menu

Image Map

Monday, June 30, 2014

Grateful Heart

Ember Grey

Not going to lie, I started this day off tired, wanting more sleep, and so ready for the weekend to be back. As I was getting ready for work, I realized that today is the notorious Grateful Heart Monday's with Mrs. Emily.

Thank you, Em, for getting my mind back on track! 

This Monday, I am so so thankful for the upcoming long weekend. 4th of July is just around the corner. We'll be spending time with both mine and Hunter's family (thank goodness they're best of friends) grilling out, sitting by the pool, and just enjoying the holiday.

Hunter and I usually fill our weekends up with things to do but this weekend, ya'll, we're doing jack diddly squat! Other than the 4th celebrations, we plan on being MIA for the weekend from anything social. Hey, social butterflies need their breaks every now and then!

What big plans do ya'll have for the 4th? Will you be taking it easy like us?

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Making a list, checking it twice

Erin at Love, Fun and Football had published a list some time ago, and I just couldn't help myself. I love lists and what better way to jot down things that are happening in the moment.

Image MapMaking : Lasagna and salad for a friend who has just had her sweet baby boy!

Cooking : The noodles for said lasagna. This is so hard not to eat!

Drinking : A big ole glass of sweet tea.

Reading: A book on my Kindle... I honestly can't remember what it's called. The Curse on the Cape maybe?? It's pretty good though!


Wanting: Next weekend to be here because it'll be a longggg weekend for me! I plan on soaking up some sunshine.

Looking: For a DJ for the wedding. Why is this the hardest detail??

 
Playing: With Jep as he's trying to see what I'm cooking.

Deciding: On what to wear tonight as we celebrate Ashley turning the big 2-5. 
 
Wishing: These noodles would boil faster.
 
Enjoying: All this sunshiney weather! I'm without a doubt a Florida gal.
 
Waiting: For the big day to arrive. Less than 4 months away!!
 
Liking: The fact that a long weekend is coming up. Hellluurrrrrr!!
 
Wondering: If Hunter's having a good day building a ramp. Gotta love a man who loves to give back to his community.
 
Loving: Spending time with my momma.
 
Pondering: What time I need to have this sucker (lasagna) done by to be able to deliver it in a timely fashion and get to the birthday girl's festivities on time!
 
Considering: Going outside to sit by the pool. Focus Kelly! 
 
Watching: Jep and Manny run around like a bunch of fools.
 
Hoping: That my house will sell as soon as I can put it on the market. Any buyers??

Marveling: At all of the blessings that God has given me. I am so unworthy! 
 
Needing: Chocolate. I really need want some chocolate right now.
 
Smelling: That oh so delish aroma of homemade spaghetti sauce. And freshly cut grass.
 
Wearing: My go-to comfy clothes: Tshirt, shorts, and flip-flops.
 
Following: nothing? Sad, I know.

Noticing: That time is flying by wicked wicked fast.

Knowing: That no matter what each day brings me, God will provide. I keep having to tell myself that because there is just so much happening in the near future.

Thinking: About all the lovely clothes and shoes I really really want.

Feeling: Nostalgic. Not sure why.

Admiring: The little fat squirrel pigging out on the bird feed. Oh the life of a fat squirrel.

Sorting: All of the thoughts in my head. I really shouldn't keep all my most complicated thoughts in my head.
 
Buying: Hopefully, groceries soon. Ha!

Getting: Excited for the 4th of July weekend coming up!

Bookmarking: Actually nothing at the moment. Well that's a lie. Does bookmarking different homes in Quincy count??

Disliking: Discord in the church. It's disgusting, disrespectful, and plain disobedient to God's word (ya'll catch onto the "dis"? Eh eh eh??)

Opening: some cabinets to find the dern casserole dish for this lasagna.


Giggling: At my fur babies' goofiness.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Birthday Celebrations + H54F

Happy Friday my people's! It has been a busy and wonderful week - like always. Let's see what's been happening this week but first.......

I want to wish this sassy lady the happiest of happy birthdays!!

 
Ashley, may your day be filled with Starbucks coffee, lots of blog pageviews, and many kisses from your fur babies. Love you sweet girl!
 
Okay, where was I? Oh yes!
 
ONE: Hunter and I attended the play, Peter Pan, last night in Quincy. It was performed by many talented kids and teenagers, and was just absolutely adorable! A few of our youth kids were in the play so it was so much fun to see their God-given talents. And the theatre where it was performed in has quite some history behind it. Some even say it's haunted... I wouldn't doubt it!
 
TWO: We also went suit shopping this week. That was quite the adventure, but we're still on the hunt for a suit for the wedding!
 
THREE: This weekly wrap-up seems to be centered around the wedding... Oops! Also this week, Hunter and I met with a caterer that we absolutely adore and love! I'll be talking more about that next week, but we're so glad to fnally have that last big detail behind us.
 
FOUR: Taking the opposite spectrum here, Hunter and I have some fun things planned this weekend. Hunter will be building a ramp for a sweet man on Saturday, who unfortunately lost both of his legs. Love my man! I'll be spending the day cleaning house, organinzing our bajillion things of wedding decor, and cooking dinner for a sweet friend who just had her 3rd child - yay!
 
FIVE: Of course, we'll be celebrating the fabulous Ashley's birthday tomorrow! You know there will be lots of glitter, giggles, and pictures taken. #bloggerprobs.
 
Have a wonderful Friday, and weekend, ya'll!

 photo H54Fbutton_zps973d26e1.png
 

 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

3 Southern Gals Throwback Thursday + Good Ole Jepster

It's another Thursday, and another day to look back on the good times. I couldn't help but to think back to when we first got our little rascal - Jep. What a hoot he was, and still is! Jep and my rescue pit, Manny, are just 2 peas in a pod. They honestly cannot get enough of each other.

Let's take a trip down memory lane to the day we got him, and the weeks after as he has continued to grow into the tall, lanky, goofy dog he is. In just a couple short weeks, he'll be 8 months old!





----------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back Y'all to another week with the 3 Southern Gals. 
 This Throwback Thursday Link Party has been such a blast.
This is our 4th week and we have met some amazing bloggers and read some incredible post.
  As always thank you for sharing and linking up with us!!  

So what  is so great about this link party?  Anyone can link up!!  You can share a post you wrote today that shares old pictures and/or stories...  But if you already have something else scheduled for today, or maybe you just found this link-up, no worries....link up an old blog post.  We just ask if you link up a previous blog posting, that it be older than a week old.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask one of us.



Cat @ Yes DEER :   Bloglovin / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook



Before you link up please read and make sure you are following the party guidelines :)

The Rules are Simple:

1.  Make sure you are following ALL 3 of the Southern Gals Blogs.


Cat   //  Kelly  //   Tela

2.  Link up your throwback blog post.  This includes a post where you share old pictures and/or stories.  OR you may also share a blog post that was posted prior to last week.  
In other words please do not link up to your blogs home page, a post you wrote this week that does not include something from the past.  

3.  Please no giveaways, shops, or other linkups. 
 (as these would also not fall into the throwback category)

4.  Share our party button and/or link back to our party.



3 Southern Gals TBT


5. Don't just link and run...check our some other TBT post.

6.  HAVE FUN!!!


****NOTICE****

  We want this to be a fun link up, so link up your post!!  Lets reminisce together.  All we ask if that if you link up, PLEASE follow ALL the rules.  We really do not want to delete links.  Honestly this is the last thing we want to do, but these link parities take a lot of our time an effort.  In return we just need for you to be respectful to our party and to others.  In the past linkups  we have had a few each week that have not followed all the rules.  Going forward we will have to delete any link that does not follow the party rules.  



NOW LETS GET THIS PARTY STARTED















Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wednesday Wishes

Love the Here and Now

I was just thinking how grateful I am for Anne's Wednesday Wishes link-up. Any chance I can write a list to put my thoughts out of my head, and in essence on paper, is very therapeutic for me.

Therefore, ya'll, my list/wishes of jumbled and random thoughts floating through my head:
  • Now that our honeymoon is booked, we need to start looking (and booking) the many activities we're interested in doing.
  • Would I be too neurotic if I took my dress in say this weekend to get the alterations done??
  • Would I be even more neurotic to say that I'm wanting to get all the wedding deets done ASAP so that we can sit back and enjoy being engaged without having to constantly talk about plans??
  • Is that money on that tree!? Oh no, just kidding. I forgot my money tree died and isn't returning to life.
  • Did that Dunkin Donuts guy really just hit on me??
    • Me (pulling up to drive-thru window): Hey, how are ya?
    • Dunkin man: Oh hey! I'm great now that you're here!!
    • Me (laughing uncontrollably at his attempts): Okayyyy then....
    • Dunkin man (as I'm pulling away from window, laughing still): Bye!! Hope to see you soon!!
    • Bless his heart....
  • Did I brush my teeth this morning?? Yes, I did. Thank goodness.
  • I wonder if the bank received my first mortgage payment... I need to call them.
  • Thank you Lord for bringing Katie in my life... More on that soon!
  • Only 5 more days until I get paid... I think I can stretch those few dollars in my account. I think I can, I think I can!
  • Youth tonight - Don't forget Kelly!
  • Is it October 25 yet?
  • How many more days until July 4? I'm ready to put some patriotic garb on.
  • Thank you sweet baby Jesus for giving me a man that is willing to listen to my jumbled thoughts, and he actually wants to marry this.
  • The Monuments Men - fantastic!
Have a beautiful, sunshiney day ya'll!!

The Hump Day Blog Hop

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Honeymoon: Gatlinburg, TN

courtesy of Google
 
We are so excited to be traveling to Gatlinburg for our honeymoon! The mountains, beautiful creeks and rivers, my man... What more could I ask for??
 
We're so excited to be taking in the sites and smells, go white-water rafting, shopping at the adorable shops in Pigeon Forge, and possibly do a little fishing.
 
courtesy of Google
 
We are also planning to visit the local distillery and brewery there. Hello apple pie moonshine!
 
courtesy of Google
 
We're also considering taking a trip over to Dollywood. There's just so much to do and not enough eyeballs to see it all!
 
So my question to ya'll is this: What are some other fun things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area?
 
 
Image Map

Monday, June 23, 2014

#GratefulHeartMondays



Heeelllluurrrrr friends! I'm honestly convinced the world is spinning faster since my engagement. Good night in the land of living, each day is moving so fast!!

Which isn't too bad because this chick is ready to be a Mrs.

Each week, I try to start of the week being grateful. It really sets the mood, ya'll. Emily - thank you for encouraging us to do this!

This Monday, I'm so grateful for my Honduras group. Last summer, Hunter and I traveled with our church to the beautiful country of Honduras to do VBS and construction with the little community of La Soledad. Our team left bright and early this morning, first flying into Atlanta, then to San Pedro Sula.

Hunter and I are so bummed we couldn't make it this year with the team, but are so excited for the them as they continue our work in the community. Next summer we will be able to join them again.

We pray that the team has safe travels into Atlanta and Honduras. We pray that their work in the community changes the lives of many. And finally, we pray for the people of Honduras and their hearts.

Amen.



Saturday, June 21, 2014

Wedding Bells

 
Image Map
I want to take the time to wish  a dear friend of mine, Rosa, and her husband-to-be a wonderful and happy wedding day! Hunter and I are honored to be able to share this day with ya'll.

We will be spending the day helping set-up to ensure that their day runs smoothly and swimmingly. Eeek! It just reminds me that our wedding is only a mere 4 months away! I cannot wait to be the Mrs.

For all my friends and family, I ask that you will take some time today to pray for our friends' new lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Pray that God will bless their marriage with so much happiness, joy, and love. And pray that wherever life may lead them, that they will always remember to honor God and each other in their marriage.

Now let's get down to par-tayy! Congratulations Rosa and Jody - may God bless you this beautiful day, and every day!

Friday, June 20, 2014

Happy Friday + #MFUGE2014 Recap

Ahhh it's Friday and I'm back home from a long, wonderful few days of worship and mission work that was done with our youth.
 
We traveled to Asheville, NC specifically to Ridgecrest, NC. Uhm, so stinking pretty people?! With the mountains gracing the background scenery, the cool temps in the mornings and at nights, and the constant curiosity if bears really do live just yonder over the hill, made this trip to this beautiful state very enjoyable.
 
Oh yea, the kids were pretty awesome too.
 
But in all seriousness, it was so rewarding to spend time with these kids (plus many others) and watching them grow in their faith with the Lord. It was even more of a blessing to witness them enjoy and partake in all forms of mission work... without a single complaint! They were so excited to fill us in on their days and the special moments they had once we regrouped at night.
 
God is so so good. This trip truly convicted me of some things. The main theme was to not only love those around you and closest to you, but to love the unloved. The broken. The forgotten. Even love the ones who divide your church (talk about a slap in the face for me) because they are in need just as much as anybody else.
 
The theme also drove home the idea that we cannot just sit around and talk about all the changes we want to bring to the community, church, world, whatever. We have to actually GO and DO as Christ has called us to do. Man oh man, have we got some big plans for Gadsden County!
 
I wanted to share the weekend in pictures... Thus it will be slightly picture heavy. But it's worth it, I promise.
 
 
Gotta love the bus not cranking up in the wee hours of our morning

Some of my riding buddies in the "blueberry" mobile

Some of my other riding buddies in said bus-that-doesn't-crank

Some just can't hang

Pretty mountains ahead... with a bald head. NBD

Our view in front of the welcome center (and the girls' dorms)

Again, the view!

On our way to mission work... Love my kids.

One of our youths celebrating her birthday!

Setting the mood for worship



You don't see this everyday in good 'ole Florida

The hike to the mega relay rec fields...

Some of my kids watching the competition before competing

That sassy lady was my roomie, BFF, and a godly-inspiring woman in my life

Celebration time, come on!

The morning of our last bible study

Finally headed home
 
We stopped at an organic burger joint in Asheville.... YUM!!!!
 
We did manage to make it home in the wee hours of the morning. Unfortunately, we had minor delays (thank you Lord for allowing us to see the issue before it became deadly) with a tire that decided to lose almost all of its bolts holding it onto the trailer carrying tons of luggage and attached to the church van carrying my youth babies. I cannot stress it enough, thank you LORD for intervening before the worse came!
 
All in all, I cannot WAIT until next year. #mfuge2015
 
 photo H54Fbutton_zps973d26e1.png
 

Image Map

Thursday, June 19, 2014

3 Southern Gals Throwback Thursday Link-up

Man oh man, is it great to be home! Granted, I'm working on about 4-5 hours of sleep but hey! Ain't nothin' but a thang!

It's my most favoritest (is that a word??) time of the week... well after the weekend. Nevertheless, welcome back to another week of 3 Southern Gals Throwback Thursday Link-Up. As always, the rules are below and the spot to link your throwback post (not blog) is down below as well.

This week, I'm reflecting back onto football season. And more specifically a trip. Football is a big thing here in the south, and especially in my family. See, we're all slightly obsessed Auburn fans. And we're mighty proud of that.

A history lesson for ya'll - I have a very, very long line of family members that have attended Auburn University. I was the first in my generation to break that cycle, and boy it was hard to do! The honest to God reason I turned Auburn down, and stayed in Florida, was due to finances. I just didn't have the funds to cover out-of-state tuition, whereas being a Florida resident, I had a scholarship to cover the majority of my costs for school.

That's neither here nor there. My love for Auburn - the town, the team, the spirit - runs blood deep. I always feel like I'm at home when I'm in Auburn. I'm sure a lot of that has to do with the fact that I've been visiting Auburn all my life.

Lucky for me, my ever-sweet-and-wonderful fiance has quite a deep love for Auburn as well! All of his family has history with University of Florida, or the Gators, so they were sad to see their baby boy move towards a different shade of orange and blue. I was in no way responsible for this........

Okay, okay. I took him to an Auburn game. That's it. The magic of being in Auburn did it!

In addition to the football and atmosphere, being with family at these football games are the biggest reasons why we love being in Auburn. Fellowship, food, football... What more can one ask for? So today, I'm looking back on the wonderful time we had while staying at Lake Martin just outside of Auburn.




 
----------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back to another week of 3 Southern Gals Throwback Thursday Link Party.  We are go glad you are joining us.  We had several great link ups last week.  It has been a blast looking through old pictures and reading how you and your love met.  It is always fun to look back at older blog post as well.  That is what is so great about this link party.  Anyone can link up!!  You either share a post you wrote today that shares old pictures and/or stories.  But if you already have something else scheduled for today, or maybe you just found this link-up, no worries....link up an old blog post.  We just ask if you link up a previous blog posting that it be older than a week old.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask one of us.



Cat @ Yes DEER :   Bloglovin / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram / Facebook



Before you link up please read and make sure you are following the party guidelines :)

The Rules are Simple:

1.  Make sure you are following ALL 3 of the Southern Gals Blogs
Cat   //  Kelly  //   Tela

2.  Link up your throwback blog post.  This includes a post where you share old pictures and/or stories.  OR you may also share a blog post that was posted prior to last week.  
In other words please do not link up to you blogs home page, a post you wrote today or prior to last week, or a post you wrote this today that does not include something from the past.  

3.  Please no giveaways, shops, or other linkups. 
 (as these would also not fall into the throwback category)

4.  Add our party button and/or link back to our party.

3 Southern Gals TBT



5. Don't just link and run...check our some other TBT post.

6.  HAVE FUN


****NOTICE****
*****  We want this to be a fun link up so link up your post!!  Lets reminisce together.  All we ask if that if you link up, PLEASE follow ALL the rules.  We really do not want to delete links.  Honestly this is the last thing we want to do, but these link parties take a lot of our time and effort.  In return we just need for you to be respectful to our party and to others.  In the past linkups, we have had a few each week that have not followed all the rules.  Going forward we will have to delete any link that does not follow the party rules.  ******
















The Grits Blog