"Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright"

Lately, I've spent some time reflecting on my life's journey to this point. Not unintentional reflection...more reflection due to assignments in school, personal struggles and outside circumstances, but any how...it still has allowed me to think of some experiences in a different light. 

Last year, I had the pleasure of teaching a delightful student. She was that "little ray of sunshine" (pardon the cliche) no matter what day of the week I saw her. Throughout the year, I learned that aside from previous health issues she dealt with, she and I had quite a bit in common. She loved to go the beach and surf and swim, she plays the flute, loves to be outside and play sports, but was also 100% girl! I was always intrigued by her spirit...never negative...never upset...never weak! 

Throughout last year, I began to notice that she was missing quite a bit of school due to health issues...headaches, stomach pain etc. I grew increasingly more concerned based on her previous illness. At the end of the last year, my sweet, strong, positive little student was re-diagnosed with neuroblastoma (a form of cancer that affects nerve cells).

Throughout the summer months, I followed a blog written by her parents about their journeys across the country to see doctors, but most importantly to have FUN! I was encouraged all summer long by how ALIVE she was...how HAPPY she was...how STRONG she was! 

On the first day of school, I was able to say hello, ask her some questions about her summer and play catch up, but it wasn't but a few weeks into the year, that she became increasingly more symptomatic of the cancer AND the treatment (GAH...CANCER SUCKS). She wasn't able to come to school for sometime due to high temperatures, sickness, weakness and the treatments she was undergoing. As a part of the treatment, her hair began to fall out. They decided to cut her hair to her chin...It was ADORABLE! 

On Monday, I was able to see her at school again! I got to give her a big hug...tell her how beautiful she is! and catch up a little bit!

That night I began thinking about her situation. How exhausted she must be trying to "save face"? How scary it must be to know how sick you are? But, I was also reminded of how STRONG she is! How BRAVE she is! and how POSITIVE she is! Even in light of all the darkness...she sees the light! 

It is really convicting honestly...how challenged I felt! Here I am, worried about things (yes important things) but still....nothing in comparison. I was once again reminding that each day is a blessing from above and more importantly....each day MATTERS...each day COUNTS...each day WE CHOSE how we will face the day. 

I hate that this precious, innocent, determined young lady has to face this challenge at all, but I am reminded that if a 13 year old can fight for her life with such grace as she does, than I can face the challenges in my life with the same grace, dignity and positivity. 

For all of you who read this...please say a prayer for my dear student! Pray for strength, peace and healing! 

Without a doubt, I am reminded daily to Live In Grace! 

                                                                           ~ G 

Wishin' I was 21

September is the month of birthdays for so many people in my life! My hubs, both of my sisters' boyfriends, my own and my baby sister, Amelia's birthday! This weekend we went down to Orlando to help celebrate her 21st birthday! It was an awesome time with family and friends....and wishing we were 21 again!

Before we headed to Orlando, we drove to Gainesville to watch Amelia run a meet. She is a cross country runner for the University of Central Florida. I'm always fascinated by watching her (and all the college runners) race! They are FAASSSSTTTTT! And I can't help but be a little inspired by how disciplined they are!! I don't get to see her run very often, so it was a real treat!!

 

 

 

 

 

Driving to Orlando was a NIGHTMARE! We tried to take I-75 to the TurnPike, but there was an awful wreck, so we ended up taking these small country roads all the way to Otown! It would have been great...except there were traffic lights every 100 yards (quite literally)! Once we FINALLY made it, we were fortunate enough to spend some time with our dear friends Ashley and Neil! They hosted us for the rest of the weekend.

We took Amelia out for her birthday in Downtown Orlando. Neil served as our host and really did a great job showing Amelia the ropes! I think we all had a great time! Lots of great drinks, great music and great company!
 

Isn't she gorgeous?

 

Its a family affair!

  

 

 

It's really crazy to think about how much has changed in my life since I turned 21! But as I think back on those 6 years ago...I realize what a FUN, exciting and fulfilling chapter it opened! I'm hoping that Amelia enjoys this new phase in her life...soaks up the memories...and toasts to all things new!

 

Happy Birthday Sister!

 ~ G

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! I love everything About football
Season... Tailgating, football, auburn, cooler weather( well in a couple of months) , something to do every weekend... I could go on and on.

Sometimes it's a little bitter sweet... We LOVE Auburn so much and would
Go to All the games if we lived closer, but being 5 hours away makes it a little tough to do! We make up for it (well not totally) by going to Gainesville to watch the gators play! It's the second best thing ... I just love College football!






Today is just the kick off of several months of fun.... Just hoping Auburn pulls out a better season than last year!

Sorry to be so short...but I'm off to see the Gators play!

                                               War Eagle!!!!
                                                     ~G

Back to School

Whewwwww...that's the sound of my deep breath as I finally relax after the first day of school. It is exhausting trying to stay organized amongst all the chaos...but in the end, it was exciting to meet so many new faces.

Today marked the beginning of my third year teaching...each year brings new experiences, new challenges and new triumphs; however, sometimes, it is really hard to 'see the forest through the trees' when you feel so out of it...today was one of those days. I was SO anxious! My mind was running 100 miles/minute and I never felt like I "got into the groove".

Today began many changes at our school and some of them really take getting used too. One major changes is the use of "block" scheduling. I have my students for double the amount of time, but only see them every other day. I'm exciting for this once we start labs and in depth content, but today was well...just different.
Fortunately, I know exactly where I need to change the way I plan and think about my classes.....and eventually, I know it will click.

On a positive note, I LOVE meeting new students!!! It is probably one of my favorite things as a teacher! Some students put their best foot forward, are eager and anxious! Other students like to show that they need to be heard and like that special attention. I personally feel like you can tell so much about students by their first impression. This year, I am going to have some many different stories than in years past, as I teach gifted/accelerated students...but I can promise you one thing...they will not lack excitement.

Regardless of all the chaos and anxiety, I am so thrilled to work with students! I know that I am supposed to be teaching...and middle school is just icing on the cake. I hope and pray that God uses me in a special way this year and that I can make a difference in a few of my students' lives!

                                                                       Happy Teaching!
                                                                               ~ G

Life Begins at the End of your Comfort Zone

If you know me at all, then you know that I come from a long line of runners. Actually, come to think of it, if you aren't runner in my family... Well, then you better start running! I think B learned that very quickly. I grew up going to races on Saturday mornings, learned how to see my family at different points of the race and even managed to get my siblings and I around Washington DC to watch mom and dad finish the marathon  (that's its own blog post some day).  Needless to say, for me to start running was partially my choice, but partially the pressure of being "that person" who didn't run.

I didn't really start running seriously(the word seriously is a relative statement) until I was in college. Yes, I ran some 5Ks in high school and even ran the River Run (15K), but never trained that much. In my years of running though, I've never really had much coaching or assistance with how I run. I just do it....no pun intended!

Lately, I've been running with a local high school cross country team a couple times a week. Let me tell you, they are FASSSTTTT! So to even act like I run "with" them is a flat lie, but I do go to the place where they meet and begin the run with them! :)) On Wednesdays, they run cross country trails in town, usually muddy, wet and humid. A normal run out there is around 5-7 miles (sometimes more sometimes less).

Tonight before we set out on our run, Coach encouraged the girls that tonight is about "being outside your comfort zone". He went on to explain what that meant in running terms but also in terms of conversation level. In other words, if you can have a convo while your running (hey thats me!!) then you're running too slow. Once we started the workout and got into our pace, of course, I ended up toward the back with a few other girls. However, during this time, I really started to think consciously about what Coach said...."Be outside your comfort zone!". This is harder than you think. It's really easy to stay in that place thats comfortable, managable, doable! It's not easy AT ALL to push your self to a place that's painful....uncomfortable....tiresome!

As I was running and thinking...because God knows I couldn't talk... I thought about how this lesson applies to our daily lives. How many times do we live in that bubble of comfort...where things are maybe not easy per se, but are just fine! No major challenge! I know I do this. As Coach expressed in his talk to the girls, if you don't get out of your comfort zone now, you will not get faster and stronger later in the season. This is the truth for life. Being challenged makes us grow...makes us learn more about ourselves and the world around us.

So, whether you are a runner, cyclist, whether this applies to your social life, professional life, whether this is spiritual or emotional...remember, that we grow by pushing beyond our boundaries! Get out there and challenge yourself!!!!

                                                                         Just Do It!
                                                                                                                 ~ G

Say Cheese~ Wedding Wednesday

If I've said this once, I've said it a million times, but a great photographer is worth every cent of a wedding budget. However, there is more to a great photographer than just being organized, taking good photos, being a voice of experience... you want someone who thinks outside the box...someone who can capture a magical moment, without any plan....or someone who can think of ideas that we all "oooo and ahhhhh" over on Pinterest. Something that I would suggest (if you've found your photographer) is to print off pictures that you LOVE! Maybe something you've seen before, or maybe you've thought of something that is different and uniquely you. In one of the pre-wedding meetings with your photographer, make sure to share these photos with him/her. This way...they know what "moments" they are looking for. I'm loving all these precious photo ops lately....check 'em out!

 

 

 

 This picture is one of my favorites from my wedding...JennHopkins... at it again!!

 

Remember, when everything fades and your wedding is simply a blurr in your mind, your photos are all you have left....so Go Big or Go Home!!!

 

                              Happy Planning!

                            ~ G

#Dostiewedding

Lately, B & I have been on a circuit of weddings. We spent a weekend in Houston, this past weekend in Greenville and next weekend in Biloxi, Mississippi (post to come later). I LOVE weddings and seeing your friends find that "someone special" leaves you feeling joyful and recommitted to your own wedding vows!

 

This past weekend we traveled to Greenville, SC to see our dear friend Michael Dostie get married!!! Dostie married a precious girl from Atlanta named Laura. They met while living in Greenville (they both went to Furman) and now live in Atlanta. Because of their connection to Furman, they chose to get married at the chapel on campus....stunning!

 

Dostie and I go WAY back...middle school...awkward...embarrassing to think about! He and I were in the band together and spent each day getting to know each other. Our friendship has grown and matured over the years, from middle school to high school, from day camp to weddings, our lives have really changed. However, amongst all the change, Dostie has always been a great friend...not only to me, but to B too! Actually, what alot of people don't know, is that Dostie actually takes credit for setting B and I up...he was always a voice of reason :))  He and his family mean so much to me...and I feel grateful to call them friends!  

 

I couldn't be happier to see Dostie find the love of his life! I know that Laura is perfect for him! I just hope (and pray) that maybe....just maybe...they will move here ONEDAY! I'm grateful to have such an awesome friend and can't wait to see where life's journey takes us all!

 

So happy I captured this moment!!! So cute!

 

 Leighton and Nell, the most precious flower girls ever!

 

 

 

 

Best Father-Daughter Dance ever! Caught me off guard for sure!

 

Mother~Son Dance...Love these two!

 

They are CUTE!

 

 

 

Dostie loves to fish...so it's no suprise his cake was fishing and SC themed!

 

 

 

I love my groom!!!!

Thankful to be a part of The Dostie's special day!!!!!

 

 

         To many years of love and happiness!!!!

                 ~  G 

 

I will always think of Dost when I hear this song...here's to you!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MdeSLxz5TTE

 

 

 

 

Wedding Wednesday~Simplicity

Let's take a little break from the all the "to dos" of wedding planning and enjoy some of the wedding details I'm LOVING right now... I love how simply details can make a BIG impact... Nuetrals, large flowers, important details, all the makings for a perfect day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just a few ways that simplicity can be so beautiful for any wedding!! Timeless, exceptional and limitless!!!!

 

                                      Happy Planning!

                                             ~ G

 

 

Sources: StyleMePretty.com; EveryLastDetail.com; Pinterest.com

Guest Feature....AKA my husband!

Well, for all you guys who once dreamed of having a guest appearance on your wife's blog (me neither, but they always seem to start off with something witty so I thought I'd give it a shot). Anyway, here it goes...

I am a self proclaimed clean freak when it comes to automobiles. It is not uncommon to find me walking tirelessly around the car after washing it to make sure that every little detail is taken care of, just before it rains of course. Therefore, this afternoon when I so effortlessly backed my truck into the front of my wife's car, doing a significant amount of damage, you can only imagine the pit in my stomach. However, the pit was nothing compared to "the look" I received,once my wife,who by the way did I mention was in the truck with me, realized what I had just done. Guys... this was not one of my shining moments!!! It was following this unfortunate accident that it was explained that is what the back up camera, beeping alarm AND three rear view mirrors are for .... DETAILS.

So now that I have admitted to pulling off one of the most ridiculous accidents, let me explain why this happened. On a normal Sunday I wash both cars...remember the tireless walking around the car?! However, this Sunday was full of lawn maintenance, rain etc.. Upon completing my Sunday chores, G and I were set out for dinner with the fam. We jumped in the truck and I realized that in front of the truck was all the lawn trash I had put out on the street. I NEVER leave both cars on the road, so... who would look behind them to see if in the 5 ft necessary to clear the lawn trash there would be a car ( #lessonlearned)? Not just any car my wife's car? You know the one she drives every day?! The moral of this story is to always look behind you and never AND I MEAN NEVER back into your WIFE'S car!!

                                            To lots of "I'm sorry gifts"
                                                       ~ B

Pioneer Woman 'Monster Cookies'

During the summer time, I have a lot of free time to do some of the things I love...shopping, decorating, baking, exercising etc. I really love to bake, but it is something that I have to really have the time to do...which is not very often. Recently, I've gotten hooked on The Pioneer Woman. I love her recipes, her mentality and her blogs. I found this recipe for her 'Monster Cookies' a couple of weeks ago and I've been DYING to try them. Now... the funny thing about baking is as much as I love to bake, I really don't LOVE sweets. I enjoy baking the cookies more than I enjoy eating them...but I can also be ensured that someone around the house will indulge! 

These cookies are truly everything compiled into ONE LARGE COOKIE! My sister tried them and said "My mouth is confused...I'm not sure if I'm eating a cookie or a rice crispy". They contain everything thats delicious about cookies; chocolate chips, peanut butter pieces, oatmeal, m&ms ....mmmmm.... 

They were really easy to make and taste quite good...here is the recipe. I did modify the original recipe just a little, but stuck to the Pioneer Woman's recipe for the most part!

Here ya go! 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

Always use a good mixer...makes the work a lot less! 

First, add softened butter and sugars. Mix these together until creamy! 

Then, add the large eggs...one at a time, mixing after each one! 

Vanilla comes next....

Mix together well... 

Next, Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda) together in small bowl. Add to mixer slowly combining all the way through. 

Here comes the fun part...all the yummies! I chose to use M&MS, Peanut Butter M&Ms, oats, and milk chocolate morsels. Mix gently! 

Next, add the rice crispies....gently! 

I could stop here....how good does that look :)))) 

Scoop dough onto non stick cookie sheet and bake for about 10-11 minutes! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 sticks (1/2 Pound) Butter (salted) Softened
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 1-1/2 cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• 2 whole Large Eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1-1/2 cup Oats (either Quick Or Regular)
• 1/2 cup M & M's (more To Taste)
• 1/2 cup Pecans, Chopped (more To Taste)
• 3/4 cups Chocolate Chips (milk Or Semi-sweet)
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Chips
• 2-1/4 cups Rice Krispies

All the "special" ingredients can be altered in amount!! My cookies were a little too big and ran together a little...but I promise they tasted just the same!!!!

They were deliciously yummy!!!! Give them a try...you won't disappointed! 

                                                                     Happy Baking!
                                                                             ~ G
Source: ThePioneerWoman.com

Wedding Wednesday-Interview your Vendors

Happy Hump Day! Sorry I have not written on Wedding Wednesdays in a couple of weeks. B and I have been traveling (see our older posts) . 

Hopefully, by the time that you reach this point in your planning process you've secured a date, venue (church and reception etc), and made a definite budget. Now the fun part begins...interviewing & picking vendors. You are most likely hiring a photographer, florist, musicians, possibly even a planner or day of coordinator. Of course, there are many other vendors you will be speaking too as time gets closer like a caterer or calligrapher...but make sure you book the "BIG" ones as soon as possible.
I know for a fact the good photographers book up FAST....like over a year in advanced! YIKES!!!! Also keep in mind, just like a job interview, you DO NOT have to book a vendor on the spot (dont let some of them fool you).  Go home and think/talk it over before deciding...it could make all the difference. 

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENDORS:

1. What do your packages include? Proofs, Bridal portraits, rights to your photos, all day planning, meeting with other vendors, rentals...these are just a few things that may or may not be included in vendor packages. Make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and what items will cost extra. For example, many photographers will not shoot all day long...they shoot for a certain number of hours then charge extra. Make sure you are aware of these things and CAN afford them in your budget. 

Photo Courtesy of Jenn Hopkins at Jennhopkinsphotography.com

2. Do you work only with certain venues or vendors? Some vendors are particular about where and how they work. For example, some wedding planners only use specific florists for weddings. Make sure you are in agreement with these opinions before hiring your vendor. 

Jennhopkinsphotography.com

3. What is your experience? years? Number of weddings? Make sure you know that your vendor has EXPERIENCE!! No one wants their wedding planner to be a "first timer" on their special day. OR think about this...you hire a florist who specializes in landscaping....not weddings :( It sounds silly...but it happens!!! Make sure you know the size, location and themes of previous weddings. Asking about experiences will also show you about your vendors personality which will be majorly important down the road. 

4. Can you work within our budget? At this point, you should know exactly (or close to) how much you will spend on certain elements in your wedding. Make sure your vendor can work within your budget. Sometimes vendors get "carried away" and forget they are working with someone else's money. Be firm about how much you have to spend!! It is better to know up front than to be eliminating things at the end of planning to be able to afford it :) 

5. Do you work with a team or alone? Most vendors have some assistance when pulling off a big day! Whether this is a second shooter or another wedding coordinator make sure you know what that person will provide! Will this cost extra? It sounds silly, but make sure you know exactly who you will be working with...you don't want any surprises on your special day! 

6. Will this be the only wedding you work on for that day? This question is particularly important for florists and planners. It is very normal for vendors to book more than one wedding per day. This shouldn't NECESSARILY be a negative. If you are working with a reputable vendor, they are probably very prepared for this, but if it is a new vendor, I would be cautious. Also, keep in mind, you want to know exactly who you will be working with on your big day, so if your planner has multiple weddings...make sure you know who will be there to assist YOU! 

7.  How do you communicate with other vendors? It should come as no suprise that vendors need to communicate prior to the event in order to full off a smooth and successful wedding. Make sure you know exactly how they will do this! Will they have a meeting a week before the event? or speak on the phone? or email? Make sure your vendors plan to communicate with others so that everyone knows the vision for the day! 

8. What is your cost? Make sure you get a number from the very beginning before deciding on the vendor! Some vendors will try to tell you that it is personalized and they can't give you a number! I'd beware of this!!!! You want at least a base number that then can fluctuate as you add or take away elements! It sounds silly...but you may end of regretting your choice if you do not ask this question!!!

9. What elements of the day are you responsible for handling? This is something I wish I would have known from the beginning. For example, if you have a planner, you want to know if your planner will take all decor items home with her/him or if she will give the to a family member. You want to know that he/she will take care of set up for the toast or timing of the reception. Knowing up front is the best way to ensure your planning and day go smoothly!

10. What sets you apart from other _______________(photographers, planners, florists, bands etc)? Have the vendor answer this question! Although it may be cheesy...you will begin to see who the person is and what traits they will bring to your special day! 


Many of these questions seem like common sense, however, many of them are questions I wish I would have asked my vendors!! It never hurts to know exactly what you are getting prior to hiring someone for your special day! It may take some time...but it will be WORTH IT!

                                                            HAPPY PLANNING!
                                                                   ~G 


Sources: weddinglovely.com; tlc.com; herecomestheguide.com; jennhopkinsphotography.com