Mission Accomplished

Tonight I crossed 14 items off of my 45 item to-do list.

It was worth blogging about.

I fully intend to cross at least 3-5 more items off before calling it a night.

Some of the items crossed off were:

- Ceremony music. I am pretty excited about this one.

- Semester SOAP Notes for each client.

- Sending out tux information to the guys in the wedding.

- Completing attendance sheets and clock hours for clinic.

- Paying bills.

Please notice that I alternated between school and wedding... it's the only way to keep me sane. I have to mix fun planning in with school or else I would not be a happy camper. It worked- I'm still not crabby.

One last thought- I don't like writing a check for $2,158. I am paying to have a migraine every day. What is wrong with me?!

And the best part of today?!

I enjoyed a beautiful, sunny morning walk with my friend! What a great way to start the day, and it gave me enough energy to make it through the day without crashing!! I LOVE gorgeous days like today! There is something about having the windows open and feeling the cool breeze that encourages me to be productive!!

Ok- off to my next task:

Putting away laundry. Where, oh where, is that sun now?!

Week in a Blog

Ok, ok, ok! I know, I know. I have been a terrible blogger lately. The end of the semester is coming to a screeching halt- and my teachers feel the need to pile TONS of work on at the last minute. So, my blog has become the redheaded step-child of my family: neglected.

So, here goes. I will try to post pictures of what has been taking place in the past week and a half around my cute little home!

Theodore is napping. Yes... he is using the back of the couch as a pillow. Adorable, right? I thought so, so of course, I had to take pictures... more than one...

He obviously got fed up with the flash and had to cover his eyes! Which is even MORE adorable than before! Aww! He is such a good little gato!

This picture is truly pathetic. Andrew was only able to visit for a short time a week ago. When he left, Theodore sat at the door... and sat.... and sat... for hours. Well, he sat until I finally put him into his bachelor pad for the night. He was waiting for Andrew to come home : (

Mmm!! It's dinner night at my house!

What dinner is complete without dessert? Super yummy, moist, gooey brownies. Yes, I shared them with my buddies at school the next day. Like my teacher says, I'm a "feeder."

Anyways, I made chicken and teriyaki rice and stirfry for dinner and movie night with my friend, Jen! We had a lot of fun and enjoyed a homecooked meal!

My pansies are doing well! In fact, this picture was taken AFTER they were at their prettiest... and they're still gorgeous! I love my friendly greeting as I walk out my door!

This picture doesn't show it, but I love rainy weekends here and there. This Saturday, I didn't even get out of my pajamas! I enjoyed cuddling with Andrew and pretending like I didn't have a care in the world!

It rained and rained and rained. It made for the perfect day to watch our marriage videos our pastor assigned us. Fun, fun. Jealous?

It rained so much that the landscape started to flood! Boy, oh boy, my yard is beautiful because of this rain! Everything is so green! I love it!

Finally, tonight was the Spring Banquet for my department. Pictured is me with my friend Jen. Purple was the color of choice for tonight's attire. Love it!

Pictured here is the majority of my class! We're overall a good group who gets along, loves to laugh, and can make the best of any assignment! Watch out, world! These are your future SLPs!

Fun thought...

My superlative award for tonight was:

"Class Greeter" and "Frugal Fonda"

I was awarded these titles because of my inability to focus in class, therefore I gaze around the room and smile at whoever make eye contact. I was also recognized by yet another person for my love of frugality! Such an accomplishment. I hope my mom is proud when she reads this!

Bucket List: To Master a Craft

I have always wanted to be artsy. My mom is the most talented person I know in so many ways, and it has been hard to follow in her footsteps. I have always wanted to have the ability to brainstorm an idea- and follow through with it successfully. Most often, my brain knows what it wants to do, but my hands are unable to complete the task at hand.

Two year ago I decided that I would attempt wreath making. I wanted a sunflower wreath, and the stores just did not have any that I was happy with- and they were all very pricey. I wanted a beautiful wreath at a reasonable price. So, I ventured out to Hobby Lobby and made my purchases. Since then, it's become an addiction. I have made over twenty wreaths to date, but the ones displayed on my blog today are the ones that I currently have in my possession. Although, some will be sold in my next garage sale.

Enjoy!

My first wreath! I love the sunflowers. I may attempt a newer one this summer. We'll see : )

My 4th of July wreath! This one, too, may be put in the yard sale. I love it, but I may attempt a new one!

This is my late summer wreath. August and September are awkward months for wreaths. This one is just simple and fun.

My fall wreath. I looooooove this one! The shape- the flowers- the arrangement. It is by far my favorite out of all of the ones I've made!

My living room wreath! My door is boring, white, and windowless. So, I made this wreath to hang on the backside to create a better atmosphere.

Last year's spring wreath. I made a new one this year, so obviously, this one will be put up for grabs at the yard sale.

My new spring wreath- as featured before. Sorry, the colors don't pop against the background like the others, but I don't have a very nice spot for picture taking!

Anyways- that's just a small glimpse into the many wreaths I've made over time. I would loooove to start selling them, but I am not sure there would be enough demand for them, and I am sure I would only be able to deliver them locally. I'm afraid they would get damaged in transit.

Regardless, it's a passion- stress reliever- and now I want to go and buy more supplies to make a new one! I WILL refrain... this time!!

Bucket List: Places I'd Love to Live

I had the strangest, coolest dream last night. I completed graduate school, passed all of my final licensing exams and requirements, and it was time for me (and Andrew- though he never made an appearance in my dream- it was just implied) to decide where to live. Where to raise a family. Where to grow old together. At no point in time was the decision made, but my dream consisted of images playing through my head of beautiful landscapes, adorable cottages, and friendly smiles. I woke up this morning with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and my dream left me wondering: where would I like to live someday? So, I remained in my cozy bed and started a bucket list- which I am now putting it into blog form, complete with pictures.

Places I Would Love to Live:

Alaska.

I can just picture it now: a cozy cabin nestled in the woods with a beautiful mountain view. An occasional moose or bear in the landscape, and a beautifully starlit nighttime sky.

That is, unless the aurora borealis is lighting up the nighttime sky. I would love to see this phenomenon sometime in my life. And, I think I would truly love to live in Alaska. Yes, I know that there are 6 months of daylight and 6 months of darkness... give or take a few months, but think of all the experiences and adventures to be had here! Oh, the possibilities!

Colorado.

Yes, it is another mountain state. Yet again, I can picture myself curled up on the couch on a cold winter day with a fire in the fireplace, warm cocoa in my mug, and a book in my hand. When children start to come along, I can picture myself bundling them up, making warm cocoa on the stove like my momma did for me, camera in my hand, and a warmness in my heart.

Another quaint state and another place that I would absolutely love to call home someday. Again, there are so many possibilities to be had, and there are so many opportunities for raising a family and employment in Colorado.

Wyoming.

Yet another mountain state, BUT, I can absolutely see myself raising a family on a Wyoming ranch. Wide open spaces, lots of room to run and explore, and the possibility of running a ranch that could possibly help children with special needs. This is my ultimate dream.

Children with special needs can thrive off of a ranch setting... The calm nature of the setting, the rhythm of the horse, and the ability to participate in functional activities. My husband could keep the ranch nice and running, my sister, Zoe, could administer horse therapy, my sister, Miranda, could give music therapy, and I could provide speech-language therapy for these individuals. The rest of our families could pitch in their special skills... My momma could photograph each special moment, my future mother-in-law could provide her nursing expertise, my sister-in-law could teach them how to cook and plan a party, and our dads could provide a strong work ethic and keep our bills under control.

A far-fetched dream? Possibly. But, it is a dream. I always wanted to open a home for children with special needs, but a ranch they could visit and learn from would be absolutely acceptable.

Maybe, just maybe, this dream can come true.

The Ozarks.

The Ozark Mountains are also a breathtaking possibility. I love the rolling hills, the lush vegetation, and the overall breathtaking view.

This location is not high on my list of places that I would want to live, but it is a place that I would consider, and I think I would learn to love it over time.

Southeast Missouri.

I could picture myself living on a farm in southeast Missouri. Afterall, the landscape is beautiful, the people are friendly, and quite frankly, it's the closest to where I was raised. It is the most comfortable of the options, and it is also the most logical. But, is it what is best? I don't know.

The pull to keep me in southeast Missouri is the fact that it is closer to our families. However, I believe that my heart will always be yearning to live elsewhere. Another pull to keep me in this area is Cape County Cowboy Church. Andrew and I have developed a deep love for this church, and God is working through the people of this church in an incredible way. It would be hard to leave this church and trust that we will find another one that we love so much. But, I know that God will provide and care for us no matter where we go.

In the long run, no matter where I live, no matter where I end up, I know that five things are for sure...

1. I will take God's love with me. He will always be the rock I stand on and the one that I place my trust in. With Him, all things are possible.

2. I will have my husband by my side. I will have his love and support, and we can truly make any place a home.

3. I will eventually have a family of my own that will help make the most uncertain places feel like they are right where I need to be.

4. I will have the love of two families surrounding us. No matter where we are, I know that they will visit and fill our home with laughter.

5. I can find my dream job anywhere. If I look hard enough, I know I will be able to find a place I'm passionate about it.

So, in the long run, does it matter where I end up? Yes and no. I would love to adventure out, and I do not want to end up in our hometowns, but I also know that I can make any place a home with the help of the five items listed above. In the end, it all comes down to three things.

God.

Family.

Willingness.

Life

Today, I was looking through quotations in hopes of finding one for the top of my blog. I was successful; however, I came across a major problem. There are far too many amazing quotes. I literally hit the jackpot, and as a result, I have spent the last hour reflecting on my life. Let me share with you some of the quotes that made me stop and think.

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." -Robert Byrne

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." -Oscar Wilde

"It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living." -Oliver Holmes

"Happiness is not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." -Norman Macewan

"Where there is love there is life." -Gandhi

"Life is God's novel. Let him write it." -Isaac Singer

"Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars." -Henry Van Dyke

"Security is when everything is settled. When nothing can happen to you. Security is the denial of life." -Germaine Greer

"Life is relationships; the rest is just details." -Gary Smalley

"The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt." -Frederick Buechner

"Love the moment. Flowers grow out of dark moments. Therefore, each moment is vital. It affects the whole. Life is a succession of such moments and to live each, is to succeed." -Corita Kent

"I love my past. I love my present." -Colette

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change." -Buddha

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." -Annie Dillard

"The personal life deeply lived always expands into truths beyond itself." -Anais Nin

"Life is just a chance to grow a soul." -Powell Davies

"Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies." -Ann Landers

"It is not length of life, but depth of life." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Go and live... and remember that God is good and present in every moment.

"Everybody, Everybody...

... wants to be a cat!!"

I loved watching Disney's Aristocats as a young child. While the lyrics may not be true for everyone (I know there are a lot of people out there who want to stay far, far away from cats), they were playing through my head last night as I tried to study for my big neuro test today.

My handsome boy, who finally let me take a good picture, showed me the ultimate, carefree lifestyle last night. While a friend and I were frantically trying to study, he lounged around without a care in the world. Must be nice.

At times, studying got to be too much for him. Too much activity can wear a guy out. After a couple hours of limited activity, he was absolutely exhausted. Sleeping on my study materials ensures that he will get at least a little attention. So, he makes sure to do that often.

When being cute doesn't work, he demands my attention. He is particularly fond of highlighters. The color doesn't matter, he just thinks that they are there for his entertainment. Notice he is still laying on my materials. If I ever told my teacher that my cat ate my homework, it would be the truth. When he's had enough of me studying (which happens after about 2 hours), he will lay on my homework, scratch at it, and even chew on it. It's quite odd and a bit disgusting. He doesn't share well.

I often tell him that he's a freeloader and needs to start earning his keep. He just looks at me like I've lost my only mind. Hey, I think it sounds like a good plan.

Overall, he's a pretty handsome cat. I often think that I could handle living his life. Catnaps, catering, and cuddle time. It doesn't get much better than that.

I Love Mail Days!

There is nothing better than opening the mailbox at the end of a long day... that is, if there is mail in it. Since the wedding invitations have been mailed out, I have been receiving lots and lots of mail! Fun mail! Not the yucky bills and ads... but, real mail!

Today I received 14 RSVP cards! I was so excited to open them! Some had notes written on the inside, most of them confirmed that they are coming to the wedding, and sadly, there are some guests who cannot make it. But, regardless of the answer, I was so excited to have such a big mail day!

I have purchased a box... This box contains every RSVP I have received. I think that it will be so neat to look back 40 years from now at these cards and see everyone's handwriting and remember how much excitement I had as I opened each one. I will continue to put each RSVP card in this box as I receive them...

... as you can see, this box still has a lot of room left. Please continue to send in your RSVPs!! The stamp is included, just fill out the card and stick it in the mail! It IS something that is special to me, so it won't be a waste of your time!

And, like I said, I absolutely ADORE "mail days!" Simply opening the mailbox to find a letter can brighten my day like nothing else!!

There is nothing like...

... a nice glass of ice water and key limes when the weather turns warm!

... Mmmmm Mmmmm Mmmm!!!

It is the perfect drink! I mix in 1-2 packet of Splenda (depending how big my sweet tooth is at the time), and I have the perfect, zero calorie drink! And, I've increased my daily water intake 100%. Yes, that's right... I didn't drink water before this. With the wedding drawing near, I am hoping to clear up my complexion and shed a pound... or five... and this drink is perfect for the job!

Ok, ok... A whole blog devoted to water and key limes. What's up, you're wondering? Wellllll...

... This is what I should be doing. My homework. A paper. A difficult, ridiculous paper. A paper that I don't even know where to begin on. A paper that is so broad that I can't gather all of my thoughts together to write them down in a coherent manner. I have three pages to write...

... and that's as far as I've gotten.

I have my work cut out for me... and it's already 8:00. It's due tomorrow.

Norah, oh Norah, will you please help me through this one as well? I am going to need something to help me focus, and I am going to need something to motivate me to get this assignment done. Are you up for the task? I sure hope so...

LET'S GO!!!

*** UPDATE ***

The paper is now complete... and I am going to call it a night.

Hodge Podge

It is obvious that I have neglected my blog for a while now. Nothing too significant has taken place, and I have been so incredibly busy that I just haven't had the time. So, this blog is going to allow me to play "catch-up," and hopefully I will do better at blogging in the coming weeks!!

Here goes...

I am finally able to use some of the kitchenware I have been collecting since high school! Mom purchased this bowl for me years ago, and I love seeing it on my counter filled with colorful fruits! This picture simply does not show the rich colors as they are in real life!

Operation Replantation... This picture does not do this area justice, but I love my spring garden! My elderly neighbor, whom I absolutely adored, passed away last year. I always enjoyed her spring flowers, and I took care of them last year for her since she was no longer here. This year, Andrew decided they needed to be mine. So, they moved from her yard to mine. They include daffodils, hyacinth, and everything in between. I love it!

Here the daffodils are standing tall and proud! I think they love their new home!! I can't wait until they bloom again next year!

For those of you who follow my blog... here is the surprise flower from my post a month or so ago! Andrew bought me three hyacinth bulbs! They were soooo pretty! I really enjoyed the purply pink color!

Here is a shot of the light post! The grass is growing in so nicely and has even grown since this picture was taken! I love this little area! I will post again in late summer when the grass is at it glory!

Before my yard was mowed for the first time this season, it was completely purple! These wild forget-me-not flowers filled my yard! It was quite the sight!! Now I have the most gorgeous yard thanks to my wonderful finace!! He has the pictures of that! haha!

I have begun to receive RSVP cards! I was soooo excited that my Granny Miff was the first to RSVP! According to the doctor's, she shouldn't be here right now. In fact, she should have left us a long time ago. Thankfully, God has granted her sooo much more time here on Earth! She was the first to RSVP for the shower, and now she is the first to RSVP for the wedding! It made my heart swell with happiness, and once again, I thank God for the many blessings He's given me. He is truly amazing.

Finally- I wish I knew why my gato always looks so upset in pictures. I cannot get a good one for the life of me. He truly does have a sweet face... I just cannot capture it. Silly cat.

Well, there we go... I'm all caught up... I think. : )