God is Good and Forever Faithful

To many this picture may just appear to be me and my mom on an airplane headed somewhere...

But to me, this picture is way more than just the obvious... it's a sigh of relief.. it's a weight lifted off my shoulders, it's answered prayers and a sense of finally moving forward.

When Fallyn was a week old, I was advised to go to the ER to check out a nagging headache. By the time I left that morning, I had bent down to pick something up out of the floor, I came up and was brought back down to my knees because I thought my brains were going to blow out of the sides of my head. For two days at that point, I could hear the pulse in my ears and could not get any relief.

Long story short, after a CT Scan and MRI, I was told I had suffered a brain hemorrhage. NEVER in a million years did I see that coming. The Dr I initially saw even went down a list of things that it could be and I remember like it was yesterday, "And there is a VERY small chance that you could have a clot or bleed on the brain." You should've seen his face when he gave us the news. Talk about feeling like someone punched you in the gut and knocked all the breath out of you.

After three days in the hospital, I was released with honestly really no explanation except they thought the Toradol I was taking for pain altered my blood platelets causing me to bleed. Before I was released, Another CT Scan showed that the hemorrhage was already dissolving. Praise the Lord! I was ready to get home to my babies!! 

Fast forward to September 2017.. I won a trip to Vegas with my company and I was also due in October for a 6 month checkup. I was starting to get concerned to fly with no checkup, so I made my follow up MRI, and had that done on Tues September 26th. 

I don't remember exactly what day the nurse called that week to give me my results but I do remember being at the salon. And, what I thought was going to be a "You're all clear!" phone call, wasn't exactly what I got. 

What I heard was the nurse telling me I had blood vessels that looked questionable and a 4mm spot on my pituitary gland. They were not sure if I would be able to fly until these were further checked.. so that Friday they scheduled me for the earliest CT scan for Monday October 2nd and the earliest Dr appt at 9am Tuesday, October 3rd to read my results to me. 

During the wait, I was encouraged by a dear friend to fast and even avoid social media. I googled the Daniel Fast and from Friday to that Tuesday, I fasted and I avoided social media as much as possible. Talk about leaning on Him!! Monday night I didn't think I was going to make it but all of that drew me to Him, seeking Him and his strength.. I quoted scripture and just felt like I was in constant prayer and like I could focus more on Him and scripture and praying that when I walked in Tuesday they were going to wonder why I was even there!

Here is a piece of my Facebook post I wrote after getting my results from my Dr:

"Well God showed up and showed out today!!! They don't even think I had a hemorrhage in the first place but an actual blood clot but regardless it's completely GONE ANNDD there is NO evidence of any "questionable blood vessels". Praise the Lord!!! 

They are telling me that I still have a spot showing next to my pituitary gland and a cluster of vessels that are in a different spot that showed up bright in the ct scan but they are just there they won't rupture etc and the Dr words were my ct scan was unremarkable. Not to lose sleep over the spot because it very well could be from pregnancy related hormones and I will have another MRI in 6 months to follow up the growth."

SIGH OF RELIEF AND LOTS OF PRAISE!!!

I wanted to shout it from the rooftops!

I left that doctors office with the biggest smile on my face and me and my Mom shot to the airport with minutes to spare getting on our plane. Vegas here we come!!

Early that next morning, I was getting ready for my first session, when my doctors phone number popped up on my telephone. I answered it and it was my Specialist giving me news that in a nutshell he didn't feel he gave me right information, went back thru text book and also conversed with colleagues about my case, was very apologetic and thought "it would behoove us to move forward with having an angiogram". 

I sat down on the edge of that hotel bathtub thinking is this conversation even real? I was so livid and all these emotions started running thru me. I wish I could remember exactly how I said what I'm about to tell you but it was something to the affect of, "Well, I don't know if you know a man named Jesus but I don't accept any of what you just said to me, and in some way, told him that He is bigger than all the news he just gave me. 

Looking back he really had no response to that and just talked about when they could get the angiogram scheduled -- their equipment wasn't ready at that time but should be ready by November.

Here is a Facebook post I shared after I got that news

(BTW Facebook can be great tool for memories! Ha!)

"Well Satan is TICKED off y'all that I shared my testimony and he's trying to come against it ....

I received a phone call early this morning from the specialist I saw yesterday. He said I am a rare case and because there are questions between all the MRI and cts I've had, he took my case home last night and studied it and even turned to literature and he is now regretfully telling me it would be in my best interest to proceed with an angiogram to absolutely rule out any hemorrhage or clotting. In his words with me being a young healthy woman, and this being so rare and questionable and from certain things, I could be at risk for another hemorrhage or clot if there are blood vessels that are not as they should be. The angiogram will without a shadow of a doubt show if I have anything and if there is, it means a high dosed radiation or surgery. 

I'm still standing my ground and in the Lord with this. He will still turn this for my good and I know He's "got me". Satan is just mad at the fact Im publicly giving God glory for my healthy report yesterday and at the amazing response and LOVE that I received from you all. 

I've read your comments and they mean so much to me and they have all truly touched me and I APPRECIATE each and every one of you. 

I'm claiming NO radiation and NO surgery because ALL IS NORMAL and the angiogram will SHOW NOTHING ABNORMAL!!! Because I AM HEALTHY and my body is made WHOLE in Jesus name! So as me and my friends joke --- heffa Satan get thee behind thee cuz you have no say so in my life and you are a lie! 

Now me and Mom are going to continue to enjoy this trip with Monat! My head is spinning from all the amazing things that are happening in this company!! Ohhhhhh my my and I can't wait to share with yall!!! 

Love y'all!"

(Let me clarify what he would be looking for is what is called an AVM.)

The best I can remember it, I received a phone call sometime near or in November that they had the equipment ready and they had scheduled my angiogram for X date. I don't even remember what the date was but I QUICKLY declined and said "No I am not ready for that." and cancelled the appointment. Time rocked on and I even got a second opinion and wanted a third at Emory but it would've cost me $1000 just to walk in the door. 

In late December, a dear friend (you know who you are and I am so thankful for you and your friendship) went with me to talk to my Specialist again and ask questions and help me better understand what was going on. I honestly just wanted to walk out of that office that day and it all be over with and him tell me that he didn't recommend me having that procedure anymore. I was horrified y'all. Straight walking in FEAR. 

And can we just take a minute to talk about what stress and walking in fear does to you? I felt like I was a walking anxiety attack A LOT of the time. I remember so many times being in the salon and being overcome with anxiety and everything seeming SO LOUD to me that I almost threw my stuff down and walked out several times and thought I would just be done!! I would come home and tell Shane I was packing my stuff and leaving because I couldn't take it anymore. (I don't know if I appeared to be as bad as how I felt on the inside but I am thankful my clients have stayed with me and I am thankful for my friends, family and support system). I don't feel like I had much conversation with anyone, I didn't listen to any music while driving (N. O .T . H. I. N. G.). Even when I came home from the hospital I couldn't take the noise from the girls and would freak out! 

Y'all!! This does NOT come from the LORD!!!! 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

I REGRET allowing Satan to have me crippled with fear and allowing him to steal so much of my joy so many times over almost a years time span. I cannot get that time back! And I know its a blur having a baby and then even more so having two so close together. But I just feel like if I stood my ground and held on to the Word stronger than what I did, I would feel like I had more happy memories.

Fast forward to January of this year. Once again, I don't really remember the exact days but in the first part of the month, I realized I had not yet received a phone call to schedule my procedure. I THOUGHT I was ready for it and even called them to see what was taking so long to schedule and found out there was a part that had gone out on the machine and they were in the process of waiting for it... they would call me when they had it ready.

In the meantime, on January 21st at ACTS, God healed me. I'll say it again.

GOD. HEALED. ME.

I know this without a shadow of a doubt. To this day, I remember going back to my seat, after my Pastor Arlene prayed healing over me, and feeling the heat on my head from her hands. She's anointed y'all!

The NEXT DAY, Monday morning, I received a phone call from the neurologist office telling me the part had been fixed on their machine and my angiogram was scheduled for the following Wednesday.

Coincidence? I think NOT. God was telling me "He's got me" in all of what was happening.

On Wednesday, January 31st, I went into the hospital and had my angiogram. Was I nervous? Oh so very nervous. Before, all I could think about was my family, my husband, and especially my two sweet babies and all the "what if's". 

But I had more peace that day. That week before I had more peace. I was expecting God to show up that day.. I even texted my Pastor the night before and told her that I was expecting for God to show up so much that the doctors would even wonder why I was even there. And I know that HE was with me that day. When I walked into the bathroom by myself to put my gown on, I laid my hands on my belly and started praying in the Spirit. He loved on me the way that He does and I know that He was in that bathroom with me. I still remember this especially like it were yesterday. I don't know exactly how long I was in there but it seemed like a very long time. If I can be honest, I really wasn't ready for that moment to end. But He showed me He was with me and showered me with His love.

I had my procedure. There were absolutely ZERO problems. 

And the best part?

When I got into recovery, the Doctor stood by my bed and said the words, 

"Her blood vessels are smooth as silk." 

There was no AVM. There wasn't ANY abnormal cluster of blood vessels. 

Smooth. As. Silk. he said.

He also said that he wanted to write my case and share.. I guess because he had never seen anything like it. I really don't remember if he gave a specific reason but I do remember my Mom looking at him and saying, "Can you just say Jesus?"

*****

When I got to the part of being healed on January 21st, I was curious what the message was for that Sunday. I only have one page of notes in my small notebook that I take with me to church on Sundays.

I feel like the first two sentences are from the message that day and the first paragraph is a prophetic word she spoke over me during her praying healing over me.

Either way, GOD IS GOOD!! And He can turn what Satan has planned (he is the one that comes to kill, steal, and destroy) for evil into good!

And it tickled me to find that I had something written down from this specific day and just exactly what I had written down... because I can honestly say, I HAVE told the enemy ENOUGH is ENOUGH. I won't go into too many details on this but it is AMAZING to see how far you have come  in places.. 

If you are in a place of needing healing, I encourage you to write it down where you can see what you are asking the Lord for, and speak it everyday. Believe what you are speaking. For several months, this is what I repeated every single morning and night. I checked everything off after my procedure except for the 4mm spot because I had not had my follow up MRI for that.. When I realized what I did, I quickly asked for forgiveness and checked that of as well. God didn't just heal certain things that day on Jan 21st.. he healed ALL of me!! Thank the Lord for the Holy Spirit and giving us discernment!!

After having such an easy pregnancy, delivery, and so forth with Finley, I would have never have imagined it would be so different with Fallyn. I don't believe God gave me a brain hemmorage but I know that He worked it out for my good. He's a good, good Daddy. Could things have gone a little differently? Maybe. But He also protected me through everything and I know He had His hand on me thru it all. 

In this, I have grown stronger. I have drawn closer to Him. And I can hear Him on a whole new level than I did before. Which has put me in a whole new place with Him and taken me places spiritually that I have never experienced until recently.

I am so thankful for God's hand on me.. for His protection, His peace and His Love.

For healing me.

I give God ALL the glory for it ALL. 

 It's ALL God. And its just all wonderful and amazing.

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday, it's so good to see you especially when I have the day off to have an extra day with our angel baby.. Dear weather, I hope you end up being pretty for us but I think it's going to rain. Please try and hold off or better yet bring the sun.. Dear Blog, I have missed you a little and it was fun reuniting with you last night for a couple of hours.. Dear Mom, I can't wait for you to be home and with all of us again. You have been such a strong trooper and so many people are continuing to pray for you.. Dear Brain, please don't fail me anytime soon. I was worried about you last week, because I had to think about how old I was.. and then I had to calculate how old I was just to make sure I wasn't crazy. It's all good tho. I'll let it pass this time.. just don't forget anymore birthdays, OK? Dear Finley, I'm loving you being back to mostly 11ish hours of sleep. It's been wonderful and for the most part I've learned to take myself to bed as early as I can after you.. Dear 8ish lbs, you can decide to melt off at any point in the near future. You are being quite stubborn! Dear Weekend Warriors, I hope you have a WONDERFUL, BLESSED weekend!

Friday's Letters

Dear Sleep, it feels so amazing when we meet at night.... well really anytime we get to meet these days. // Dear Hair Appt, I am SO excited for you today! I still have no idea what I want even tho I've been scanning Pinterest and Google for the past couple days. Another reason why I'm excited is because I get to see my Sassafras peeps for a lunch date before. I miss them all dearly! Reading this before 1?? Any hair suggestions? // Dear Hormones, you can straighten yourself out any day now. This emotional roller coaster I'm on isn't that much fun. // Dear Kolton, I hope you get to write us soon. I check the mailbox everyday hoping we have received a letter. I'd love to be writing you too! And, I am praying for you. 

Dear Sunshine & New Deck, our time together yesterday was wonderful. I just imagined that me and my lounge chair were catching those rays at the beach. Maybe I will have a chance to have a date with you again this weekend. // Dear Shane, thank you for becoming the world's biggest GrillMaster ever since the deck got built. The food you have been cooking is amazing! // Dear Jamie Eason, My 6 week checkup is Sept 3rd and if all is good, we will be meeting that day. I can't wait to start back! I've already checked out your Post Pregnancy trainer that leads straight into the Live Fit. 

So. Flipping. Excited. 

Dear House Chores, you can wait. I've got a precious baby to love on. // Dear Fall Weather, it has been so great to have you around in the mornings and evenings. Hopper, Party of 3 is enjoying it so much! I may even see an evening stroll to the pond in the near future. // Dear 3 Amigas, thank you so much for being so wonderful with Finley. And Sox, why do you insist on rolling in horse poo when it is THE most inconvenient time ever? // Dear Prayer Warriors, I have an unspoken prayer request. If you could just add me and a very close family member to your list, I would appreciate it so much. 

Dear Finley, you are the most precious angel baby! I hope you are enjoying your new schedule because your Daddy and I certainly have been. I'm sure you are liking being on a routine! Forgive us if you were miserable.. we are rookies but quickly learning. P.S. I love being home with you and your Daddy all day! 

Dear Readers, I hope you have an amazing, blessed weekend!

Friday's Letters

Dear Beach, I am trying to get to you. The Lord knows the desire of my heart and hears my prayers for something to get worked out for me. This Mama needs one last hoorah solo for a little R & R before Baby gets here... Dear MACPro card, you can arrive in the mail anyyyy daayyyy now!... Dear Chipotle Adobe Sauce, you FINALLY made my Zucchini Enchiladas hot enough. Well, it may or may not have also been that I put half the can in the recipe, instead of 1 TBSP. Hmmm, so delish...  Dear Amigas, thank you for being the best cuddle buddies lately... Dear Kyli, I am SOOOO sorry that I accidentally left you outside for an hour the other night. There was no denying by your body language and snorts that I wasn't exactly your fave person there for a short time after. I am just so so thankful you didn't get in the road! Are my brain cells already fried?? ... Dear Clients that come in the salon and let your 3 year old run ALL OVER the salon while you expect us Stylists to babysit your kid while you relax, yeah.. about that.. We are not your babysitter, we have a job to do, and our clients didn't want their alone/relaxing/"me" time to be ruined... Dear Baby Hopper, I love feeling you wiggling inside my belly. It brings me peace and a smile to my face...  Dear lovely readers, I know several of you have expressed how you can't wait to see Reveal pictures.. This post is coming! I haven't forgotten! There were a few that I couldn't resist getting photo shopped by a dear friend and I'm just waiting to get them.
Happy Friday loves!

Friday's Letters

Dear Beach, looking at this picture, I cannot WAIT to be back with you again. It's been way too long since the sun has beamed on my face, the wind has blown thru my hair, and the waves crashed on my feet where the sand meets the water.  Dear Evening Fatigue, you have almost made me pull over on the side of the road several times this week for a cat nap, just so I we can make it home alive. It's a tired feeling that I just cannot put into words.  Dear Lavender color, please make me proud today if my client chooses you. I really, really, really need you to be awesome! Pics to come on Instagram either way, because she'll be rockin' a new cut too!  

Dear Sox, you have really out done yourself this week with your perfume. Oh. My. Quad. This is by far the absolute worst I think I have ever seen you apply the mess... all wet and steamy on your pretty fur. Don't you know I ain't got time fo dat right now??  Dear Insomnia (that's just started to rear its ugly head), I hope to catch you on the flip side ASAP.. I need some zzzzzzzz's in my life.  Dear MAC-Pro, I sent off my application and all paperwork yesterday for my membership. I was so excited to drop that envelope off at the PO that I almost skipped my way out of the lobby.

Dear Weekend, I like that I have no plans; however, I hope this is a productive one now that I have a tad bit of energy (when I get sleep) and a little motivation back. (knocking on wood)

I'm Thankful for...

We get a family photo any way we can.

Funny family photos..

My Savior..

The 3 Amigas..

Coffee..

My sweet, handsome husband..

Our snuggles..

Hot showers..

My family..

The best salon family a gal could ask for.. 

My crafting abilities..

The Word..

This beautiful 'farm' we live on..

The bestie and her loving, caring, friendship.. 

Thanksgiving meals..

Sleeping in..

The best clients ever..

True friendships..

Nights by the warm fire..

Beach trips..

Sunsets..

Our health..

The many blessings the Lord has given us!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

A Christmas Bazaar is near...

Last year at the salon, we held our first annual Christmas Bazaar. There were tons of crafts, refreshments, and fun fellowship.

We are coming near to our second one being held this Saturday and boy is getting crunch time!!

I have been working on crafts nonstop EVERY night for I don't know how long.

Here are a few of the items that I have made the past few weeks and there may be a few more to come! I had every intention of getting y'all the Santa tutorial and it may still be here for tomorrow or Saturday but between work and getting things prepared for Saturday it hasn't happened.

I am sooo sorry and I promise I will try my best to get it out tomorrow or Saturday!

Have a great night y'all!

Thankful Thursday

There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for friends!

And besides the obvious of the great Lord blessing me with a roof over my head, water and food, clothing on my back and my good health, today I am thankful I am HOME and not sitting in the traffic from the Luke Bryan concert!

Oh my goodness!

Call me a stump on a log for not leaving work and going 10 minutes down the road to the huge Farm Tour and watching Luke "shake it for me" but I don't think you could have PAID me enough money to get in that mess.

Yes, it is cool that Luke himself made it to my small hometown of Jefferson Georgia, but there were so many stories I heard from last year of it taking people hours to get there, hours to get home and only getting two hours of sleep because it took SO long to get home, and people peeing all around you because of horrific lines to the bathroom. I would SERIOUSLY probably lose my religion on somebody if they peed on me...

I was already having trouble getting thru town at 3:30 this afternoon! And even tho the JPD was already set up to direct traffic, my evening clients still sat in bumper to bumper traffic trying to make their appointments. 

I should have made my way to Amber's, my grandmother's or my Mom's after work because they could hear the music clear as a bell! Amber told me she and the girl's were having their own dance party on the back porch. Now that's MY kinda party. 

Laawwwd I must be showing my age... HA! Too much crowd for me!

I do hope for the 15,000 who were there that you didn't get soaked from the gnarly thunderstorm that looked like was about to dump on you it was looking and sounding pretty bad, BUT Luke does say that "rain is a good thang", AND I pray that you all make it home safe and sound! 

I will enjoy looking at all your pics tomorrow on social media!

Who We're Loving Wednesday

Meet Mrs. Frances, Shane's grandmother who is better-known as Grandma. 

One sweet lady let me tell you who's favorite saying is "Ah foot". 

She has been in the hospital since Saturday with a broken hip and finger due to a fall. Surgery needed to be done, but due to a couple of complications and her blood needing to thicken up they had to wait a couple days. Well yesterday morning, everything looked good so she was headed into surgery. When they got Grandma back, her BP spiked and her heart rate increased so the doctors called off surgery and took her back to her room to get everything under control.

Around 1:30 they took her back for a second attempt, everything was great, she had the surgery and was able to be in her room instead of ICU. This is AWESOME but the next 24 hours are still critical. 

Prayer warriors, if you wouldn't mind adding Grandma to your prayer list I would greatly appreciate it.

I believe in the power of prayer and appreciate every single one going up for her and the family.

Thank you bunches friends.

We love you Grandma and can't wait for you to be home!

10 Things I have learned in 1 Year & 6 months of Marriage

I woke up today and realized it was the 17th and started adding in my head.. today Coach and I have been married for 1 year and 6 months.

It seems like yesterday we were putting together last minute things, me rushing out the door for pictures, (because all the men were late and I thought I was late when the photographer walked thru the door), waiting on my late groom for our First Look he was busy eating, talking with my Dad asking him how the chair situation was before our walk down the aisle, listening to my cousin's beautiful voice as we filled our mason jar for our Salt Covenant, being introduced for the first time as Mr & Mrs, dancing our tush's off, and being whisked off on a golf cart to begin our life together as one. 

I'm not going to sit here and pretend it has been a year of just absolute bliss.. there have been many ups and downs.. angry moments, happy moments, disappointing moments, gratifying moments.. 

In all that though, there have been learning moments.

Here are ten of those in no particular order.

1.

AGREE TO DISAGREE

There are going to be things from time to time that will not allow you to be on the same page. If you cannot come to an agreement, try to compromise or just save yourselves from all the arguing and agree to disagree.

2.

FORGIVE. FORGIVE. FORGIVE. THEN, FORGIVE SOME MORE.

No human is perfect. We both have done things that have been hurtful to one another. You can't keep hold of those things or hang those things over your spouse's head. Choose to forgive and forget and move forward. 

Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

3.

PICK YOUR BATTLES

You are going to fight, bicker, and argue. 

It is not worth it to pick on every. single. thing. that gets on your nerves. Remember you have quirks that irritates your other half too. Save the argument for something that is really important. Choose your battles wisely.

4.

COMMUNICATE

I think Coach would agree with me that we are still working on this one. Whether it's something that is as small as your plans for the day to something that is really bothering you.. communicate with your spouse! It just makes life easier.

5.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SPOUSE

Tell him he's handsome. Thank him for those amazing cheesy eggs he makes you. Tell him how amazing the yard looks after a long day of cutting grass. Tell him what an awesome job he did coaching his players on the field. Ask him did he have a good day and how was practice.

You are your spouse's biggest cheerleader. Lift them up.

6.

CONTINUE TO DATE ONE ANOTHER

Dating doesn't stop once you get home from the honeymoon. Coach and I still have date nights.. and I still have fun learning things about him, especially his days of playing baseball. We are still learning and will continue to learn about and from one another. Leave love notes, send a sweet text, have a movie night at home cuddled up with one another, and no cell phones at dinner!

7.

KEEP GOD #1

God. Family. Children.

This is what we believe in and keeping God first and foremost in everything. We have watched Him rain down His blessings upon us because of this.. He is the ONLY one who can help our marriage, our problems, supply us of our every need. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, including marriages, and because of this, WE need HIM more than ever.

8.

MARRIAGE IS WORK

I may step on some toes here but I think at times some girls get wrapped up in 'idea' of a wedding.. the flowers, decorations, and the dress you have always dreamt of.. Marriage is HARD and it is WORK and something you CONTINUE to work on. You have to tend to your relationship like a garden, fertilize it, keep the weeds out.. water it and watch it GROW! It is definitely not a honeymoon 100% of the time. 

For better, for worse.. til death do us part.

9.

WE NEED A BIGGER BED

Or maybe just a bigger comforter. 

I steal the covers, he steals the covers. 

Oh look, you have half the comforter and the other half is in the floor.

10.

RELAX AND HAVE FUN!

I know I have been so up tight at times trying to be a good wife, do the right things, etc., that I have been way to serious and forgotten to just have fun. Don't forget to laugh and joke around with one another! Last night I know Coach was trying to finish getting some of his work done.. I kept trying to get kisses from him, picking on him, he started laughing, I started laughing, and it was just a great, fun moment. 

Shane, I am so thankful to have you and that your are mine. I know we have had our moments but I wouldn't go back and change one second of it, even if I could. It makes me happy to have you as my better half and go thru this thing called life with you right beside me. I wouldn't want to be going thru it with anyone else. I learn from you and continue to learn from you. You bring out the best in me and God knows you still love me at my absolute worst. I am so thankful we have supportive friends and family, praying for us and for our marriage. I pray we continue to keep God first, keep pushing forward, continue to date, keep learning from one another, and remember to laugh and have fun! God certainly blessed me with YOU! 

I love you to infinity and back with all my heart and soul. 

32 Things that make Me Happy

Browsing around blogs awhile back (a month ago now), I saw this fun link-up first on Lauren's blog.. I went to the link-up but the host had already closed. Boo. This has been on my to-do post list ever since! Just thought it was would be fun! Better late than never right?

In no particular order...

1~

THE BEACH! 

If you have been following for any period of time you know that I love, love, love the sand between my toes! The breeze, the salty air, the warmth on my face...

I am already itching to get back. 

2~

Chocolate. Chocolate. And more chocolate. 

I buy the Ghirardelli baking chips for our Peanut Butter Bites.. I don't make them as much I used to because they are LOADED with calories.. and lets face it, I can't eat just one. 

So I will slowly try and eat a few of these sweets for any cravings I have.

3~

Crafting and Painting.

I could seriously do it 24/7.

4~

My handsome husband. 

5~

Candles.

 I have them in the house ALL the time. They have always been one of my faves. We were given a Scentsy for one of our wedding gifts and I got another one for my birthday... AND the BFF has signed up with Scentsy recently!! YAY for something that smells better than smelly dogs!! A couple weeks ago, Amber and I sat in her basement and obsessed over the samples she had just gotten in the mail. I need to place an order!

6~

This amazing woman on the left..

I have so much to learn from her. 

She has my back, she can be brutally honest with me, the gives the best mama hugs ever, she helps me with all my sewing shenanigans, I can hit her up anytime for advice, her salon pop-ins always make my day and is my cooking inspiration. Mad cooking skills I tell ya!

7~

Spending time with my family.

I really need to work on this and do better. I actually started tonight.. I have a gap Friday and I'm going to my Mama Jane's to spend my lunch with her. 

8~

Hot bubble baths.. 

My friend at work does this every night. I need to take the time and follow suit. I know I would sleep better!

9~

Friends.

I watch reruns every chance I get and I can't decide who I love the most.

10~

The 3 Amigos.

They know who their favorite is. ;)

I can't help but to love on them all the time.

11~

Looking thru old photos. 

Last week, I started going thru a box of pictures and a couple of albums my grandmother and Mom gave me. I found my parents wedding photos, pictures of all my cousins on my Dad's side when we were young, a few pics of me and Kolton when I was a Freshman, and even a few pics of my Paw- Paw and Papa Simon. 

I even found my picture holding my first paycheck ever with a mouthful of metal!! 

I was 16 here.. can you say looking like a HOT MESS! Mama Jane took this picture. I showed Coach and he said "Nice pants." BAHAHA! Oh my at this photo.

So fun and sweet to be able to look back at old memories.

12~

Shabby Chic decor. 

i. am. obsessed. 

And I still love burlap too.

13~

Being able to watch Coach do what he does on the field.

He is absolutely passionate about what he does and it truly shows. You can see a special bond between him and his players and he is there for them 110%! I can't wait to see him on the field this season! 

14~

Miranda Lambert.

I agree with you on this one Lauren!

Absolutely love this woman. I hashtagged not too long ago.. #moremirandalesskardashians

Her music has always been perfect for me and I LOVE that she helps dogs get rescued. 

She has been a long time favorite!

15~

Sunsets.

There have been plenty on the farm here that have been absolutely breathtaking.

In Key West, all of the island stopped at sunset. I was right there with them.

16~

Cupcakes.

I love baking them for the family and salon.

Before Easter I hadn't made any in a long time! Reese Cup requested from my FIL. 

Designing with the icing is so fun!

17~

Writing in a journal. 

I know technology has become the way now but I'm all about picking up a pen and paper and just letting the pen take it away. 

18~

Trio!

My very own horse. I was able to spend some extra time with him Saturday afternoon. I brushed out the rest of his winter coat and got the dreads out of his mane. This Saturday he will get a bath. I know he is going to feel so much better.

19~

The Sassafras Salon!

What an amazing group of people to be working beside! Everyone is so positive and uplifting and such a pleasure to work with. We have so much fun and I should have a 12 pack from all the laughing we do!

20~

Non-chain restaurants.

Connie and I had so much fun at Ganache Saturday. Coach and I used to go to Mike & Val's in Winder after church all the time until they closed. Speakeasy in Athens is SOOO YUMMY! We really should take advantage of all the unique restaurants in Athens. I just love the character they hold.

21~

Starbucks Green Tea.

Lately I have been adding one shot of honey to it. So delicious.

22~

Massages.

They are the best things ever. I can't wait til my next one. I'm long overdue.

23~

Hydrangeas.

I can't wait for ours to bloom! Hurry up!

24~

Mexican food.

I have noooo cut off when it comes to this. I thought about it for dinner last night but had 0 energy to stand in the kitchen and make. No restful sleep the night before.

25~

Snowboarding.

We missed it this last winter but we will be back this year! 

I. Cannot. Wait.

26~

Headpieces!!

27~

Mason Jars.

I had them in my wedding, they are all around my house, and we have a couple we drink out of. 

28~

Diamonds.

They are a girls best friend and it just happens to be my birth stone.

Love me some bling.. real and costume.

29~

Tractor rides with my husband.

Preferably down to the pond. It's so peaceful there and is so sentimental.

30~

Getting my hair done.

It's such a treat to be on the other side of that chair getting some pampering.

31~

Christmas.

It has gotten to be one of my favorite holidays. I love the whole feeling it brings. 

Don't forget decorating. And, we have started a new tradition with the family coming to our house Christmas Day for lunch. It's such a warm holiday.

32~

Waking up in the mornings and having being blessed with another day here with family, friends, my husband and my puppies. 

Life is precious and we need not take it for granted.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

How is everyone's week so far? We are half way to Friday! 

Whooo hoo!

Here is what I am loving today:

I am loving that Coach and I got to spend the morning together! His baseball summer season is about to get started and he will be MIA.

2011??

I am loving T25!

25 minutes and you are finished! I am on Week 1 Day 3 and definitely feeling these workouts! You will be super sweaty by the time 25 minutes is up! I have taken my measurements and weight and hope to see some results in just the first week. (I follow a fitness page on facebook and people are having some awesome results with this program.)

I am loving this warmer weather! It's such a nice change. I cannot wait to get my toes in some sand this summer!

I am loving this baseball wreath. I must try and get this together this weekend. Thanks so much Amber for sending me this PIN!

What are you loving today?

5 on Friday

Happy Friday everyone! 

1.

It has been a busy season already of proms and weddings! Last Saturday, I helped Whitney with a wedding in Commerce at the Governor's mansion.. which was absolutely gorgeous BTW. Totally helped myself around the house afterwards for a few pictures.. The wedding party and Bride were so relaxed and tons of fun! I have another prom this Saturday and the following Saturday. I'm sure I will have pics up on Instagram. Here are a few updos from this past weekend.

2.

This Sunday, the family is coming over for Easter lunch at our house! It will be great having some family time and sloooowing down a bit. Can't wait to see all the family and have everyone under one roof. 

And at the top of the list, celebrating Christ's resurrection!

3.

'Nuff said.

4.

Monday was a big day for Amber and I. We had a dermatologist appointment to have a couple of places checked out and removed. What an eventful day for us. They didn't have Amber down with me, in which caused us to be separated, we were both sliced and diced.. I will spare you the detailed picture and Amber wouldn't be very happy with me if I shared hers either.. all the while listening to Candy Coated RainDrops, half naked in a robe. BUT we survived!

and:

GREAT NEWS!

Got a call yesterday.... and its benign! 

Nothing else needs to be done.

Sunscreen or best yet.. no sun at all everyone!

5.

These gorgeous hydrangeas were brought into the salon yesterday from Mama Arlene's house. Aren't they gorgeous??? They remind me of our wedding day. I have been working on my blog a lot this week and finally have a few many things listed under Our Love Story. I'm not finished yet, but I am so excited how everything is coming together!

Happy Good Friday all!

Know that you are blessed today and make it a great day!