An afternoon with Elise and Clayton...

                                     

Yay for another photography shoot!!! I had the pleasure of taking photographs of my best friends, Elise and Clayton, at Ross Bridge.  The weather was beautiful, and they were such fun subjects.  There was never a dull moment! Their two dogs were sweet as they could be, but didn't quite cooperate for the camera so the majority were of Elise and her sweet hubby.  Some of you might be getting one of these pictures in the mail soon, but I will give you a sneak preview...Please Enjoy!!!

"The grass withereth, the flower faddeth: but the word of God shall stand forever." Isaiah 40:8

Thanksgiving means so much more than just eating great food, watching good football, spending time with family and friends. It is much, much more. I sometimes call myself a Ragamuffin which in my terms means I'm a Christian and proud to be, but not too proud to admit that I sin often, and I am constantly fighting with what is right. You grow up as a child and understand that Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. Giving thanks....it sounds so easy, but it is actually a strong statement. Until this year I haven't really thought about how to go about giving thanks in the right way. Do you write letters? Do you go to people face to face and tell them how much you appreciate them? Do you go to your doctor who has kept you healthy and say thank you? Do you go to your influential teachers and say thank you? You get the picture. I don't think there is a right answer to my own question. Giving thanks comes from within-within your heart and the words you speak to God. It does not need to be public or hidden for that matter. However one chooses to show their thanks is personal and is to be respected.

Yesterday at United Way, we had our annual Thanksgiving dinner with our "family" at work. My mind started to wonder as I looked around the room. These people in this room, eating their food, talking with co workers, laughing, are influential in our lives. Let's think about this. You come to work 5 days a week for 8 hours every day. This means your time spent with your family, husband, friends, or even your dog is limited. I often hear people complain that we spend too much time working because you should be with your family. Please do not get me wrong because I am guilty of saying this, but in the spirit of Thanksgiving I had a "Whoah!" moment when I had a realization that I need to be thankful. I need to be on my knees thanking God for giving me the time to work, the energy to withstand 8 hours of hard work, the vehicle I have to get myself to work and back, the clothing on my body so I can stay warm, and most of all-a job. Not just any job, a job where I have close friends. Friends I know I can run to for help. Once again, I need to be on my knees thanking God for giving me a great life. It's not that hard to pray. It's not hard to thank God for the wonderful things that surround me, but I find myself ignoring him. This does not mean I do not think of him often or that I don't listen to his word, but I don't' have conversations with him as much as I should. God is the one person who will listen with a open heart, an open mind, and arms held wide open. He is not there to interrupt , judge or to make you feel guilty. All he wants is for us to love him and follow him. I ask everyone to start having more conversations with God. I promise you will find a peace somewhere in your heart. I know I have.

This year I am thankful for so many things that it would be hard to list, but I plan on talking to God and saying a big THANK YOU for helping me; For without him, I would be nothing.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone...

Babies Everywhere

I took this photograph when my sister was in labor with her second child, Clara. As you can see, my dad and my precious nephew Jack were both anxiously awaiting the birth of Clara!

It seems like babies are everywhere lately! Every time I go to the grocery store or out to eat, I am beginning to notice how many babies and pregnant moms there are in Birmingham. To me, there is nothing more special than seeing a pregnant mom hold her belly or smile at her husband. Most of you know this already, but I absolutely love everything about pregnancy-and NO I am not pregnant, and I have never been, but it is such a miracle from God. The whole process. When I hear of non-believers in regards to Jesus Christ, it amazes me and makes me think. Do people not understand how complicated, yet so simple at the same time the pregnancy process is? There are so many miracles that happen when you have a child. I cannot speak from my own personal experience, but I have friends and family that have witnessed to this miracle. It is so spectacular to me that when you are pregnant you have the opportunity to grow a human inside of you-not just any human-you're own precious child. A child that will look like you, talk like you, walk like you, and have bits and pieces of your personality.

This morning I had the chance to observe what I call "Newbee Parents" which means first time parents in my own language! I was in the waiting room for my check-up at my OB/GYN doctor when I couldn't help but watch the pregnant women pass through the doors. I was trying not to be nosey, but every time the door opened, I would look to see if that woman was pregnant. I would say 9 out of 10 were!!! I promise something must be in the air! I also play a little game in my head and try to guess when they're due. Most of the time I am right, but I can be caught off guard. This morning was particularly special for me. I witnessed two precious couples, or should I say their better halves, anxiously waiting in the room to be called back to see the miracle appear on the monitor. The first man rushed into the doors and frantically looked from side to side of the waiting room trying to find his wife. I heard him ask the receptionist where his wife was, and the man smiled and marched to the closest chair he could find and sat down. I noticed the anxiousness in his body through his hands and his feet. He was twiddling with his fingers and tapping his feet so hard that you couldn't help but notice. I knew exactly what he was waiting for-the moment of knowing if you are having a healthy boy or healthy girl. Putting his body language aside, you also couldn't help but stare at his smile. It was so cute to see a grown man, sitting there in this best suit, waiting to see his soon to be born child. I was praying that I would still be sitting in the waiting room when his wife came out to tell him the news, and I was! His wife, just as precious and about 4 months pregnant as she could be, looked at him and smiled. I saw some tears swell in her eyes as she said, "Hey baby! It's a boy!" This is when I had chills-here I am-a perfect stranger watching two people experience the miracle that God has given to parents. I couldn't help but stare.

The second experience was when I noticed a man that looked in his early to mid 30's laid back in a chair in the corner. His eyes were shut tight, and his mouth was wide open-he was dead asleep!!! I knew his story-2nd or 3rd child on the way, patiently waiting in the room for his wife to call him back, and too tired to be anxious because he was up all night with the little ones! Both of the scenarios were fun to see. It was so emotional to see. It was almost like a Hall Mark card or a movie-it was that real! I couldn't help but think of the time when Hunter and I get to experience this. I know we have a while to go, but it is so exciting to see other people experience this miracle!

"1, 2, 3....Cheese!!!"

I have finally decided that I am going forward with my idea to be a free lance photographer. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, and I have decided that now is the best time.  I am very excited about this so here it goes...

Yesterday I had a fun opportunity to shoot some photographs for one of my best friends, Stacy and her husband John for their Christmas cards.  They wanted me to take some pictures in the great outdoors because it truly captures their lifestyle...sweet and laid back. They brought their sweet dog Bailey with them, and they were such a fun couple to photograph.  The biggest stumbling block for taking pictures is not trying to force emotions or what I call "cheesy pics."  I like to snap as many pictures as possible even when people are noticing because these sometimes turn out to be the best ones.  Stacy and John were perfect first "clients!" We drove to a nearby private lake.  The weather was gorgeous and the leaves painted an awesome background for the pictures.  Stacy and John really liked their pictures which made me so happy.  

So I am new at this, still learning and interested in all kinds of photography subjects: single portraits, children, couples, families, pets, homes, etc.  My next project is for my best friend Elise and her sweet husband Clayton.  Get ready for some new pics! For those of you who follow my blog, please spread the word that I would love to take pictures for the upcoming holidays.  I have had quite a few people contact me to take their Christmas card picture, and I would love to do it for more people.  Here are some pictures from yesterday...I hope you enjoy!

"My Michael....Michael Buble'"

I have a celebrity crush-yeh that's right.  I'm not afraid to admit it. Michael Buble' is awesome! I am just now being able to talk about my devastating findings through our sweet neighbor.  Michael Buble' came to Birmingham in concert, and I had NO IDEA!!! Don't ask me why, but I took it personally.  I buy every song the man makes, listen to his music daily, and he has inspired my interest in jazzy music.  I couldn't understand why I wasn't the first to know-how stupid! My neighbor planned on taking his girlfriend, now fiance ;-), to the concert and propose during the song "Home."  I literally leaped out of my chair in excitement for him-how cool is that? Seeing sexy Buble' sing and then receive a diamond ring? That's pretty good in my opinion.  He ended up doing it on a random night instead because the ring was burning a hole in his pocket (he refused to admit that this would happen).  Regardless, he got to go the concert with his fiance and some of their friends.  I was SOOOOOO jealous.  I don't think I have ever been that jealous.  It was too late to buy tickets, and I was crushed.  Poor Hunter had to listen to my complaining and begging to make a miracle so I could see Michael.  I think everyone knows how this story ends, especially since I am just NOW being able to talk about it.  I know he will be back, and when he is I will have the best seats EVER!!! Look out girls.....Michael is my man (not really-Hunter is my man ;-) but there is nothing wrong with a little celebrity crush? To all my blog friends who do you have a celeb crush on?!

Here is a great video.....

http://michaelbuble.com/lostvideo

#1 and football weekends

I have been meaning to post this for a while now, so here it is! Before I go into it, I want to tell ya'll a funny story. I was walking through Wal-Mart the other day, and I ran into a friend. Her mother who is 93 yeards old was standing beside her the entire time we were talking. My friend Ann said that her mother couldn't hear very well and that everyday she is getting worse. Ann asked me if I was excited about Alabama being #1. Of course I am!!!! We only suffered through 4 years of disappoint so I can't help, but be grateful that we are doing so well. Her mother turned to me and said, "You know Melissa. A lot of people say they want to live one more year to see how the election and the world will turn out. I could care less about who won the election. I'm here to see Alabama win the National Championship, and when we do I will die a happy old woman!" I laughed so hard because I could understand why she was thinking the way she was. Here is an elderly woman worrying about her finances, her retirement, what her kids will have to take care of when she dies, and she is darn sick of hearing about the election. All she wants is to see Alabama win their 13 National Championship. I smiled the whole time I was in Wal-Mart.

Back to what I was saying about football this year....When Hunter and I started out our football season we had the attitude to try to go to as many games as possible. Don't get me wrong because I love Alabama football, it's just the prep to go to a game. First we have to save the money to be able to buy tickets, then try to find tickets, find out what to wear, and walk around and deal with the drunk freshman, etc. So far we have only attended one game-AL vs. Tulane. We had a great time, but I felt so out of place! Everyone was so young and acting like they had no cares in the world! I miss that feeling. I remember being a freshman and the only thing I had to worry about was what I was going to wear to the game, who was going to be my date, and what party I would be going to. These days, I think what should we cook when we have people over, buy enough drinks and snacks to last all day, and clean my house. It's two separate worlds, but I like this one better. Although I do miss college, I have had a great football season right here in Birmingham. Here are some pictures from watching AL kick butt....

My Oh So Lazy Day Off

Hunter relaxing after a long day of decorating and cleaning

I was trying to be sarcastic about my title because what I "thought" was going to be a lazy day off was the complete opposite.  I had to work Sunday night at our Annual Dinner so he stayed home and finished painting our 2nd guest room.  I came home and was so pleased to know that I got out of having to paint-haha! I know that's bad, but I have had enough of painting walls to last me a long time.  I decided to take a personal day because Hunter had Monday and Veterans' Day off so I thought it would be nice to wind down and spend some fun time together.  Well, Hunter had other plans.  We worked from 8 am until 11 pm that day with small breaks organizing and cleaning our two rooms in the front of the house.  I am not going to lie-I am awful at organizing. Our house might be messy and things might be out of place, but it is completely sanitized! Hunter said he couldn't handle our house being messy one more day so I didn't want to fight it.  After all is said and done I am thrilled to have everything in it's right place.  My parents came over to help organize and place the furniture in the right places.  My mom should seriously quit her day job. She is awesome at knowing where everything needs to go. She had our linen closet completely organized in 5 minutes-NO LIE! Here are some pictures after our day at work in the home of course...

"Your Raise Me Up"

For those of you who know me well already know my everyday struggles with my overwhelming fear of death.  First of all I would like to call death by another name-passing.  I got to a point in my life where using the word dying or death was too much to hear so I have recently learned that by using the word passing it makes dying sound more of a peaceful passing where you are entering another world, a world we as mortals cannot understand while we are on Earth.  Thanks to our God we will be able to have Eternal Life-how cool is that? It is embarrassing to admit that I am just now understanding this new life in Heaven.  I went to Sunday School, I read passages in the Bible, but I never took the time to truly understand the meaning of Eternal Life-the life we all should hope for and yearn for.  Please do not get my wrong.  I am not okay with the idea of someone in my life or myself passing anytime soon, but I am finally doing what I should have been doing all along-creating a deep relationship with the Lord; for he is the one who will take care of all my anxieties and troubles when I have had enough.  

I had the opportunity to speak with someone on Sunday night.  A person who I have looked up to for years.  We were speaking on general terms when I felt God's prescence in the room.  I instantly started opening my heart to this woman.  With each word I said it felt like two people were listening and truly caring-Kathleen and God.  She asked me what I feared the most about the passing.  It was the easiest question to answer because I struggle with this everyday, "I cannot live without my parents, husband, friends, etc.  I know I cannot get through that when the day comes."  I truly felt this way, and part of me still does, but as I say this is a growing process for me.  She gave me what I call hard love.  She said how do you think I am here now? How are your grandparents, parents, friends, etc still here?  I was dumbfounded.  I felt selfish.  How could I be sitting there feeling sorry for myself when I still have both of my grandparents, two wonderful parents, wonderful in-laws, a great brother, and a great sister and brother-in-law, an amazing husband, unconditional friends, the list can go on and on and on.  She said, "Stop trying to worry about tomorrow.  Focus on today and how you would like to live your life.  Be happy and give your troubles to the Lord because he is a big man, and he can handle anything."  She then gave me a great analogy for me to come to peace with passing.....

"When a woman is pregnant she has a precious baby, a baby that is warm, has unconditional love and support, has the nutrients he/she needs without having to look for it, the view that they are in a bubble where nothing can happen to them because their mother is keeping them safe and anxiety is not present.  When the baby is born what happens??? The baby screams, the lights are bright, doctors are poking and pressing on the baby making the baby uncomfortable, and the mother is tired from labor.  Then the child grows and grows and one day he will have his time of passing where the Lord will take him peacefully to a place of pure joy where the streets are golden and everyone is happy and content where they are-like the baby is content in the stomach of their mother.  You see there are three passages in life: conception, birth, and death.  Do not feel sorry for the people who are with God-trust me they are not jealous of you.  If anything they wish you could feel the warmth of God and the peaceful place they now live in-Heaven." 

It was as if someone opened my eyes for the first time.  I understood that I was the one ruining my joy that I have on Earth by worrying on the "what if" instead of God will be there; therefore do not fret.  Tears were streaming down my face like a child who is understanding something difficult for the first time.  Why couldn't I realize this on my own? Why did I have to be selfish and think I could do this on my own when God is always present no matter what I do.  I do feel at peace with the idea of passing, but this does not mean my journey with this issue is over.  I am just now starting so I ask that those of you reading this will continue to pray for my peace with God and his home....our home....Heaven.  In return I will pray tonight for those of you who are going through a death of a family member or friend because the power of prayer is wonderful.

Music

I was thinking today while I was on my way to work.  I think I might have a music obsession. When I get ready in the morning I can't help but wait for the time to get in my car-now that sounds bad, but it's nothing to do with wanting to leave my sweet husband and puppy-it's about my music.  I am completely obsessed with keeping current music downloaded, and I drive people crazy when they ride with me in the car.  I have a 6 disc CD changer in my Honda, and the poor thing might break soon.  This morning I decided I would go from cd to cd finding the best music. The problem with this is sometimes I swerve off the road trying to find a certain song that I know I downloaded, but I can't seem to remember which cd it's on.  The biggest problem and the most annoying thing to most people (Hunter) is the volume.  I simply have to have the radio on volume 24-at least! That to me is the best part-you can't miss the beat, the words, and concentrating on a fun song helps you forget your stress and troubles.  So here is a list of my new favorite songs that I listen to everday day: (Maybe I can inspire people to try these songs ;-)

1) "You're My Sunday" Jessica Simpson

2) "I'll Be Your Boyfriend" New Kids On The Block (crazy I know, but it's awesome)

3) "Bring the Rain" Mercy Me-it brings me down to reality

4)  "Lovebug" Jonas Brothers-such a happy, youthful song

5) "Addicted" Saving Abel

6) "God Must Really Love Me" Craig Morgan

7) "Before the Throne of God Above" Selah

8) "Piece of Me" Britney Spears

9) "The Life" Kenny Chesney

10) "Just A Dream" Carrie Underwood

Enjoy!

Count Your Blessings

It's 11:44 p.m. on a Sunday night, and I am not asleep-weird I know!!! Hunter has been asleep since 10:00, and I am downloading music, cleaning the house, and thinking about all the great things God has provided Hunter and me.  I have what I like to call "A Blessing Journal."  I used to write in this journal every night before I went to sleep, but lately I have been reading Beth Moore's book "Breaking Free." It started me thinking on what the title is trying to reveal to us as humans living out our daily lives.  It seems easier than it sounds.  With every chapter I learn something new about how God is trying to enter our hearts, while we are trying to be the ones in control.  We, mortals, may not realize it, but we guard our hearts from happiness even when it is staring you in the face.  Wow! What a sentence....we guard our own happiness from entering our hearts.  Please do not get me wrong-a lot of people are great at letting God's love in their heart, but I am just starting my long and happy journey of "pouring praise" in my heart.  In the past year I have had wonderful things happen to me, things that should have put me on my knees and praise Jesus for his everlasting love for me and my husband.  So far this year I am ashamed to say I have only been put on my knees once, and I recognize this as not ignoring God, just barely getting by on small prayer.  In the past couple months my faith in God has become huge by the power of prayer and counting my numerous blessings: becoming an Aunt again to a wonderful, perfect baby Clara, I was married to my best friend and married by my wonderful grandfather who has one of the biggest hearts for the Lord, Hunter and I have purchased a beautiful home and we have not been without, and most importantly we have the presence of our families helping us through our journey of wedded bliss.  I know Hunter would agree with me that we have it made. We may not have the biggest home or drive the nicest cars or even have the ability to purchase happy items whenever we choose, but we are never without. God has continued to provide wonderful things for us, things we do not deserve.  We were in church this morning and the sermon was based on Romans chapter 5.  It was as if God was speaking directly to Hunter and me.  I couldn't help but think how blessed Hunter and I are.  God is great. So in closing I will list my blessings for the day, and I encourage everyone to take a moment to list your blessings...it is the purest form of flattery from our savior Jesus Christ.

1) I have an amazing husband that is loving and kind.  Today we celebrated our 3 month anniversary of being married. He is my best friend.

2) I have wonderful in-laws and parents. Their love is faithful and unconditional.

3) I am in good health.

4) I have a safe, warm home to come home to at the end of the day.

5) My friends-the ones that stand beside me through the trials and tribulations when they always have the choice to walk away, but never do.

6) God...for without him, I would be nothing. 

"Baby It's Cold Outside"

This is what I would look like if I was a dog-miserable and hating the stupid ice and yellow coat-haha! In all seriousness, I am not afraid to admit the fact that I despise cold weather! I love the changing of the seasons, the leaves changing colors, the pretty flowers popping up in the spring, etc. but I cannot handle being cold. I always think of what the most miserable thing would be-being stuck in the middle of nowhere and literally feel like you are freezing to death. It hit me hard this week when I headed to my car each morning. Four words for you bloggers "I have been spoiled!" I am so used to having a nice, warm garage to park my car inside. I have never had to worry about my car being hot or cold. It was always a great room temperature. Whew! I learned the hard way this week when the temperatures were in the low 30's on my way to work. I literally saw my breath in my car-that has never happened to me! I always thought that only happened in the movies. My poor husband is really in for it. Let's just say it's a good thing we leveled our heating/cooling bill so I won't kill us with the heat being on all the time!

I have really tried hard to start focusing on the good things that can come out of undesirable situations. Let's use my hatred of being cold:

1) I can wear cute accessories-scarves, jackets, gloves, etc.

2)We can use our fireplace!

3)I will have a good excuse to drink hot chocolate all the time

4)It means Hunter will have to get used to more snuggling because the man is always warm whereas my hands and feet are always ice cold

5)Getting a trip to Highlands, NC where being cold means beautiful

6)Eating great warm food-soups and chilli

6)and finally-being cold outside means Christmas!

"Whoop Whoop!"

Are you kidding me? At this point I was ticked beyond belief!

So I have a doctor's appointment yesterday morning at 10:30. Knowing it would be a short drive, or should I say thinking, I left giving myself 15 minutes to make it on time. There is nothing I hate more than arriving tardy to anything-especially a first appointment with a doctor you have been waiting a whole month to see. I left work and followed Yahoo Maps-we will call this mistake #1. I let my better judgement fail me, and I used this map and directions to take me everywhere but my destination. I was literally driving in circles, looking at street signs, frantically changing the radio (which probably wasn't helping), and I finally gave up. I called the office and of course I got the "We are unable to answer the phone right now due to assisting other patients, blah blah blah..." I then made mistake #2-I continued to drive in the direction I felt was right-wrong again! The sweet lady from the office finally called me back to talk to me. She gave me what sounded like simple directions. I thought I could easily do it myself without having to stay on the phone with her-mistake#3. I hung up the phone and drove down the wrong road. I decided to do another loop around Birmingham and I made the biggest mistake of all-#4 which in my mind was not a mistake. I drove up 11th Court South, and I could see construction workers guiding traffic. As they were directing me around the mess, a Birmingham police officer turned on his lights and did that sound you always fear-the "Whoop Whoop!" sound. To embarrass me even more he decided to use his loud speaker to say, "Back your Honda down the hill. You cannot drive pass the construction!" I was HORRIFIED!!! I rolled my window down and yelled back, "Sir, I hate to be a pain, but I cannot back down the hill. You see I never really grasped the...." He then interrupted me with yelling, "Like I said, BACK DOWN THE HILL RIGHT NOW!" At this point I knew he didn't care why I couldn't back down. I thought well there is no need to prove this based on being pissed, I would prove it based on my original repsonse to him-I simply CANNOT back out of driveways, parking spaces, and most of all backwards down a curvy road that sits on a steep hill. I thought I was going to lose it. My car was fish tailing as if I were intoxicated at the wheel. I never perform well under pressure while backing up, but having a police officer flashing his lights and screaming at me, sure as heck didn't help at this point. Once I get to the bottom of the hill, he yells, "Howdy Ma'm! I ain't never seen someone back out so awful!" Now the jerk is mocking me and making fun of me. I look him right in the eyes and say, "Sir I need to get to a doctor's appointment that I was supposed to be at 20 minutes ago. Thanks to you I am going to be 30 minutes late." It was probably not the best thing to say, but I was pissed! He laughed and said, "Well then, what's stopping you?" Enough said-my facial expression said it all. If looks could kill, he'd be what I'd like to call-road kill.

I couldn't help but feel disappointed and humiliated. Disappointed you ask? I've never been given a speeding ticket, never been given a warning, and NEVER been pulled over. I know this sounds weird, but I always thought the first time I would get pulled over I would deserve it-like speeding, not coming to a complete stop, etc. not for driving up a hill with construction. The only good thing that came out of it was technically I still haven't been pulled over... "Yanked down the bottom of the hill is more like it!"

Date Night

Date Night-sounds so teeny bopper like, but I love the term. My sweet husband wanted to have a quality night together without family or friends (even though we love you all very much), but mostly without distraction. We have been so busy with work, and duties after work that we have not made enough time for each other. Hunter stressed the importance of our alone time, and I am honoring him tonight! We are going to see "Fireproof" which I hear is great-especially for newlyweds, and then we are going to dinner. At first I thought he was being silly-why should we feel like we never see each other? We go to sleep next to each other every night and wake up right next to each other, but Hunter is right. Just because you are married it doesn't mean you truly spend quality time together on a daily basis. We have been married for almost 3 months now, and we are in a routine. Come home, cook, watch tv, and go to bed. I'm excited for Hunter and I to have some quiet alone time tonight! This time won't last long because we are having friends over to watch the football game tomorrow night-ROLL TIDE ROLLLLL!!!!!!

"Do all dogs go to Heaven?"

For all the pet lovers out there in the blog world, this might be of interest to you. Some of you probably ask this question a lot. I know I do. I think about seeing my family pets, seeing my friend's pets, and other pets who have been an important part in my life. There are some pets I'm sure I would not like to see in Heaven-is that bad?! I will never forget this mean old dog at the end of my street growing up. He would pull me to the ground with my pony tail or bun (yeh that's right, a hair bun), and drag me around the yard while he tore clumps of hair off of my head. It sounds awful, and to be honest it was. This didn't keep me from loving animals-I still kept loving dogs and animals of most kinds, but I will never forget Linzee (that was her name).

On the way home from Montgomery on Sunday night, I asked Hunter if he thought we would see Susie again one day. Instead of looking at me like I was crazy he simply tilted his head to the side, like Susie when she is thinking hard, and said, "Of course babe. All dogs go to Heaven!" I couldn't help but laugh. He said didn't you ever see that movie? I of course did see the movie, but that didn't answer my question. I want to know if I will see Angel, my childhood cockapoo, Lilly, our mut from the pound, and our dogs we still have now in Heaven. People always say that Heaven is the best place on Earth, and everything in Heaven is more glorious than anything on Earth could possibly be. After reading "90 Minutes In Heaven" I was slightly upset. He never mentioned seeing an animal or pet for that matter. Did he simply not see one because he was overcome with family members or did he realize that pets were not there and he did not want to hurt the people left on Earth with the sad information. Hunter assured me that he believes 100% that we will always see our pets. He said it like a kid which made it even more cute-"God created us just like he created animals. He knows that animals are family and family goes to Heaven." As much as I wanted to agree with him, I still worry. Does anyone else feel this way? Am I crazy?

I actually came across this website that explained this to me in Biblical terms. The following scriptures are to encourage you to believe that there are in fact pets in Heaven...

"At some future time, Christ will bring about a time of peace where all animals and man will be in harmony." (Isaiah 11:1-9)

"God’s covenant with Noah included both people and animals." (Genesis 9:9-11)

Swanky Savannah

Savannah was our birthday destination. It was more than I expected! I stepped out of the car, put one foot on the pavement, and I fell in love.  It was beautiful.  The colors of the trees, the moss in the trees, the sound of horse feet clicking on the brick roads, and the sound of a cool breeze coming from the river and Tybee Island.  It was a great trip that I will always remember.  Savannah will always hold a special place in my heart.  It was our first "married" trip, and it was even better because we got to spend it with my sweet in-laws.  Dedee and Stuart are so much fun to be with.  Every time I go somewhere with them, it's an adventure-always fun! The highlight of our trip was the food. We ate at Mrs. Wilkes-by far the best food I have ever put in my mouth.  We waited in line for over an hour, but everyone reassured us it was well worth the wait.  You sit at a large table with other families and friends, and you pass the food to your right.  It felt like Thanksgiving with new friends.  I am never one to meet a stranger, so needless to say I kept the conversation going.  Here  is a small picture-it doesn't even cover 1/4 of the table. Yummmmmm

We spent the whole weekend shopping, taking carriage tours, scary ghost tours, and general sight seeing.  I had my camera in my hand at all times because I was snapping pictures every time I turned around.  Hunter was very patient and only complained once about the amount of pictures I was taking.  No one gets in the way of my photos! Here are some pictures from the weekend, but I will call them memories...Enjoy!

Secret Trip and 6 Zany things

Tomorrow, October 17, is Hunter's 25th birthday. I have planned a surprise birthday trip for him now for over 2 months. Hunter's parents are also going with us on our surprise destination. Hunter is the only one who does not know where we are headed. This is HUGE for me because for those of you reading who know me very well, know I can NOT keep what I call "happy secrets!" Gavin, my brother-in-law, realized early on that I was not one to tell good secrets to because I get too excited. One Christmas he told me he was getting my sister a diamond and pearl ring. He made me promise not to slip his news to anyone-especially Janelle. I was so excited that I could hardly stand it. Janelle knew this, and all she did was ask one time and it was over. From that point on my family usually keeps these "happy secrets" hidden from me because they know I may spoil them. It's kind of sad, but I have learned to accept it! But this time--I have done a great job hiding it! The only clues or details I have given Hunter for this weekend are...

1) We are going out of town

2) Pack walking shoes

3) You will be able to watch the Alabama game (in Bryant Denny or on television)

4) We are leaving very early (5 am) in the morning on Friday, October 17

5) He needs one nice outfit to wear

6) He will not need a sweatshirt or fall clothes to keep himself warm

So needless to say he is confused, but I'm keeping it that way! Tonight I will unveil the big trip at his family birthday dinner in Montgomery. I'll update my blog on Monday for everyone to see how our trip goes! I'm interested to see what everyone thinks it is....if you read this today, please guess where you think we are going. For those of you who already know....don't say a word!!!!!!!!!!

Hunter's 24th birthday!

Now for the 6 Zany things about me

1) I apply lipstick and lip gloss almost every hour unless I am sleeping of course

2) I sometimes like to listen to sad music so I will cry and release tension or anxiety

3) I love driving someone else's car and pretending it's mine-weird I know!!!! It's especially fun when it's a fast, cool car!

4) It is hard for me to wear tennis shoes because I have to have my shoes laces perfect with each bunny ear on his own side-a little OCD I know!

5) I always pick at Hunter's eyes because he always seems to have an eyelash in the corner or tear stains (is that what they are called?) It drives him crazy!

6) I will open a full soft drink or a water bottle with the full intention just to take a couple sips and then let it sit for a while. This also drives my husband crazy!

What are you zany about?

Happy Birthday Dad & Happy Birthday Natalie???!!

This past weekend Hunter and I celebrated one official birthday-my dad's and one unofficial birthday-Natalies' birthday! It was such a great weekend. I got to leave work a little early on Friday which always makes such a big difference in the kick-off to a great weekend. Friday night we celebrated my dad's birthday. As tradition would have it, we had great food, dad used the "I'm Special Today" plate, and we video taped the singing. This really was an exceptional birthday. I haven't asked my dad how he felt about this particular birthday, but to me this one was different. Having two grandkids, a new son-in-law, and a healthy family you simply cannot complain. Life is good. Me being the papparazzi that I am took a lot of pictures. My dad's big birthday surprise was a portrait of his baby-Gigi, our family pet. He adores the ground she walks on-literally! When he opened the package I saw tears swell in his eyes, and there were few tears in the room. It may seem weird to non dog lovers, but pets are family to us Boehms haha! Here are a couple pictures from his birthday celebration...

Our second half to a great weekend was Saturday. I got to spend the day with Janelle and Hunter's cousin Laura. We went to lunch at O'Carrs-yummy! I love their fruit plates. I then came home, and I took a nice, afternoon nap. Saturday night we met Kyle and Natalie for dinner at Iguana Grill and had drinks at Wined Down in Patton Creek afterwards. For those of you who have not eaten at Iguana Grill, you have to! It's authentic mexican food. It's located in a Spanish shopping market off of Lorna Road. While we were eating out of NOWHERE, four waiters and band members starting yelling and singing "Happy Birthday" to Natalie. They even put a sombrero on her head. Needless to say we all looked confused and tried our best to explain that it was not her birthday. They got the wrong girl! I literally laughed so hard I thought I was going to be sick. Here are some cute pics from dinner...