Happy Friday!

Nothing but love and sparkles from this side of the world today.

Home is Where My Heart is Happy

While visiting here in Nashville my Dad is enjoying sampling every live music venue our Music City has to offer. That was a perfectly fine activity for him to do while I was busily working to complete my final assignments for my summer course. But since my last class ended Monday night, as a good daughter I felt it obligatory to go along with him on his adventure last night. Yikes and more yikes.

 

Our first stop we walked in and walked out of just as quickly. Thankfully it was a bit too loud for dear, old Dad. Good, because the act was looking a little strange to me.

 

Moved down the road to our second stop. - I will omit names to protect the innocent, as they are not my thing, I'm sure they are totally enjoyable to those in attendance. - After we finally found parking and made our way to the bottom of this kinda' sketchy venue, we did stay for a bit. Young and old enjoyed a couple of guys making some music. Dark and scary are the descriptive words that I feel are most appropriate.

 

Somehow the picture just does not do it justice. Again, not my thing, but obviously pleasurable for those who like such an atmosphere. No thank you. :)

Soon my Dad decided it was a bit too loud and not acoustic enough and he convinced me to travel along to check out another spot. However, before we departed I made him stop for a picture, which I'm sure was quite amusing for those young fellas observing from the back porch, as I'm sure they are stilled perplexed as to why we ever entered in the first place!

The last venue turned out to be just what Dad was looking for. Songwriters Night for all those trying to find their way in Music City. Some were good, some not my style. The atmosphere was dark, the crowd was mix of all ages, typical dive bar scene. And so I stood and listened and for the most part enjoyed the live music forever, I mean, a few hours. ;-) I got very caught up on my Facebook and Instagram feeds, which is nice for a change and because I never do nothing for that long. But Dad liked it and when he realized I was growing weary, we eventually headed home.

Songwriters doing their thing and trying to make it big in Music City.

But I came to the most awesome discovery last night:

 

I LOVE MY LIFE, I LOVE MY JOB, I LOVE MY CAREER CHOICE, I LOVE MY HOME.

 

I watched as these starving artist do what they love, trying so hard to make a life or the people-packed bars sipping their alcoholic beverage in the dark, dingy places. That life is for them and maybe they are happy. But not me.

 

I love having a desk job. I love that one day I'll be an accountant (Lord-willing and the creek don't rise!). I love wearing fancy clothes, dressing up and meeting girlfriends at fru-fru lunch places. I love using an adding machine and owning more office supplies than most corporations would ever need. I love being with my energetic ten year-old and her dad, cuddled up on our clean sofa watching a movie or just hanging out shopping at Costco. I love my family. Home and family are where I am happiest, it is where my heart is.

 

And I love my Dad, so I endured what makes his heart happy.

Farmers Market Haul

Got the best haul at my favorite farmers market (12 South) earlier this evening. GA Peach biscuit from @BiscuitLuvTruck, amazingly delicious juice from Juice Nashville, fresh peaches from @ThePeachTruck, a pizza melt from @GrlldCheeserie! My tummy is so happy! #supportlocal

Day Trip with Daddy!

These two are off on a canoeing, fishing and picnic adventure today! Yay for iPhones and sending Mom (stuck at the office) pictures!! Good job, Hubby! Hope you both are having lots of fun!

This girl is 10!!

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10!!

I don't know how it happened. I don't where time went. But this girl is 10 today! Double digits! The BIG one-oh! Whoa! And though it makes this momma sad that she's not a baby any more and getting all grown up more and more every day, I just love to watch it. I love the little, spunky, full-of-energy, completely-her-own person she's becoming. I love that she can chatter even my ears off and be Dad's biggest encourager in his marathon training. I love that she's old enough to make decisions and mostly chooses the right ones.

She has blessed our lives so much these last 10 years. We are so happy she's ours. The next 10 years may have their ups and downs, but that's life and I'm so glad Jesus picked us to share it with this blessed creation He made!

 

Happy 10th Birthday, Charity!

"I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful, I know that full well!" Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

The Glo Run!

Had a great time doing this 5K with CC last night. If it comes to your town, I highly recommend it! Glo much fun! 

 

Here we glo!

 

 In glo motion! ;-) 

 The glo graveyard - post Glo Run fun!

 

Just Simple Stuff

Some puppy tried to take over driving while I was pumping gas! 🐶 Bundtinis at work for a birthday party. 🎂 McDonald's in the rain on the minion hunt. Picking up after Day 4 of camp, still smiling! 😀 Yay! 

Happy Hump Day!

That's my Wednesday. 

Dropped CC off for camp at the fun bus before 7am. Dolly goes along for the ride. 

 

Pretended to be a plumber at work, yeah, I'm not! 🔧 

 

Tried the new Orange Spiced Iced Coffee at the 'bucks. Not too shabby! 🍊 

 

Even squeezed in a four mile trot while reading half a long grueling chapter in Business Strategy. 📖 

 

Wow! You can squeeze a lot in a Wednesday if you really try! 😉 BED.time! Good night all! 💤

Summer Treats!

Our warm Tennessee weather has returned! Thank God because I was getting ready to move South! However . . . warm weather warrants frequent stops for ice cream! 🍦

(taken at Bobbie's Dairy Dip)

Much-Needed Mommy Daughter Shopping Day!

But don't ask Daddy, because he'll tell you shopping is never needed! ;-)

 

Little CC and I have a great day, started with scoring some good deals at Goodwill, for her new shoes and a purse still with the tags! Brunch at our new Panera Bread, yum! And then the sinking of Mom's savings account on a brand new pair Sperry's for 5th grade. Eeekkk! She's growing up tooo fast.

 

I had an awesome day with her and am so thankful for these days to clear away my busy and hectic work and school schedule and make her a top priority.

 

And I think she kind of likes it too . . . in the car on the ride home she said, "Mom, I have to tell you something."

"What?", I reply.

"Thank you."

Without even being told. Ahhhh, sometimes I feel like I've got this.

 

Happy Independence Day!

Our fun 4th ~

 

We're currently experiencing a "monsoon" here in middle Tennessee, so our regularly-scheduled 4th plans were cancelled. Life goes on!

CC invited one of her friends and we went and saw Monsters University in 3D. Super cute!

We still squeezed in some sparklers and even enjoyed fireworks from the back porch that the neighbors behind do each year.

That is everyone, except Dolly. :( Poor little pup was scared to death. So CC and I took turns cuddling and consoling her. Yeah, definitely not her favorite holiday!

 

 

  

Hope everyone had a fun-filled 4th with family and friends!

Church Camp 2013

Dropped this sweet girlie off at church camp today until Saturday. She's at the age where she's completely cool with it. I on the other hand will miss her like crazy! 😭 #momproblems Oh, babies, they just grow up way too fast! 

Charity and some of First Church friends! 

As we checked-in she excitedly reunited with a new friend she made last year, Avery. It was the sweetest thing, hug and all! It brought back special memories of my camp days. Those friendships I made and are still continuing today. 

So even though I'll miss her like crazy, I know she's having a blast, growing in her walk with God and making memories and friendships that will last her lifetime! 

Love you, sweet CC!

National Running Day 2013

I made it happen! So much homework, so much to do . . . but I hit the 'mill and it felt so good! 

 

I run for my moms (mom and mom-in-law). They both ran, encouraged me and were so proud of me when I started running. I ran when they weren't well enough to run anymore as they each fought their battles with cancer. 

 

And now I run with both my moms cheering me on from their Heavenly home. And usually it's when I feel the closest to them. #irun #iloverunning

A Lesson on Patience by Prada

 
While I'm over here moping about my life and how horrible school is, look what came today!!! 👛 And God reminded me, yes, Jesus can use a #Prada bag!, that you appreciate things even more the harder you have to work for them. I've lost count of the years I've been in school working on my degree, but when I'm done I'm sure I'll feel pretty accomplished. Much like today when after all the pennies I've been tucking away resulted in this special treat! #goodthingscometothosewhowait 

Summer Wedding

Is there anything more beautiful than a summer wedding, I mean, really? I know I'm sappy like that. But I LOOOOOOVE them! And I could not have been more blessed and honored to attend this lovely union. This girl deserves the absolutely gorgeous, perfect day it turned out to be!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. D. Stavely!

Perfect weather, charming venue, whimsical details, scrumptious meal, fabulous friends, stunning bride . . . an extra special wedding day!

My 2013 Summer Goal

My goal this Summer is NOT to:

     * lose 10 pounds,
     * run a few 5K or possibly another half marathon,
     * get all A's on my summer semester,
     * workout more,
     * be vegan daily before 6pm [Check out Mark Bittman's book: here]     
     * or to go on lots of fun and exciting outings with my little family.

Nope, I have made it my 2013 Summer goal to try all 25 of Sonic's Hand-Mixed shakes!

And though those above ideas are all great, I historically tend to set my expectations in life too high or have too many expectations to begin with. So, here's to summer fun and relaxing and enjoying the small, sweet moments in life. Because, really, it's all that matters.

So . . . 2 down, 23 to go!

Vanilla

Chocolate

Strawberry

Pineapple

Fresh Banana
Caramel
Hot Fudge
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter Fudge
Peanut Butter Cookie
Peanut Butter Banana
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Peanut Butter & Bacon
Strawberry Banana
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
Chocolate-Covered Banana
Chocolate Cream Pie
Coconut Cream Pie
Banana Cream Pie
Strawberry Cream Pie

Cheesecake

Chocolate Cheesecake

Strawberry Cheesecake

Cherry Cheesecake

OREO® Cheesecake

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Today is Grandpa's birthday. I can't even imagine what's he's going through. His first birthday without his wife, my mom. We know from our experience holidays are especially hard. The memories, the absense, leads to sorrow. My prayers are definitely with him today.

Charity made this awesome little video for him and because it's Final Week for me, I couldn't let her perfect and do a million takes. But I think she did pretty amazing. She actually just learned the "Happy Birthday" tune on my birthday, April 10th, so that was extra special for me. Hope Grandpa is as blessed by it as I am!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Testing, testing, 1-2-3.

This week is TCAP's [standardized testing] at Charity's school. So we're eating our favorite yummy breakfast - cinnamon rolls and Chick-fil-A - and packing healthy snacks - rice cakes and pita bread.

 

Love this little smartie so much! She's loving testing about as much as her mom did when I was in fourth grade. Sorry, little lady, life is full of tests and you'll soon find that the ones were you fill in the little circles with your sharp, yellow #2 pencil are some of the easiest you'll endure.

 

Country Music Half #3

This Saturday will be Country Music Half Marathon #3 for this guy and I! Can I believe it? No! Do I love it? Yes. But I sure wish Lipscomb University and the committee for the Country Music Half would plan a different weekend . . . it always falls the weekend before finals. Talk about a busy weekend. Oh Lord! Throw a wedding and church in the mix. Will I have time to breath? Will I survive? :)

It's crazy that it has been just 10 days since the tragedy in Boston and the Rock 'n' Roll committee has done so much for the victims and our fellow runners in Boston and all over the world. Security has been heightened and more prevalent police presence. This is the largest race taking place since the Boston attacks, so they're be extra cautious. Makes me happy and so thankful for this awesome country I live in. God bless America and especially Boston!

The Health & Fitness Expo was fun as usual. Brooks always has a cool display. Check out that pasta bowl!

Had a celebrity citing and had to get a picture!

               



Speaking of pasta . . . Of course, carb-loading time had to happen! Yay for the yumminess of The Old Spaghetti Factory! There Mizithra Cheese and Browned Butter is my absolute favorite, well they have a new dish: The Garlic Mizithra! Can you say A-mazing?!?! It was awesome! Same as the Mizithra Cheese and Browned Butter, but with garlic, BACON, and mushrooms. And we all know how I LOVE bacon! I can't wait to enjoy my leftovers! And finished our fantastic dinner off with their yummy spumoni ice cream. Yum!

Now, rest and relax until race time, minus the countless hours of homework! Yep, Monday will be here before I know it. Happy Weekend, all! 

 

A Perfect Match

Every now and then I color coordinate the family, but this is kinda' crazy!

35 years and 600 outfits later, one couple are still a perfect match



Picture from: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/19/nancy--donald-featherstone-matching-outfits-35-years-pictures_n_3116193.html#slide=2358113

Live Young - Evian

Baby commercials are my favorite! Enjoy! :)

It's Still My Dream

In light of Monday's attacks and the craziness in this world, running the Boston Marathon is still on the top of my bucket list.

Monday morning as I prepared for work and The Today Show talked of the race, I said to hubby, "Jelly." FYI to those not familiar with 2013 lingo, that means I'm jealous. Ever since I started running, I have wanted to participate in the Boston Marathon. And after discovering my cousin had done it and then the tough qualification stipulations, the desire has only increased.

It is so sad there are people in the world that do such horrible things. Why? I know from experience how much work goes into training for a half marathon. But, I can't even imagine training and working so hard for such an acclaimed race only for it to end with such tragedy. It will never be the same for those involved. My heart is so heavy for the runners, the wounded and especially the families of the lives lost by such a vicious attack.

As I prepare to run my sixth half marathon, I will run in honor of Boston. I will proudly wear that classic "B" for those who have endured such a tragedy. My heart will remember that great city and its people. And I will pray for Boston.

Oh the Joy!

No one ever tells you the absolute intensity of feelings one will experience as a parent. Yes, it's true, children can rip your heart out in pain, make you sudder in fear and face ultimate dissappointment. But it's not that emotion I choose to address this time. The Joy. The immense feeling of joy a child, that you've birthed and reared, brings when he/she does an admirable accomplishment. It's unlike no other.

 

For me it was this past weekend at a local honky-tonk. Lil' Miss Charity, always so timid and afraid, got up and performanced with her music school in a band. Nervous and bold all at the same time. She rocked that little violin (in her Mom's eyes!). And she loved it! She had so much fun and did so well. Made this mommy oh, so happy! And so full of joy! Bursting with joy.

 

It's these moments I have to bottle up and cherish and remember. Because unfortunately life isn't always full of joyous occasions. But for today, I relish in the JOY!

 

(My sweet voilinist, 3rd from the left, preparing to rock it Michael Jackon style, "Billy Jean".)

Live Mas!

Someone likes Doritos Locos Tacos!

 

One of each please!!

Sweet Peek

. . . of our Easter weekend!

Lots of fund and yummy food!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And lots of bunny treats and sweets too!

 

Hope you all had a blessed Easter weekend!

Happy Easter!

 

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:6

It's all you can do . . .

Hold On as talently performed by Alabama Shakes

Number Four!

I did it . . . again. My very first solo half marathon (without my hubby running beside me) but that brings me to FOUR total! Pretty amazing, especially for this once-very-nonathletic gal who didn't even take Phys. Ed. in high school! So glad I'm taking care of myself, kinda' sorta, though I don't feel so good now that I'm finished and am lying in bed eating Candy Corn Oreos! But I guess I've got a few extra calories I can afford eat today!

                                      

Sesame Street: Share It Maybe

A little fun for your weekend!


P.S. I obviously can't get enough of this ditty! ;-) Enjoy!

Currently My FAVORITE Music Video

Watch and love:
Jimmy Fallon, Carly Rae Jepsen & The Roots Sing "Call Me Maybe"