dont worry, im not going soft.

To all my girlfriends (especially Casey) this post is going to blow their mind. I have been a lover of man hating tv shows & music my entire life. It's kinda the family joke that I watch lifetime and listen to songs about burning guys houses down. What can I say, I'm a little bitter. When I lived with Casey..and even now, we would look up "i have been hurt my men" quotes and just laugh and laugh. Thanks for those memories Case.

Now dont get me wrong. I LOVE a good Taylor Swift song but I usually laugh at the end or make some cynical joke about it. Cynical - thats a good word to describe my outlook on life. Which honestly had a lot to do with the downfall of my last relationship.. anyways.



I have realized that G truly thinks I am pretty and smart and funny. And instead of making some rude remark..I have learned to say "thank you". And what a change this has made on our relationship. I know I am not the prettiest without make up and sometimes I need to put a dern dress on..but man, I am grateful for a man who thinks "I am amazing..just then way I am". I dont usually like "teen pop" trendy music. But this words to this song -- and the video, really speaks to me. I hope you enjoy it. Sorry, couldnt get it on my page.. follow the link to this sweet music video.


Sorry this is sappy. Very unlike me. Don't worry - I'll post some good anti-man music soon.

being a copy cat.

I can not take credit for this idea. But my friend Laura (mentioned in a previous post) wrote a cute blog this morning about how the best camera..is the one you have. Mind you, Laura has a cool camera and always has awesome effects... but the recent pictures she uploaded were probably my favorite post. So, I am copying her..they arent always the best quality - but always the sweetest memories. Hope you enjoy.



Notes I found all around the house after Giancarlo deployed last year.



My sweet baby nephew, Sam the first time he came to visit! We love you



My girls, Lily & Evie, after a long afternoon of facepainting.



The love of my life, Joplin.


At the daycare, when we seperated classrooms. C$ & Lincoln missed me. :(



The best concert I've seen all summer.


Little Jop, taking a nap


Jop's 1st visit to the vet. After eating 12 midol



Moments after G called me from GEORGIA.. after a week long journey home from Iraq. I was determined to not get my hopes up until you were on US soil. This was the sweetest phone called I have ever gotten.

if you were not my best friend, id hate you.

My best friend is NOTHING like me. You wont catch her not in heels, her hair and make up is always perfect & she probably owns everything glittery and shiny in the entire Raleigh area. If she were not my best friend..she would be the kind of girl I would talk about.



I met Chelsea in middle school - I'll save the juicy details but almost 9 years later she is still my best friend. This past year we have definitely grown closer and I often question how I functioned when she was not as present in my life.

Today is her 21st birthday. I am so happy you were born :). I am so lucky to have you in my life, if I dont tell you enough, you are a spectacular friend.



This list is endless but here are somethings I love about you.

1. You are such a positive person. I have loved to watch you mature into a caring, loving & non judgemental person. Thanks for not caring how I look when we go out. (Although, that means you get more attention..hmm) I appreciate when I ask your opinion on something you tell me "do what makes you feel comfortable" and I know you truly mean that.

2. I love that you're not only beautiful but that you're smart. My little math, science nerd. I am so proud of your school.. dont give up :)



3. I think its awesome how much you love your family. You are a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt & friend.

4. Thanks for helping me get ready. Doing ALL my hair, putting my make up on & always bringing me something to wear.



5. Winterfest, Winterfest, 8th grade prom, Corey Smith, Bo Time, Concerts, Emerald Pointe, Pool days, "the shirt", Cheerleading... this list could go on forever. I think you get the point, it's always a guarantee good night when were together.







I hope you have an amazing birthday and realize how special you are. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Happy 21st.

i may not be talented but, i sure can blog about it.

I have always wanted to be good at something. Anyone who read my marathon blog, knew that. I'm really not good at anything. Anyone who saw my marathon blog fade away, knows that. Regardless, I have people in my life who really excel at certain things. Ironically, neither one of these people I'm gonna mention are my "real life" friends, more online friends but that does not take aware from their talent.

Kellan was a friend from work who about a year ago had a beautiful baby girl. Kellan loves to be a mom and I really enjoy seeing all the creative stuff she does. Her baby is beyond adorable and so are the clothes she makes. I ordered a dress from her for a 4 year old. Kellan was so sweet, worked around my plans to deliever the dress and I was very happy with the outcome. I believe a few stores have bought her childrens clothes. Anyways, here's her link. She will work with you to come up with what you have in mind. She rocks.

"Love & Kisses"



The next girl I am a little hesitant to share with the world but..I will put aside my selfish ways and tell you about my friend, Laura Virgina. I know her family and saw her blog on someones wall...I began to follow it & realized we ARE so much a like..shes just A LOT COOLER. Below is me and her precious nephew, Caleb. LOVE that kid.



We both keep our old planners, work with kids, go to school, love fall, Anthropolgie is our favorite store (well I just kind of made an assumption about her..but I know she loves it), we follow teen mom a little too closely, love to bake (again, she is much better than me, i can tell from the pictures) but what really stood out to me is how she loves the Lord. I know its hard being a young Christian girl in today's society but I admire Laura sharing her faith. And honestly, her pure and wholesome take on life (that I can tell from her blog)is refreshing and Laura..I admire and appreciate it. Now let me tell you.. God has blessed Laura with some amazing talent. I really got to see her grow from just posting a card on her blog, to making party decorations and now kinda pulling back from advertising her stuff because the response has been so amazing. There are not enough nice things I can say about her..she has done a few thing for me (I wont share because I don't wanna ruin any surprises). I cant describe how cool her stuff is so just check out her link & I really encourage you all to use her if you ever need something "special" made. She has worked around some ridiculous custom orders I have asked of her. Laura - I am glad I met you. Thank you. Thank you. Best of luck! I went through her page to pick some of my favorites to share but I couldn't even narrow them down.. you check them out :) Skip to My Lou

guess whos back, back again.

So the first public blog I started was intended to follow me on my journey for training for a 1/2 marathon. Well. As I had mentioned I have asthma and shortly after starting to train, I started to feel very sick & weak. After a couple of appointments with my allergy/asthma doctor we concluded that running may not be my best form on exercise. My lungs were inflamed, my asthma was out of control and was diagnosed with bronchitis. So, I will continue to run.. lightly. Maybe find a new athletic goal. I have always been good at badminton. Next.

Anyways, I have had many friends who have asked me to continue blogging. I thoroughly enjoy it too.. So although this one does not have a specific purpose, it is sure to entertain. (Maybe).

I will say I am ready for sweatshirts, pumpkin candles, caramel apple spices, ugg boots & more football. Bring it on fall.


To all my mom friends out there.. look out for my next blog, I'm gonna post a few links to some awesome homemade gifts. Clothes, cards, etc. The holidays are cominf fast, yes!! I have some pretty talented people in my life.