my whole heart. I promise to make you proud and work every day to create the marriage you have prepared us for.

Thank you and we love you!

GOD * 47

This morning at Ridge Church during the sermon Andy Stanley spoke about circumstantial faith. He talked about the way many of us put God in a spot where if we need him we’ll go to him but when we don’t we’ll pretend that he isn’t there. As if we were to shrink God small enough where we could control when and how he comes into our daily lives. This lesson really hit home with me because recently I have felt so far from God. I know that it is natural for our walks with him to go through different phases. Sometimes we spend time reading scripture, praying, giving and listening to him while other times we will find any excuse not to do those things.

After hearing Andy talk about this issue I tried to think of a simple way I could remind myself daily that God is in control of everything going on in my life and I cannot control him in anyway. So tonight I took a pen and wrote GOD on my hand. Ever since we got engaged I look down at my left hand several times a day. I thought this would be a great place to write GOD so that every time I look at the promise my fiance’ gave me I will be reminded that God is in control. He is why I am here today, He has given me every blessing I have and He will always be here with me through the times I need Him and the times that I forget.

I thought I would keep re-writing GOD on my hand for the next week and see what kind of impact it has on my daily life and my spiritual one.

54*

Welcome to the Smith's House

This past weekend Casey and I began and finished our Guest room. It was a day's work but we are extremely happy with the finished product. Reservations can be made by telephone!

Now on to our room*

55*

I can’t believe I just typed that number. It seems like last week we were newly engaged and now we’re less than two months away from the big day. Our two month mark was this past Sunday and I must admit it hit me pretty hard. I hadn’t had any nervous feelings or worries about our time left until that moment. When I realized we were approaching the deadline for checks to be mailed and invitations to be sent I became a little overwhelmed. It finally hit me that not only was I getting married in two months but moving into a new home and starting my morning with a man from that day forward. I “knew” this was coming but it didn’t register until now.

Another test was this past Saturday when Casey and I decorated our guest room. We’d been looking forward to this day for a little while because it’d be the first “change” in “our” home. After a few squabbles about paint color and how to organize the furniture it hit me again that this was “our” guest room. I’ve been use to my house, his house and their house. Now it was going to become our home and our decisions were going to be compromises. After the room was finished and we both sat admiring our work it became more sweet than scary. I was proud of our accomplishment and now had a beautiful room to showcase how well we could work together.

I’m sure there will be several moments like these over the coming weeks. Thing is I feel that God has prepared Casey and I better than we could have ever planned. We’ve been blessed in so many ways but certainly have had our rough spots. We’ve been through thick and thin with one another and stand stronger today than ever before. It’s amazing to me that some of the hardest times you’ll ever experience will not only make you stronger as an individual but sturdier as a couple. I feel that our foundation for marriage has been laid, paved and cemented into place by our past experiences, mentors, friends and family to where no matter what comes our way we will be able to handle it. I’ve seen so much growth in Casey, in myself and in our relationship over the past year that I don’t see how I could ever have “cold feet”. I may experience some jitters about moving into a new home and new town or about finalizing an outdoor wedding at the end of June but concerning Casey and I’s marriage and our ability to last; I have no concerns.

I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to marry a man that I love being around not just on fancy date nights but in the Wendy’s drive through, not just because he’s a wonderful and caring man but because he allows me to be 100% me, and not just because he listens to every ramble but because there is not another man that could ever make me feel the way he does every day.

107*

Something borrowed . . . .

When my mom was in her early twenties she bought a pair of brown cowboy boots. Thirty years later I pull those same boots out of my closet twice a week or so. I'm not sure why we retrieved them from the attic a while back but they mean so much to me today. It might be that they were my mom's and they remind me of the bond we share. Or it might be that they are that "perfect accessory" to my outfit. But, every time I wear them I feel a little bit more grounded. I feel like I can handle whatever comes my way and as if I am representing my heritage. ( I know.. I know; "They're just boots")

What in your life portrays the love you share with someone or the memories you have with past family members? I think it's important to keep "sacred" little treasures close. That way whenever this crazy life becomes a little too much to handle we can hold, wear or look upon our "things" and know that it'll all pass. Life moves on and we have our sweet blessings to cherish.

When I started planning our wedding I wanted some things to make it "our day". I didn't want all the traditional arrangements or the fancy decor. I wanted real, meaningful pieces that would portray our old and new life together. A representation of our lives before we met and the one we have grown over the past three years. This pair of boots is one of them. They represent the most important person in my life and the woman that I cherish with all my heart. She is not only a powerful and loving mother but a beautiful and caring wife. I could not think of any better way to honor her than to wear her boots on my wedding day.

Take time this week to look around, rummage through storage containers or overflowing drawers. Resurrect pieces of jewelry your grandmother wore, cuff links from your grandfather or even a pair of dusty boots. Don't forget your past because it's what has gotten you to your present.

109

My brother and I made a trip up to UNCC this past Sunday afternoon in order to gather a few things that he needed for his trip to the beach this week. We decided to take the stairs considering the two elevators in his dorm hall are never working nor trustworthy. My brother's room is on the seventh floor. When I began up the stairs I figured it'd be no big deal. By the fourth floor I was literally pulling myself up the stairs. (I know PATHETIC) What was this? I use to be an all-star cheerleader. I could run a mile without getting winded. This is when I decided that it might be time to get into shape. I mean I am in a wedding in 3 months. . aka. . the BRIDE!

So the workouts began today. I'm watching what I eat and began walking an hour a day. I'm going to start off with that and then add cardio and running. We'll see how quick things begin to pick up and I am no longer sucking in air after walking to the mailbox.(That was an exaggeration...kind of!)

If you have any advice or tips please let me know. I'm not use to "working out" considering cheerleading was my "workout".

130.

We're down to 130 days. I'm sure I will wish I had more time in the future but I am so ready for June to be here. I have loved running around with family and friends working on buying "the dress" and ordering bridesmaid dresses, tasting wedding cakes and interviewing photographers; but all in all I am still most excited about marrying the man of my dreams. The wedding will be wonderful and I will love every minute of it. I'm sure in the future I will wish that I could go back and re-live my wedding day. Yet, sitting here tonight I am craving moving my stuff into our home, buying appliances, setting a table, fixing the guest room and spending every dinner together. We've missed out on a lot of these things because of our distance and eventhough we are engaged and marrying in four months; we still only see eachother about two to three times a week. I cannot wait for the nights when I drive home from work and walk through the door of our home; wake up in the morning to fix breakfast together and talk about chores of the day. Everything is very fairytale right now and (yes) I do love it, though part of me wants the real love. The moments spent watching television and cleaning the garage, the times when we aren't dressed to impress but do our life together and that's what matters.

As far as the wedding goes, this week my mom and I spent time visiting cake bakeries and finalizing photography packages. We've decided on our cake, photographer, bridesmaid's dress, caterer, music and are now working hard on the guest list, registeries, engagement photos and save the dates. Next will be our tux rentals, tables/chairs, invitations, and decor for the day. I am personally stoked about the registeries because I L.O.V.E. to shop!

Prettiest I have ever felt . . .

153.

!!!THE DRESS IS ORDERED!!!

I can't believe it. I have actually ordered my wedding dress. I'm done. No more looking. . . well. . not to buy anyways. After two weeks of looking through racks and racks of beautiful wedding dresses I was getting pretty frustrated. Every bride I talked to was telling me, "you'll know.. you'll just put it on and you'll know." Thing was.. I had tried on over 60 gowns and not one left me teary eyed. I tried on ball gowns, mermaids, a-lines, belted, strapless, laced, buttoned, and even a pink gown.(Suggested by the retailer..not me*) Yet, there I was with no dress and no idea of what I wanted. That was until I threw all of my pre-conceived ideas of the dress I "knew" I would walk down the aisle in out the window and returned to the first bridal salon we visited to look again. This time we picked all sorts of dresses from the rack and were going in with an open mind and hopeful heart. As I was about to enter the dressing area one of the assistants asked if I would be interested in trying on a brand new bridal gown they had just received that afternoon. She literally lifted the gown out of the brown cardboard box and draped it infront of me. My mom and I looked at one another and knew this one was different. It was completely different than the others in the store and would leave anyone breathless. It was the first dress I tried on that night and was the last one I took off. I didn't know instantly that I loved this dress but after a few minutes of standing infront of the mirror and a few comments from my mom I knew this was it. This was the dress that i'd marry my future husband in and the dress that would forever mark the "prettiest day" of my life. We ordered it January 14th and it will be here middle of May!

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.