i can't help but smile...

...because they are here.

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memorial day weekend

Jason and I both had a three day weekend for Memorial Day, woohoo!  That meant we got to spend the whole weekend hanging out.  The weather was gorgeous, which gave us the opportunity to get in plenty of pool time at my mom's house.  These photos were from Sunday when we brought Jack along with us.  He loves the water and also loves my brother Ryan!  

It was so nice to be able to relax and go with the flow without any set plans.  We were able to enjoy dinner and a movie one evening with some great friends.  We finally watched the Hunger Games - I know, it came out like a million years ago.  I have read the first two books, so I have been dying to see it and just as I have heard, it did not disappoint.

I would also like to take a moment to say thank you to all the men and women who have served in the military.  Our country is forever in debt to the sacrifices you have made and continue to make.  Thank you!!

florida, part II

 Like I said in my last post, the main reason for our Florida trip was to see my brother-in-law's high school graduation.  We are so proud of Reuben for reaching this milestone in his life.  His plans for the future are to join the Navy, big kudos to him for making this huge decision.  The graduation ceremony itself was quick and painless - thankfully, because we were sitting on bleachers.  For having 300+ students, they really flew through the program.  There was a chance of rain too, so we were so glad the weather held out for us.

Briana, Kelly, Emily and Reuben

 The day after graduation, we had a lunch for Reuben and three of his friends that he grew up with since they were wee little kids.  They didn't all end up going to the same high school, but they have remained close friends throughout.  I think that is so special and I hope they all stay in touch as they move onto the next chapter of their lives. 

We ate at River Rocks, which was delicious. I should have taken a photo of my food, but I was so hungry that I just scarfed it down without a second thought.  I got fish tacos and french fries - yum! They also put a congrats message on the marque, which was really cool (although they spelled Reuben wrong with Rubin).

Congrats grads! And good luck with all that you do!

florida, part I

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happy birthday, sis!

This past weekend my sister celebrated her 29th birthday.  That's right, it's the start of the official countdown to the big three-zero!  She sent me this video of my niece a couple weeks ago - Adelynn is a spitting image of my sister.  Boy I can't wait to see them in just a few short weeks.

Happy Birthday, Ashley!!

mother's day

Cancun 2010

Yesterday was Mother's Day and it was a pretty good day.  Jason and I went over to my mom's house early in the morning and made breakfast.  Since we are sort of on a student's budget these days, we thought this was a great alternative to eating out.  Plus we were able to hang out for a few hours instead of just being in and out of a restaurant.  It was a win-win if you ask me.  

Although my mom and I have our ups and downs, I will always be grateful to have her in my life.  Nothing else will ever be able to fill the spot a mother has in your heart.  Love you mom!

dad.

Today turned out to be a difficult day. From the moment I got up, I couldn't focus. Choosing my outfit seemed to be an insurmountable task and making a lunch for work was out of the question. There was a constant ball of anxiety in the middle of my chest and I felt as though I could burst into tears at any moment. To be honest, it took me a few hours to realize why I was having such a rough time.  I really didn't think today would hit me this hard; but in reality, even just writing this out is heart breaking. I lost my dad in November 2005 and today would have been his 69th birthday. I miss him.

My brother lost his best friend almost a month ago, and that hit me hard today too. It all just doesn't seem fair. The impossible question of "why?" can be so haunting.  I know there is no satisfying answer out there. Losing someone you love has got to be the hardest thing in life to go through, at least so far in my life it has been.

Grief is a lifelong process. There are highs and lows and thankfully, for me, as time goes on the lows are fewer and far between. I will never, can never, forget those that are now gone. But thankfully it is easier to think of all the good times and be grateful for all the good things that person brought to my life. My dad taught me so many things, and helped to shape me into the responsible woman I am today. I only wish he could see how well I've done, I know he would be proud. I can't wait to see him again one day.

Happy birthday, dad. I love you.

a family walk in our neighborhood

Our little family walks through our neighborhood are one of my favorite past times.  

Since we had fabulous weather over the weekend, we ventured out our front door and up the road to soak up the glorious sun.  We even found a perfectly full dandelion puff ball.  I blew it out and made a very special wish.  Don't you just love those things?

some photos of my cousin

A few weeks ago, my cousin, Alisha, asked me to take some photos of her and her dog, Ringo.  I am by no means a professional, but I have always loved photography and really enjoy taking photos.  

At this point, I am using my 5 year old Canon Rebel XTi with the stock lens and I use iPhoto and Picnik for editing (super boo for Picnik closing down soon!) I would love to upgrade soon (hint hint hubby ;) 

Isn't Alisha just gorgeous?!

ghostbusters

This week has really been a crazy one.  I am so thankful the weekend is here and I can finally kick up my feet and relax.  One thing that helped me get through this week was a hilarious video my sister sent me of my niece, Adelynn.  I have watched it over and over and laugh out loud every time.  I decided to share it with you and I hope it brings a smile to your face too!
(make sure your volume is up all the way and listen closely towards the end)

go hawks!

This past weekend, Jason and I went to an Atlanta Hawks game with my family.  It's been a while since we have been to a game and we had a fabulous time!  

It was a great game to watch and the Hawks won, which was an added bonus.

My cousin, Alisha, has been in town the past couple weeks. I don't get a chance to see her very often, so it has been a real special treat.  She recently moved closer to my side of the country - I am hoping these visits will become a habit :)

christmas time in florida

I am a little bit behind on posting these photos, 

but these are a few shots from our Christmas down in Florida.  

We had such a wonderful and relaxing time there.

We had such a great time with Jason's family, I can't wait to go back!  

brotherly love

Late night ice cream date with our brothers, yes please!  It was the only way I could get them away from the video games...boys will be boys.

p.s. i have accepted the fact that my hair will never look good in florida.  this humidity kills...

basketball and highschool

{my brother, ryan, sinking a free throw}

We spent most of the weekend at my brother's basketball tournament.  It's pretty crazy how intense some of these games can get; it's hard not to get hyped up sometimes.  My brother's team ended up in 3rd place, not bad for being the only junior varsity team among all varsity teams!  

Being around so many highschool students, I couldn't help but reminise about my highschool days.....nope, don't miss em.  Growth spurts (or lack of), boy crushes, trying to figure out your style (still working on this one), and drama drama drama.  I did have a lot of great times in highschool too, but I am just happy to be in the place that I am, with the people that are here :)

chilhowee

This past weekend we headed up to Chilhowee to do some Sabbath afternoon hiking. I was excited to get up there and see all the leaves changing colors - one of my favorite things about fall. I had originally wanted us to go camping up there, but the boys (yes, the sissy practical boys) felt that it might be a little too cold at night and maybe we should just make it a day trip instead...so I obliged their requests.

We hiked to Benton Falls and it was gorgeous!  I think I ended up taking a hundred photos...I tend to go overboard sometimes.  But I was a little disappointed because I didn't realize until we got home that most of the photos we were in, we looked totally washed out...oh well.

We could not have asked for a more beautiful fall day.  I am hoping we can get at least another day or two of hiking in this season, if the boys don't think it's too cold ;) (i kid, i kid!)

  What are some of your favorite things about fall?