Indiana

I had an absolutely fabulous trip to Indiana this past week! It was so nice to see my family and spend time with all the people I care so much about and rarely get to see. The 12 hour drive each way was grueling, but totally worth it! Mickey was in absolute Heaven, getting all the attention she craves at home but being one person with 2 babies to take care, I can't give her! I wish we lived close to family. It's such a shame that all my kids miss out on all that. But, I guess that's just part of being a military family. One of the many sacrifices we make. I got to spend a lot of time with my brother, Joey and meet his girlfriend, Jessica, whom I absolutely adore! We had such a good time. My dad and stepmom watched the kids one night and we all went out to a comedy club. I had SUCH a good time. I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Good times. I have pictures to share, but they are in the works!

The highlight of the trip was definitely my cousin's wedding. I had the honor and privilege of being the photographer for the occasion. I absolutely LOVE weddings. They are so beautiful and make you believe in love and commitment for life. I would never want to be a wedding photographer, however. It's just not my gig. I would much rather be the sappy girl watching with tears in her eyes. But this was a gorgeous outdoor wedding at Spring Mill State Park, and I think the images will be just gorgeous, even though I am no wedding photographer!

My Mickey was the flower girl and my Haley Bug was a junior bridesmaid. They were so beautiful!

But, I mean, check out the bride and groom!  They're sexy and they know it!  haha

When I got home and started looking through the images, I was just breath taken by the amount of love they clearly have for each other pouring out of these images. Amazing. I am working hard to be able to share all of them with them soon - I know they are going to love them! Here is just one that I fell in love with. ♥

Being back home is nice because it is hard to travel with babies.  There is so much for them to get into and by golly, my babies are on a darn good schedule at home and I LOVE that!  It's pretty impossible without the comforts of home to keep that up, and that makes it kind of hard.  But I have to say, these are such good babies!  They do pretty good, especially Carly.  She really is so much like Haley in that she totally goes with the flow. Callie is a little more high maintenance, but even she is pretty good compared to Mickey as a baby! haha I will say, after spending so much time with all my loved ones, it's pretty lonely here at home. But, it is what it is.  I've just got to suck it up and push on! What other choice have I got, right? I'm going to keep smiling, even if I have to force it!  ;-)

I made it back for Zumba one day and then Callie got sick, so now I am stuck homebound.  I hope she gets better fast and it doesn't make the rounds!  I need my gym time for SANITY!  hehe

My message in closing today is, if you have people you love nearby, don't take it for granted!  Take the time to spend quality time with them.  It seems in this day of technology families are spending far less time together, far less time getting together for holidays and Sunday dinners.  I wish so much that I had the opportunity to do these things, because I would do it frequently and I would cherish every minute of it!  Besides, we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  We never know when today was our last tomorrow, so don't put things off for tomorrow!  Seize the day ... CARPE DIEM!  :-)

Another Rainbow!

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton

Tonight there was another beautiful rainbow in the sky!  I can't get over how many there have been.  They bring so much joy into my heart, and I think I really needed to see it tonight.  Just feeling kinda lonely and sad ... just a little!  I'm still smiling, don't worry!  ;-)  This had to be the brightest, most beautiful rainbow I have ever seen!  I love it!

A Beautiful Day!

It's an absolutely gorgeous day here today! A cool 64 degrees outside, blue skies and birds achirpin'!  I love it.  I'm so looking forward to some fall weather.  I'm over the hotness of summer now.

I watched the movie "Life As We Know It" last night.  It looked really cute and funny, but I found it to be mostly depressing, which was disappointing.  But, I did discover another new song through the movie, which is always a plus since I love music so much!  I just love the words, so perfect for me right now and it's just such a calming, Zen song ... I love it!

"Come away, come away
leave it all far behind you.
‘Cos it’s not who you are and it’s not what you wanted.
I can see, I can see
the strength there inside you.
Calling you
come away to where you’re bright eyed and hopeful.

As a child is this how, you saw yourself all grown up.
‘Cos I believe, I believe
in your smile I see someone else.
Coming through, coming through
like the sun-rays that kiss your face.
Like they always have done and they always will for you now.

And everything will be alright now, alright."



There is so much positivity out there - I just keep finding it everywhere!  It's not because it wasn't there before though.  It's because I wasn't seeking it and focusing on it.  More and more I find proof that life truly is what you make it.  I like the following quote:

"Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it."  - Lou Holtz

Bad things happen ... to everyone. You can either let them defeat you or ...

As I have said before, there will be stumbling blocks, and I still hurt .... and cry ... and get angry, but I will not let it overtake me. It will be temporary. I will not let darkness overtake this bright, beautiful life I have been granted! There are too many reasons to smile, and besides, you look a lot prettier with a smile on your face!  ;-)