life as it happens | Alabama Wedding Photographer

Don't Get Left Behind!

2010-05-18T10:35:00.000-05:00

Whoa! You're still here?? There's plenty for you to catch up on here, but there's a new blog in town! Samantha's blog has moved!! You can now find it and tons of other stuff at www.samanthaaldayphotography.com.

Can't wait to see you over there!

Day 111 - 4/21/10

2010-04-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

There are lots of things I love about the Springtime and taking care of my birds is at the top of my list. While I sat watching today, this Cardinal allowed the little Blue Indigo to share his food, but only for a few seconds before he ran him off.

Day 110 - 4/20/10

2010-04-21T21:44:00.001-05:00

Day 109 - 4/19/10

2010-04-19T21:02:00.002-05:00

While a friend and I were having lunch at Felix's Fish Camp today, this Red-Winged Blackbird sat on our window sill eating bugs off the glass. It was pretty funny to watch, especially when all the little bugs and gnats figured him out and moved higher up the window.

Day 108 - 4/18/10

2010-04-18T19:59:00.003-05:00

Only about a month late, my Azalea Bushes finally decided to bloom.

You know I'm indecisive Internet Friends; I just can't help it. I was really minding my own business, taking my POD of my big 'ole Azalea Bush, when I heard Hank barking like crazy behind me.

I had to take this picture. I was forced. Seriously. I know this is a picture only a dog mother could love, but I think it's hysterical. I know Aunt Stacy will love it, too. :)

Day 107 - 4/17/10

2010-04-18T19:42:00.000-05:00

This game was the deciding game on whether or not we would advance to the next round of the Playoffs. Joseph knew he would pitching and was--needless to say--very nervous. All went well (just as Mom knew it would) and he pitched a one hitter in the five inning game. The Bears won 11-0 and will be traveling to G.W. Long next week.

I love that our boys always say The Lord's Prayer before and after each game.

Day 106 - 4/16/10

2010-04-18T19:34:00.001-05:00

Joseph and Cole have been best buds, since well, I guess since they've been old enough to be best buds. Joseph pitches and Cole catches. They both anxiously watch from the bullpen to see if Coach will call them into the game.

Day 105 - 4/15/10

2010-04-18T19:31:00.000-05:00

I have nothing to say to this.

Day 104 - 4/14/10

2010-04-18T19:29:00.001-05:00

I'll go ahead and admit that I didn't take this picture. When I arrived at work this particular day, I was enthusiastically greeted by a co-worker who had a picture to share with me. "I've been waiting and waiting to show this to you," she said. So thinking it was going to be some amazing shot or moment to be proud of sorta thing, I also was enthusiastic to see it.

Until she showed it to me.

She was so giddy. "While I was pumping gas, I saw this sign and immediately thought of you and couldn't wait to show you!"

Remind me to scratch her off my friend list. Well, not really April, but it's not that funny. :)

Refer back to this post to get the full story and I don't think you'll find it funny either.

Day 103 - 4/13/10

2010-04-18T19:20:00.000-05:00

I only wish my children loved each other as much.

Day 102 - 4/12/10

2010-04-18T19:18:00.000-05:00

Shelby and Bailey feed the seagulls. If you're really careful with it, they'll eat from your hand.

Sweet Bailey.

Fun times doing nothing. ;)

Sunset.

Day 101- 4/11/10

2010-04-18T19:10:00.001-05:00

Fishing from the newly rebuilt Gulf State Park Pier; destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it's now the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico.

This Sunfish, weighing in at probably 500 pounds, rolled to the surface and put on a show for several minutes. This was a first for all of us and it was way cool!

Sad but true, this shows the good, the bad and the ugly of Summer beach time. ;)

Day 100 - 4/10/10

2010-04-18T18:46:00.001-05:00

As Shelby, Clark and I sat at the Gulf Shores TCBY, we were discussing how we've come to accept the fact that we are boring parents. Now I'd much rather give argument to that and convince my children that we're not really that boring; sure we're fun to be around, act like teenagers and do lots of stuff. But then at 8:13 that night as they were eating their ice cream, I realized I hadn't taken a POD yet...why?...well, I suppose it's because we hadn't really done much that interesting enough for me to have snagged a photo yet. Oh well, the truth hurts.

Day 99 - 4/09/10

2010-04-09T11:59:00.001-05:00

3 Suitcases, 2 Blankets, 1 ice chest, lots of food, 4 chairs, beach towels and a portable heater (for cozy-ing on the beach at night). It's a good thing we're only going for 3 days! See you next week Internet Friends!

Day 98 - 4/08/10

2010-04-09T11:53:00.003-05:00

First round of the State Playoffs start next Friday!! Woop! Woop! Love you Bears!

Day 97 - 4/07/10

2010-04-08T12:41:00.000-05:00

Coming soon to a blog near you: The Zacheus Chronicles, but for now, here's a teaser.

Day 96 - 4/06/10

2010-04-06T20:25:00.003-05:00

Day 95 - 4/05/10

2010-04-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

Day 94 - 4/04/10

2010-04-04T16:05:00.000-05:00

Day 93 - 4/03/10

2010-04-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

Maybe he should have starred in Air Bud. Just sayin'......btw, Shelby is 5'7". ;)

Day 92 - 4/2/10

2010-04-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

Day 91 - 4/01/10

2010-04-01T20:31:00.001-05:00

Had the pleasure of spending the day with my Aunt Ann and Grandma today.

Day 90 - 3/31/10

2010-03-31T18:41:00.001-05:00

Today's Picture of the Day was actually pretty easy to snag. I took my camera outside just to walk around to see what I could find and luckily the dogs found this one for me. And no, for the record this picture was not taken with a long zoom lens; I actually used my 50mm (short) lens and was able to get only a couple of feet away. It's not poisonous though...look at the eyes...they're round. ;)

It's actually a snake called the "Hog Nose" or "Spreading Adder" because it flattens its neck when it feels threatened to make itself look bigger and badder. :) This one did flatten its neck when I first approached it, but soon went on about his business without any harm. His belly was also bumpy all the way down...looks like he just had lunch.

Day 89 - 3/30/10

2010-03-31T10:58:00.002-05:00

Only a 2 blanket night tonight...not too cold at all. ;)

Day 88 - 3/29/10

2010-03-31T10:57:00.001-05:00

Day 87 - 3/28/10

2010-03-31T10:55:00.002-05:00

Day 86 - 3/27/10

2010-03-31T10:54:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Katie! Senior 2010. This is another one of those girls I've watched grow up! sigh...........

Those blue eyes just glow!

Day 85 - 3/26/10

2010-03-31T10:49:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Phillip on your first game appearance of the season! Glad you're back from your injury...now please be careful!

Day 84 - 3/25/10

2010-03-31T10:43:00.000-05:00

Day 83 - 3/24/10

2010-03-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

Pretty self explanatory on what's been going on around my house lately. ;)

Day 82 - 3/23/10

2010-03-24T11:54:00.000-05:00

Day 81 - 3/22/10

2010-03-22T21:15:00.002-05:00

Day 80 - 3/21/10

2010-03-21T20:46:00.002-05:00

Holden's mom and I became good friends when we were both pregnant...she with Holden and me with Joseph.

This was the first time I took Holden's "formal" portrait.

And this is today. Senior 2010. Congratulations Holden!

Day 79 - 3/20/10

2010-03-20T18:14:00.001-05:00

All night bowling after the prom. Fun times...this photo was taken around 1:30 this morning.

Day 78 - 3/19/10

2010-03-19T20:14:00.001-05:00

Day 77 - 3/18/10

2010-03-18T21:03:00.002-05:00

Callie and Shelby show off their new manicures.

Day 76 - 3/17/10

2010-03-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

Joseph was grinning from ear to ear as he boasted about dressing himself in his tux today. He said it took 45 minutes to figure it out, but he finally did it. It reminded me of when he was a two year old and independently declared, "I do it mama". :)

Day 75 - 3/16/10

2010-03-16T20:11:00.000-05:00

Day 74 - 3/15/10

2010-03-16T11:50:00.002-05:00

By the looks of it, it seems that all three of us must have had a similar Monday. Shelby was the smarter of the four of us and had already gone to bed.

My day started off like a pretty usual day. Clock alarmed at 4 am (although it totally felt like it was 3---but really at that time of the morning, it all feels the same).

Left a few minutes early to have time to stop and get gas. Not a big deal right?

Pulled into the gas station, started pumping the gas, knew I needed a full tank, so set the nozzle on auto and got back into my car....it was a bit chilly.

Car is still running.

Radio blaring.

Texting.

It was important. I was updating my Twitter and Facebook Status.

I really wasn't in my car long, when I hear some banging and bumping going on at the back of my car.

I looked back to see a man holding the gas nozzle in his hand. My gas nozzle.

I opened my car door to find that my car was nearly floating in a lake of gas. It was everywhere.

Guess what I did next?

Turned the car off. At Guinness Record speed.

I know that man thought I was a total goof ball, but I can only the imagine the look I had on my face as I just sat there. Car door open. I haven't moved at this point. I just sat there staring at him, staring at all the gas on the ground. Completely puzzled as to what had happened.

"Whhhaaatttt happened?" Seriously? Really did I ask him that? Like he knew?

"All I know ma'am is that I heard a sound like gushing water running everywhere and I ran over and turned off the pump."

He was just as puzzled as I was.

I then attempted to get out of my car, but literally had to stand up on the car frame and jump over the pool of gas that was flowing all up under my car. The nozzle obviously didn't shut off like it was supposed to and just kept on running. What normally costs about $30 to fill up the car was at a little over $41 when that nice man stopped the pump.

He was also kind enough to ask me, "would you like me to push your car out of the gas before you crank it?"

And with that, I opened my mouth again with the dumbest of dumbest replies, "do you think I need to?" Again I thought to myself, did I just say that out loud.

He looked at me with that same look he had earlier and answered, "it only takes a spark."

"Well by all means brother, start pushin'". And he did.

That was a really nice man.

I never did ask the gas station attendant for a $10 credit; I thought I'd just leave that alone.

From there, I actually still make it to work on time...feeling somewhat flustered, but I did make it. I only had a few gas fumes still lingering in my head, but all was well.

Until.

About 30 minutes into my work, another employee asked me, "do you know you're only wearing one earring?"

What?!! Really people??!!! One earring!!?? I have short hair, I have to have earrings!!

Breathe. It's going to be okay I tell myself and calmly remove the lone earring from the one ear and go on about my morning.

A short while later, I come to realize that there is a jewelry sale going on upstairs in the Atrium. It's at that moment, the clouds parted and I could feel the heat of the sunshine shining down upon me.

I'll be right back, I told my supervisor. And in just a few minutes I returned smiling with a new, shiny, $5 pair of earrings.

One for each ear.

Day 73 - 3/14/10

2010-03-14T18:25:00.001-05:00

Just to be totally honest with you, I've really developed a love/hate relationship with this 365 Project. There are days when I'm having a good picture day and then there are those days when I'm not. Days when I'm really pleased with my picture and days when I'm taking a picture just to be taking it....just so I'll have something to post.

Along this 365 journey though, I have discovered a couple of things:
First, I cannot go anywhere without my camera! I've tried blogger friends. I've tried not to lug it around or use the excuse that I probably won't find anything interesting to take a picture of anyway. Can you say **wrong**! Every time I've left my camera behind, I've always found myself staring at an amazing photo opportunity and then slowly watch it slip right on by, wishing I had brought my camera with me so I could capture it.

Another issue I've run into is that there are days when it is super hard to post only one picture! Do I really have to make a choice? Can't I post more than one? Is that a rule? Will someone call the "365" Police and report me? Really, what could happen?

Today, I find myself in that position. Again. I have more than one photo to post. I'm going to continue to live life right there on the edge and break the rules again.

These first two images are in honor of Clark's Grandpa, otherwise known as Paw. Today he celebrates being 82 years young! Go Paw! Clark and Joseph walked around with him this afternoon along a path made by the many footsteps he's taken walking to and from his pond.

Grandpa, Grandson, Great-Grandson.

Paw had strict instructions to "do a lot of editing on those pictures". :)

This next image is for Laura. We've laughed a couple of times that we've almost posted the same picture....on the same day! As I was looking at her photo of the day today, Clark walked by and said to me, "great picture, aren't you glad you took it!?"....Funny thing it wasn't mine..."it's not mine", I said, "it's Laura's!". Clark and I had just come in from taking pictures of the same purple flowers! The same purple flowers Laura has posted on her blog today!

Day 72 - 3/12/10

2010-03-14T13:00:00.004-05:00

It was another great (and cold) day of baseball. Some actually may not say it was great, but for me as a mom, it was all good. Sometimes win or lose, it's how the game is played....and although we lost our first game, Joseph played a great game and for that I am a proud mom. :)

The first game of the day, Joseph did a great job of pitching against a top opposing team. We lost 5-3.

Our second game of the day rocked on into the early evening and we won in extra innings 9-7.

Day 71 - 3/12/10

2010-03-14T12:45:00.006-05:00

The blooming flowers say it's Spring, but the temperature says it's still Winter.

Day 70 - 3/11/10

2010-03-11T20:59:00.001-06:00

We have to be careful what we leaving laying around, 'cause Zack will always test it out to see how comfy it is.

Day 69 - 3/10/10

2010-03-10T21:24:00.000-06:00

Day 68 - 3/9/10

2010-03-09T20:28:00.000-06:00

I walked out on my front porch this morning thinking about my picture for the day. Nothing fancy really, just how the rain was falling on my front porch steps.

Then as I turn to go inside, I find Zack taking his usual post at the front door watching the rain...never...ever...to actually go out in the rain...

He's much too regal for that.

This is also his normal response to me calling his name.

He must have woke up on the wrong side of the hood of the car this morning.

But then I wondered if something frightened poor kitty.

Or it could've been he caught first glimpse of my morning hair.

But soon realized he probably heard Hank walking up behind him.

And because Zack hates Hank. Why? Probably because he's just...well, because he's just Hank...Zack wanted no more part of his post at the door.

And with that, Hank proud-fully, if only for a minute, enjoyed having his turn at the post.

Day 67 - 3/8/10

2010-03-08T20:31:00.001-06:00

BLOG UPDATE!!!

My URL (aka blog address) has changed again...thanks Blogger...anywho...to:

www.samanthaaldayphotography.blogspot.com

Yes, I hate it. Yes, I'll probably change it back to a custom domain at some point or another, but for now, this'll have to do.

Don't forget to UPDATE YOUR FEED!

Thanks for your patience, now on to my pic of the day! We actually hit the upper 60's today! B...eau..ti..ful day!! ;)

Day 66 - 3/7/10

2010-03-08T07:58:00.003-06:00

Address change after today's post. The new blog address is now:
www.samanthaaldayphotography.blogspot.com

A teacup saucer that belonged to my great grandmother when she was a child.

Day 65 - 3/6/10

2010-03-08T07:51:00.000-06:00

Take me out to the ballgame!

Day 64 - 3/5/10

2010-03-05T21:00:00.000-06:00

Clark cooks the hamburgers and hot dogs for all of the home games at Leroy. Here lately, he's been cooking more than just hamburgers for himself and the other dads. I've seen him back there nibblin' on chicken wings, pork tenderloin and tonight he was grilling Red Fish. Before the night is out, there are usually about 10-15 guys hanging out with him around the grill.

Day 63 - 3/4/10

2010-03-04T20:27:00.003-06:00

Just like many of you, I struggle with finding the right time for my own personal Bible study and/or devotion time. I get up running in the morning and fall dead in the bed at night...you can fill in your own blanks with what you do in between. It's called crazy busy! But I've been determined to not allow the busy-ness get the best of me. I find that when I do, my brain matter starts slowly (or rather quickly at times) ooze right out onto the floor and I seriously lose all control.

It's not pretty.

So this week, I have come up with my own solution to have a devotion every day. I'm calling it my Toilet Time. I've placed my Journey and other spiritually inspiring reading materials right next to my toilet. We all know that that time cannot be avoided! (I think I'm sharing wayyyy too much here).

So I encourage you if you're not already having your own quiet time of study and devotion, get your Bible, Journey, Our Daily Bread, etc. and go sit on the toilet!

Just don't sit too long.

You'll get hemorrhoids.

I can't believe I just said the word hemorrhoids on the world wide web.

Happy reading! :)

Day 62 - 3/3/10

2010-03-03T17:41:00.000-06:00

You know me as a professional photographer, you know the other me as a nurse, and now you know the real me. ;)

Day 61 - 3/2/10

2010-03-03T13:48:00.000-06:00

Our church is so pretty with the lights shining on its steeple, but ironically in the rain they seemed to glow a little brighter. How interesting to think that even in our own storms, our light should shine brighter?

Day 60 - 3/1/10

2010-03-03T13:43:00.000-06:00

Day 59 - 2/28/10

2010-02-28T20:21:00.001-06:00

Sharing my day with you.

*Up at 7 or so this morning to get ready for church; we were still late getting there despite the early efforts.

*Left Joseph at home sick this morning...on the toilet (is that too much information)?

*Went to Church Service then called home to check on Joseph before going to Sunday School. He's still on the toilet.

*Home from church and immediately start stripping down into more comfy clothes. (I'm thinking that may be a little TMI too, but you all know you do it, too).

*Made Broccoli Soup for lunch...super easy and quick...yell at me and I'll send ya the recipe.

*Put a load of laundry in the washing machine.

*I can't eat the soup because of the dairy, so I cook my own separate lunch of chicken breast, sauteed veggies and couscous (I've been watching too much Food Network). Make a double portion for my lunch tomorrow.

*Pack my lunch for tomorrow.

*Eat my lunch while reading the Sunday paper. Clark's asleep on one end of the couch and Joseph's on the other (he's off the toilet now). Shelby's cleaning her room (again) so the quietness around the house is nice, along with the sunshine peaking in the kitchen window.

*Clark gets up to eat lunch. I take his place on the couch.

*Watch a few episodes of "Into the Pride" about a man who goes to Africa for six months to live with the lions. Now I want to go to Africa.

*Doze off to sleep for about an hour and dream of going to Africa one day.

*Drink my afternoon coffee.

*Put a second load of laundry in the wash.

*Wash the lunch dishes. By hand. I wish I had a dishwasher...never owned one. Ever. Excuse for a minute while I wallow in my "I wish I had a dishwasher" moment.

*Shelby's still in her room. I wonder if she's really cleaning it or just hanging out in there? Teenage girls do that ya know...just hang out like that. Alone.

*Cook lunch for Joseph. No, he doesn't want the Broccoli Soup (he's afraid it'll make him sick again). I cook eggs and couscous for him. I secretly try to hide the couscous under the eggs, but it didn't work. He fussed and said that I tried to feed him deer corn. My family just doesn't appreciate the taste I have for gourmet food.

*Wash dishes again. By hand.

*Shelby emerges from her room only to ask, "When is it going to warm up?" to which I reply, "probably July", to which she replies, "well, that's stupid" and disappears to her room again.

*Start cooking supper: Spaghetti and Meatballs (I've got the recipe for that one, too...aka Prego or Bertolli's or whatever you prefer). I don't normally cook on Sunday night, but I like leaving food cooked for my fam to eat while I'm at work and it also gives me lunch options for the next couple of days.

*Fold first load of laundry.

*Shelby emerges again.
Shelby: "what are you cooking?"
Me: "Spaghetti and Meatballs"
Shelby: "it looks like the meatballs are burning"
Me: "no, I want them crispy like that on the outside"
Shelby: "well, I think you're achieving that"
Shelby: "can I throw a spaghetti noodle on the ceiling?"

*Fold the second load of laundry.

*Finish up supper and wash dishes again, hopefully for the final time tonight.

*Set the coffee pot for 4:55 a.m. and as I turn out the lights for the night, I realize that life's not all about having dishwashers.

It's been a good day.

Day 58 - 2/27/10

2010-02-27T21:17:00.003-06:00

Jr. High Prom. All of my girls are growing up too fast.

Day 57 - 2/26/10

2010-02-26T20:56:00.002-06:00

Day 56 - 2/25/10

2010-02-25T21:12:00.000-06:00

Day 55 - 2/24/10

2010-02-25T08:34:00.002-06:00

Day 54 - 2/23/10

2010-02-23T22:38:00.000-06:00

Homeeeee Ruuuuunnnnnnn!!!!!!!!

Day 53 - 2/22/10

2010-02-22T16:03:00.004-06:00

I wish I could be so cool to wear rain boots even when it's not raining.

Day 52 - 2/21/10

2010-02-21T19:26:00.001-06:00

To celebrate Shelby's birthday (which was yesterday, 2/20) we ate dinner at Felix's Fish Camp.

And because I've seen the Food Network stars cook Fish Taco's several times lately, I had to give them a try today. Lemme tell ya! Super Fine! Made with White Fish (not sure what kind of fish that is), cilantro mayo, black beans, and shredded cabbage. One taco is already missing from my plate and it wasn't long before the plate was empty!

Shelby was honored with a key lime pie for her birthday dessert.

Shelby is crazy about horses and dreams of owning her own farm one day, so we treated her to a tour of a friend's Thoroughbred Horse Farm (Thanks Tuck!).

Day 51 - 2/20/10

2010-02-21T19:25:00.001-06:00

A weekend of baseball.

Day 50 - 2/19/10

2010-02-21T19:25:00.000-06:00

Grannie is bundled up during our first night of baseball. Ya know, only Grannie's could get away with wearing orange fuzzie things on top of their head! ;)

Day 49

2010-02-18T20:52:00.000-06:00

Day 48

2010-02-17T18:02:00.001-06:00

I'm realizing more and more....yes as I get older, or I'd prefer to say wiser ;), that I'm pretty happy with my boring life. Now I didn't say not-busy life, but rather boring life....no parties or glam here. I work outside of the home, I clean my home, I go to the grocery store routinely every two weeks, I cook supper most nights of the week, I go to church, I occasionally go shopping, I try to exercise when I can, I work at home with my business, I follow my kids around with all their activities, I flip channels between HGTV and the Food Network, I'm a wife to Clark, and I read my paper while drinking my afternoon coffee. Life is good.

Day 47

2010-02-16T15:27:00.000-06:00

Day 46

2010-02-15T18:34:00.003-06:00

Ring Neck Dove.

Day 45

2010-02-14T14:51:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day.

I ran across this tree in my yard just as it is, yes even with the red heart. Clark said it was some kinda fungus or something. So there ya go, Happy Valentine's Day, here's my fungus. ;)

Day 44

2010-02-13T19:26:00.000-06:00

Nothing like a relaxed day with family with great food on the grill. ;)

Day 43

2010-02-12T20:11:00.006-06:00

Snow Day!

A slideshow of how we spent our day.

Day 42

2010-02-11T18:22:00.002-06:00

Wondering if we'll get snow!??!

Day 41

2010-02-11T10:34:00.000-06:00

Day 40

2010-02-11T10:28:00.001-06:00

A rainy morning drive.

Taken with my iPhone.

Day 39

2010-02-08T21:33:00.000-06:00

So I have this red wall. I decided wayyyy back in the Fall, by the way, to have a picture of the kids enlarged to hang center this red wall. Because I'm a visual person and abit obsessive about things, I pieced together several sheets of paper to get a look on just how big I was going with this print...roughly 30x45. Huge. Woop Woop. Well, again that was last Fall I decided to do this. My visual still hangs in its place. Recently Shelby asked me how long was I going to decorate the red wall with these blank pieces of paper. My answer to that? Stick men. Yes, I drew stick men. I'm still not sure when I'll get around to ordering that print.

Day 38

2010-02-07T15:32:00.004-06:00

Mardi Gras.

Disclaimer: No other children were trampled or injured as a result of having this much loot...or so I was told. Oh wait, correction...I was just told only one might have been run over while in the throws of trying to catch the most beads. ;)

Day 37

2010-02-06T17:42:00.000-06:00

One weed, shot two different ways.

Day 36

2010-02-05T19:31:00.001-06:00

My front porch.

Day 35

2010-02-04T13:15:00.001-06:00

While some may complain about the cold and dreary day, I'm actually enjoying the laziness of it. I feel like I'm allowed to stay in my pj's, snuggle in and drink coffee all day when the weather's like it is. (I'm still trying to figure out what my excuse is for the other days....???)

New feature on the blog! Fine Art Images are now available for purchase in different sizes and without the logo of course. So if there's an image you think would look fab hanging on your wall or you'd like to share with someone else, just click on the drop down menu and add to cart button! If there is an older image you're interested in, just let me know and I can hook you up with that, too.

While looking through some older blog posts recently (like really old from 2006), I came across an excerpt I had posted from this book. It spoke volumes to me then and it still does as I reread it again today.

*If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
*If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
*If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
*If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
*If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
*If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
*If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
*If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
*If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
*If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
*If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
*If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
*If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
*If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
*If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
*If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
*If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
*If children live with security,
they learn to have faith in themselves and those about them.
*If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Day 34

2010-02-03T21:08:00.001-06:00

Did you really throw that stick out here 'cause I can't find it?

Day 33

2010-02-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

Got Strength?

Day 32

2010-02-01T20:36:00.002-06:00

Breakfast of Champions Part 2

I don't know why I keep saying Breakfast of Champions....I guess it makes this post sound more important than it really is, huh? :)

Love this warm and gooey breakfast on these cold mornings. Just recently discovered this new flavor of oatmeal and have added my own twist of chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Can you say Heaven in a bowl. Seriously. It should be illegal. It's so filling and healthy, too.

Day 31

2010-01-31T16:40:00.004-06:00

I'm so not following the rules of the 365 Project and posting a picture today...I'm posting a series of pictures. I just couldn't help it. While Clark and I were out walking today (with camera in hand of course), I took several pictures and wanted to share more than just a picture with you. Today I'd rather share the story of our walk...kinda like having you there with us. Who made up the rules anyway? ;)

Blackbirds by the hundreds. I wish you could hear them. Imagine the sound of a helicopter taking off above your head. It's the craziest thing though: they take off and they land, they take off and they land...over and over again, and usually only a few feet at at time.

They finally grew tired of me following them and perched in the trees.

Now Hank wonders where they went.

And then came Luke: a long distance neighbor (long distance meaning across the pasture neighbor).

Whatcha up to Luke?

I'm waitin' on my PawPaw, he's gonna to do some work with the tractor.

Is that a new Gator you got there?

No it's my PawPaw's, but he lets me drive it.

I gotta see if this works.

Well I gotta go, I hear my PawPaw coming.

And just like the blackbirds, he was gone.

We then headed around to the pond.

Wait, my shoe's untied.

The end.

Day 30

2010-01-30T21:55:00.003-06:00

My view while I'm out running/walking.

Day 29

2010-01-29T15:32:00.003-06:00

Couch to 5k.

So today was Week 1, Day 1. 'I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this'...I repeat over and over to myself as I change from my comfortable pj's into actual real clothing and tennis shoes this morning. 'I'm going to do this' I repeat again as I don whatever head covering I could find to cover this wild first thing in the morning hair of mine (remember we've discussed that before, too). I don't really want to do it as I've never been one of those people who swears that exercise is fun; nor do I believe that it will ever be fun. Really? You think it's fun?? I just don't get it. I know of alooooottttt of other things that I could be doing that I consider real fun. But..and with a resounding BUT, I'm going to do this. Swimsuit season will be here before I know, but more importantly I must do this for my health. It's healthy to sweat like a mule, get your heart pumping out of your chest and work up that out of breath feeling like you're gonna die, right? Sure, healthy. And I've got to do it again tomorrow, don't I? That's another thing I hate about exercise...it has to be done more than one time! Man, I hate that!

Day 28

2010-01-28T21:14:00.004-06:00

Breakfast of Champions Part 1.

Well...maybe not champions, but anyhoo...Love, Love this little drink cocktail: A little OJ with Cranberry Apple...Try it! You may become addicted.

Day 27

2010-01-27T21:07:00.000-06:00

When I made the decision to limit the number of weddings I would do this year came the decision to create something more in and of my blog. I knew I wouldn't have many weddings to post, so I really wanted my blog to become something more. Exactly more of what? I'm not sure yet; I think that part continues to daily evolve. I did know that I wanted it to become more about my life and my family...to become more personal; an online journal and record of my own life. I also wanted it to be a blog that you, my internet family, would want to read...to encourage you, to make you smile, to laugh, maybe cry, and I'm sure bore you at times too, with totally useless information and my random musings. ;)

Now with all that said, this post calls me to the carpet on just that. It's this post that I've thought about since starting my daily journey with you via this blog. I knew that on this day, January 27th, I would be sharing this with you. And now that this day is here, I'm really nervous about it. I'm not used to just opening up like this and letting the world know what goes on in this head of mine. My mind. My thoughts. They belong to me. But remember...that's not what I said I wanted out of this blog. I must do it. I must share with you. I must remind you that in your own journey through this thing called life, you do not travel it alone.

This is my journal entry from January 27, 1999. (When I actually hand wrote my words instead of now type them). ;)

1/27/99
My, my, my how the year is starting off-I wrote in this journal a couple of years ago and threw away the pages because I was embarrassed and didn’t want people to read my feelings. Now I hope that my feelings will one day be a legacy of mine-for my husband; for my children. That these words may one day give them strength and courage.

8 days ago I was admitted to Providence Hospital for anemia. Stayed there a couple of days and was almost discharged until I had a positive stool for blood. I had no evidence of this anytime before. Tests were scheduled and I was obviously not sent home. One of those tests revealed something I would have never dreamed of: a large tumor in my colon. A tumor that the surgeon was sure was cancer. Cancer?! I was shocked as well as my family and husband. I honestly did not know how to feel. After all the visitors had left when it was just me and Clark, those feelings came out. I was hurt, lonely—felt like God had forgotten about me.

Surgery was scheduled for the next day and we prayed that the cancer had not already spread to my lungs and liver as the doctor said they sometimes do. I have never been more afraid in my life. I cried all day long still feeling like God was not there—that forgotten about feeling. All I could see was my children’s lives flash before me. We prayed, oh how we prayed. My other fear was what if it was God’s will for it to be spread. What if it were His will for me to die?
I got through the surgery fine—the cancer was just in my colon—none in my liver—lymph nodes were removed also to determine any metastasis. Fear again, but one prayer had been answered. I was still having my pity party.

Monday was the day to get the results back. Monday morning was not good for me. I was hurting, couldn’t move good, tube in my nose. Until Clark came in and told me what had been going on this entire weekend—none of which I knew about. Prayers were said by people all over the States, by family and friends and even strangers. A prayer vigil of 25-30 people was held for me during my surgery. A stack of cards from all the children [from church] were brought to me. But the one thing that brought me through: Jane (name changed) had made a salvation decision. My feelings of loneliness immediately lifted---Wow! I thought! Through this week of pain and worry on me, an eternal life had been saved. The Lord had used me, not forgotten me! I have never felt more loved at that moment than I believe I ever have. God-Creator-had used little ‘ole me—an eternal life had been saved. What an honor I felt—how special I felt that our God chose me for His work! From that moment I knew everything would be okay!

The results came back—out of 42 lymph nodes, one was malignant—very hopeful—chemotherapy a must, but it will be okay, too. Now I won’t say I’m not scared—I’m not ready to die. I want to live a long life. I want to have grandchildren! But to know how such a mighty way God used me, I also know he’s not going to leave me. The Scripture that came to my mind was 2 Corinthians 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s Ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us”. This is our purpose! How special I feel that I am an Ambassador!

I still am worried—I’m still a little scared, but all I can do is pray and I know my God hears me. I pray that through my fears and my doubt, I won’t forget these words I’ve written. There’s still going to be pain I’m sure, but I pray that I will draw strength from the God who loves me most of all!

Day 26

2010-01-26T18:34:00.001-06:00

I wonder what she's thinking?

Day 25

2010-01-25T20:30:00.002-06:00

My Happy Place.

Day 24

2010-01-24T17:58:00.001-06:00

Another rainy day.

Day 23

2010-01-23T12:58:00.003-06:00

I posted this notice on my refrigerator this morning. Now we all know that it's impossible as a mother to officially go on STRIKE, especially for more than a few hours, but for now I'm giving it a try and it feels good. :)

Day 22

2010-01-22T20:28:00.002-06:00

If you're skin is like mine during the Winter months, it's dry. Really. Dry. Like-the-desert dry. Cracks-when-I-walk dry. You get the idea? But recently, my skin has found its salvation...you here the choir in the background singing "Hallelujah!" My skin is soft again; it breathes again. No more cracking sound. It's pure Heavenly to rub up with this little bit of sweetness as I step out of the shower or bath...you know when your skin is still a little moist. Again, do you hear the singing, "Hallelujah!" If you're needing a little love in your life, go to the store right now, at this moment and buy this stuff. The weird thing is that even though it's an oil product, it's not oily. No, I don't understand it, but there are a lot of things in this life I don't understand. Have you left yet? And please, the next time I see you in public, don't ask to feel my skin 'cause you know you'll be wondering if it's really soft or not...take my word for it, you'll fall in love all over again. :)

Yea! It's the weekend!

Day 21

2010-01-21T21:32:00.001-06:00

3rd Runner-Up to Junior High Miss LHS. Yea Shelby!

Day 20

2010-01-20T18:12:00.002-06:00

After watching too much Food Network TV, I decided I needed to be using the 'sprinkle' salt the Food TV stars use instead of the 'shaking' salt that we typically use. Why I need to use this sprinkly salt I'm not sure, but it must taste better if they're using it and obviously they know more about cooking than I do, and they just look so dang professional when they use it. So after much searching I discover this salt is Kosher salt. It has to be sprinkled because it's grainier and coarser (if that's a word) than the finer, iodized salt. So after much delight, I bought a box of Kosher salt with my latest grocery store trip. Now you know I couldn't just put it it some boring, pre-used butter bowl (you all know the ones I'm talking about) and have it sitting out on my counter, but I had to hunt and dig throughout my cabinets...even the back of the cabinets as dangerous as that was to find this treasure: an old pottery dish that my grandmother had given me. So here it sits, proudly next to my stove as if it's being used by Paula Deen herself. Let me tell you how fancy I look when I take a pinch and sprinkle it on my food! I'm still not sure the difference in the two salts and why the Food TV stars use it, and honestly, my food tastes the same (okay, maybe saltier 'cause I haven't' figured out a pinch instead of a handful), but hey, does it really matter, I'm just so cool using it!?!

Happy Wednesday!

Day 19

2010-01-19T21:13:00.001-06:00

It's quite simple really, and yet so difficult to understand.

Day 18

2010-01-18T16:21:00.004-06:00

I love how this image totally depicts 'Life in Leroy'. Old barns, pastures, tractors and beautiful colors. There is so much more to see in this community when I just open my eyes and look. I'm sure I'll be showing you more.... ;)

Day 17

2010-01-17T17:28:00.000-06:00

Clark prepares for his class.

Day 16

2010-01-16T15:05:00.000-06:00

Rain, rain go away....

Day 15

2010-01-15T20:33:00.000-06:00

My feline child.

Day 14

2010-01-14T17:01:00.001-06:00

The other man in my life.

Day 13

2010-01-13T20:37:00.002-06:00

Even when I'm not home, my hubby still makes the bed for me. I think I'll keep him. ;)