Spring vaca in the mountains!!!

I have been meaning to post this for a while and today seemed like the perfect day to do it because I soooo badly wish I was on vacation. I am so pumped Dedee and Stuart, they are my in-laws in case everyone doesn't know, are taking Hunter and I on a spring trip to two places I have had on my list to visit for quite a while. The first place we are going is Highlands, North Carolina! My friend/coworker has a house in the Highlands and has been talking about how beautiful the town is. My sister also went on a trip last year, and she came home saying it was one of the most peaceful and beautiful places she has ever been. Bring on the peacefulness please! The second place we are visiting is the Biltmore Estate. This place looks amazing! I have recently acquired a taste for wine so that will come in handy for the winery tour! I am so excited, and I am soooo ready for spring! Is that bad that I already wish it were spring? I hate to rush my life away or however people say it, but I just don't like this time of year. Everything is slow, everyone seems to have a cold that never wants to go away, all the plants and trees look pitiful, and it is so cold (except for today of course-YAY)!!! I will definitely blog in March after we go on our vacation with lots of pictures!

Baby Talk

I am so excited to announce that one of my best friends is pregnant!!!!! I have been waiting for this day to come for one of my friends to have a baby, and I am so excited for Candace and Brad. They are going to have the most beautiful baby in the world! It's so weird when you just know something...yesterday Candace called me in the morning, and I didn't have time to answer because I was running around the house trying to get ready to go out to shop with my mother-in-law and her best friend Katie. I saw that I had a text from her saying I needed to call her asap. Right then I knew it! I knew she was preggers or at least I hope that's what it was! We played a little phone tag, but I finally got in touch with her while I was waiting in line at Panera. The poor lady waiting to take my order probably wanted to yell at me because I screamed in excitement and started crying because I was so happy for her! It's even more funny because the same story happened when she told me she was engaged (except we were in person), but I still screamed loud enough for everyone in the parking lot at the mall to stare at us! I can't wait to be "Aunt Mel" and see the blessings that are coming into their life! Yay!!!

Signs

Everyday I pass by a church in my neighborhood that is so small and tucked back in the corner of a parking lot. I don't think I would have ever noticed it, if the big sign wasn't displayed on the main road. Every day I slow down and check the sign to see what the message is. Sometimes the message remains the same for about a week, and others it changes every couple days. My mind is always heavy when I pass by the church. Every time I pass by, I am usually worrying about something, stressed, anxious, excited, nervous, etc. you name it, and the sign never lets me down. I was driving home from work the other day when I was feeling a little down. I was not happy with something that happened at work, and I was holding on to it when I should have just let it go. I saw the sign, and the sign told me exactly what I needed to do: "Be nice, and nice will come back to you." It's such a simple phrase, but means so much. It's so easy to be mean back or to act ugly when someone is not treating you like you should be treated, but to be nice anyway is so important. You never know what someone is going through behind closed doors or what someone is struggling with that day. I have really been trying to act on this phrase, and although I may slip up, I am always reminded when I drive by the church.

Wii Fit...whatever

This past weekend was amazing having three days off instead of two.  I really enjoyed having extra time to rest, play and visit with friends.  Speaking of friends, I met my sweet friend Louise for lunch on Saturday.  I missed her so much! It's sad when you live in the same city and rarely get to see your friends because our "grown-up" lives are too busy! After lunch Louise said, "Why don't we go to my mom's house and play Wii Fit?" I was like sure why not...how hard could Wii Fit possibly be? It's just a game.  I continued to think this the whole time she was playing, even though it did look kinda hard.  When it was my turn she said in order to track me every time I played, I would need Wii to create a profile for me.  I still thought ok what the heck go ahead.  Little did I know what I was in for.  According to Louise this scale looking thing was going to scan my body and tell me my BMI, my posture, balance, how much weight I should lose, give me exercises, and my own personal trainer! At this point I wanted to jump off the dang thing.  I was in awe of what a little game as I thought before could tell me what I need to be doing with my diet and exercise. 

When setting up my profile I got to make my character look just like me. That part was fun! I gave it blonde hair, green eyes, long eyelashes, a cute purple top (Louise said "Of course when I chose it!") and black work out pants.  As soon as I thought we were done with the profile it started making a noise and my BMI popped right on the screen.  I screamed and looked around as if people were staring at it.  It was quite funny if you were there! I was like get that dang thing off the screen.  I declined wanting to know my weight.  The worst part of all  is when it was done "scanning" or whatever that means, it said announcing my body age-44.  I nearly had a heart attack! Not only did it say my Wii Fit age was 44, it made my cute little figure on my profile go from having a tiny waist and skinny legs to a doughnut version! Good thing I have some self confidence because if I hadn't I would have kicked that dang thing across the room, and then found myself standing in line at Target buying Louise's mom another Wii.  Other than the initial shock of this little machine, it was a lot of fun to play.  I got to do some Yoga, attempt to snow ski, aerobics, and my favorite calorie busting of all-hula hoop! I must say its fun to do with a friend because you look so dang silly while you're playing.  At one point during the hula hoop, I looked at my reflection in the windows of her mom's house and nearly fell off laughing at how silly I looked desperately trying to do 300 hulas as fast as I could! Let's just say I got my 30 minute work out with the Wii, and I'm not embarrassed to say it kicked my butt!

People look at me weird...

Have you ever said something that you thought was completely normal and had someone look at you like you are completely off your rocker? I was eating lunch with some friends the other day, and I made a comment that made everyone go "Ewwww how could that be....what is wrong with you?!" I laughed of course, but I thought it was normal. I know you're dying to know what it might be, especially because it sounds dramatic, but all I said was, "I don't care for the beach." You would think I just shouted out an awful word or said something completely ridiculous! I laughed really hard because I thought how could this be a big deal? Apparently the beach is a big deal! It's funny how something you think is completely normal, is not normal to someone else. I dislike the beach for a lot of reasons, but mainly because it's too touristy. My idea of a vacation is to go somewhere different and do different things that I couldn't normally do in Birmingham. I know we don't have a beach in Birmingham, but we can still go to the pool and lay out. I just never got into laying out all day, going to eat at touristy beach restaurants, and going to the put-put places. I can't stand getting my feet dirty, and even though sand is not dirty, it is like nails on a chalk board when I walk through dry sand. I also hate the ocean because there are too many unknowns. I don't feel comfortable putting my feet in anything when I can't see the bottom. Don't get me wrong completely though, I love the noise of the ocean, the smells of the water in the early morning, and the sunrises and sunsets. Maybe my real reason goes to seeing Jaws, but I've never been one to be frolicking in the ocean. If you do ever see me wading in the ocean, call for help because I'm being held captive! Is there something you dislike that make people go, "Ooohhhhhh that's interesting!???"

"My baby is turning 24.....what?"

                                                                

On Tuesday I celebrated my 25th birthday, and it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had.  I will say that with every year, your birthday or at least my birthday, seems to be less and less important.  I don't mean to be "Debbie Downer" at all, but you have to admit that having a birthday in your mid 20's is not as fun as it was when you turned 16 or even 21.  With each year there is a milestone you reach, and so far I have reached a lot of important ones-my 15th birthday-getting my permit, 16-getting my license, 18-becoming an adult (in society that is), being able to vote, 21-drinking, you get the picture.  This year was so weird on my birthday.  It didn't feel like my birthday. I literally forgot it was my birthday until Hunter presented me with a sweet birthday card while I was getting ready for work.  I fully expected for it to be just another day, but as the day went on my sweet family and friends made sure it was not.  My dad left me a sweet birthday message saying that he couldn't believe his baby was turning 24.  When I heard 24 I couldn't help but laugh! I literally fell out of my chair, but it's ok...I'm ok with people thinking I'm 24!

I am so thankful for a sweet family.  On my actual birthday my sister and brother-in-law had me over for dinner.  It was such a nice, home cooked meal! My brother-in-law, Gavin, bought me a sweet cake, and my sister made homemade smores-yumm!!! It was such a cool birthday to share with everyone.  I now have my sweet husband, a new family, and my niece and nephew are getting so big! Jack was adorable! He helped me open my presents, and he loved helping me blow out my candles! Clara is getting so big, and she continues to become more beautiful with every day she grows older.  She will definitely be a great shopping buddy for her Aunt Missy someday!  On Saturday night, I was very blessed to be able to celebrate my birthday again! My parents had Dedee and Stuart, Hunter and myself, and Brent for another yummy dinner.  To top the night off, my sweet daddy bought me a COOKIE CAKE! It was so good, and it was everything I had been craving for a whole year.  My dad said when he went to pick it up the lady at the counter asked if he was celebrating his little girl's birthday (as in a little girl)!! He was shocked that someone would ask him that because he doesn't exactly look like he would have a baby, but he didn't argue. He said,"Well yes, it is for my baby girl."  I thought that was so cute, and it made me realize how much I will always feel like his baby girl! We had a great night of laughing, celebrating, and relaxing with family (minus my sister and brother-in-law which we all missed very much)!

Take a look!

Hey friends--

Please check out my new blog for my photography business...

melissaecholsphotography.blogspot.com

I will update my photography blog as often as possible so I can keep everyone updated on my work.I hope you like what you see! Please let me know if you or anyone of your family or friends might be interested in my photography services.  I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope that everyone finds their purpose driven life...cheesy I know, but I had to say it!

New Years, New Fun

New Years was so much fun this year! Hunter and I headed to our friend's condo with a great view to start out the night.  We did some much needed celebration for April and Jeff's engagement! They have been dating for over 5 years, and they got engaged on December 30.  They were so excited!!! We then headed to dinner with Kyle and Natalie and Jeff and April at Ruth's Chris.  The food was amazing, and well worth our wait of 45 minutes (yes we had reservations)! We got a nice round of free drinks from having to wait so we didn't complain too much! 

After dinner we headed back to the condo for more fun.  We watched the ball drop, had some much needed girl talk while the guys hung out, and finally went to sleep around 3:30 a.m.  I seriously can't tell the last time I went to bed that late! We all felt like we were about to collapse we were so tired.  I really felt like we were getting old.  A couple years ago I wouldn't have thought twice about staying up that late, but these days we have a lot of obligations now! Even though everyone was feeling tired the next day, I think I can say for all of us that we wouldn't have changed anything! It's worth it to stay up that late every once in a while with friends!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Christmas came and went in our household, and it was everything I dreamed of.  Our first Christmas was very special.  I was so excited to be able to decorate our home with our Christmas decorations which compiled of new, old, and borrowed. Both of our parents graciously helped Hunter and me make our home beautiful for the holidays.  Over the course of our dating I bought numerous ornaments, unique wrapping paper, and basically anything that I felt would make our home special for the holidays.  My favorite time of the day was in the late afternoons when I would cruise into our driveway and see our little "love shack" decorated with garland, trees, and wreaths that were graciously given to us by my sweet mother-in-law.  I would run in the house in a race to turn on our Christmas tree lights.  Sometimes I would find myself sitting in front of our tree just looking at our ornaments.  Our tree was a mixture of memories this year.  The ornaments ranged from our childhood craft ornaments, our first Christmas as a baby, and all the way up to our new ones we bought along the way of dating, being engaged, and being married.  Our tree was not spectacular and it would never make it as a Martha Stewart tree, but it was unique and special to us.  Next year I will definitely do different things to our tree, but with this being our first Christmas I wanted it to be simple and sweet!

Christmas was wonderful this year.  Combining of the families makes Hunter and I so happy.  We would come home from family events and talk about how blessed we are to have such great families and friends.  We spent our traditional early Christmas party at Nannies (Hunter's grandmother), spent Christmas Eve with my immediate family, and Christmas day with Hunter's family or should I say our family now ;-) Here are some pictures from the holidays...I'm sad to say Christmas is gone, but on to another chapter in our lives-a new year with new opportunities.

5 things I wish I could have...

I was listening to 96.5 the other morning on my commute to work, and I heard a little boy on the radio listing things he wish he could have for Christmas...things he knew he couldn't really have due to current situations and simply the reality of it all. It got me thinking...What are some things I have also wanted, but are silly things? Things that I know that are too late to get or are not available anymore. Here is an interesting and mind boggling list I encourage other bloggers to do...

1) A little sister-I have always wanted a younger sibling, but a sister more than a brother. I have always wanted to experience the leadership or what I always say "looking up to you" phrase. I have such a nurture bug in me, I feel like I would be a great older sister. Too late now-mom...please don't get any ideas haha jk of course!!!

2) Red hair-It's so beautiful and shiny. It's the one hair color that is truly unique because it comes in all different shades-Auburn, deep red, blonde red, etc.....When I was a little girl I would try on red wigs and imagine myself with beautiful, long, red hair. I know my obsession came from Judy Garland (one of my favorite actresses) and Ann from Ann of Green Gables. I know I could potentially have this, but I would look out of place-yes that's what I would call it-out of place. People wouldn't recognize me.

3) a birth mark-I don't have a birth mark-well not that I know of at least. My parents have said all my life that my birth mark must be hidden somewhere: on my head covered up by all my hair, hidden among my freckles, etc. I know this is definitely something I can't change. If I was to have a birth mark I would like it to be on my stomach...weird that I think of these things, but that's me!

4) birthday in March-I don't know why this is always something I have wanted, but I just love the month of March. All of the pretty flowers are in bloom, the air is starting to turn springy, and everyone is gearing up for the celebration of Jesus's rebirth. I also wanted to have one in March because that's when my two very important women in my life celebrate their birthdays-my mom and mother-in-law!


5) the talent to sing-Singing is such a great gift from God. I won't say that I can't sing, but I wouldn't be standing in line waiting to sing on a stage somewhere in New York! I think I'm pretty good while I'm singing in the car or in the shower, but I think most people think that...right???

"Live from the Radio City Music Hall presents...the Rockettes!"

                                                                    

This time last year Hunter and I had the trip of a lifetime to New York City thanks to my sweet in-laws. All four of us packed our bags and flew to NYC the week before Christmas. It was the most fabulous vacation I have ever had. Growing up in the south, speaking about New York was like talking about Europe-so cool and trendy. I never knew when I would have the opportunity to go, so when last year Dedee asked if Hunter and I would be interested I did NOT hesitate! I fell completely in love with New York. I had a lot of people tell me, "Melissa you being so anxious and claustrophobic, there's no way you will be able to enjoy yourself." I laughed in those faces once I got there. I will admit that I was anxious about the trip. I hate to fly, I figured I would feel out of place with all of the hustle and bustle of a big city. I was very wrong! As soon as my southern feet hit the pavement I knew this would be a city I would love.  New York is such a neat place-swanky restaurants, boutiques, endless souvenirs ( the kind you say you would never buy, but do), the exquisite shopping, the excitement of the big city, the attractions, etc. I could go on forever! 

There are a lot of special meanings, or should I say memories that I can take with  me from our trip to New York City, but one of my favorite moments was going to the Radio City Music Hall to see the Roxiettes or what they are now called, the Rockettes.  As soon as the door opened I was like a child in a candy shop for the first time.  I imagined what this place would look like in my head for months, and I was right.  The bustling of the people to rush in to see the show, the smell of popcorn and peppermints, the lights shining so bright that it was hard not to stare, and the old fashioned feel of the theater.  I sometimes like to imagine myself living in a different time period.  I would see myself wearing my mink coat with my handsome husband on my arm, dashing across the street into the theater.  The cool thing is-this is truly what it was like.  Before the show starts, the big screen gives you a history of the Rockettes.  They explain what it was like way back then when they first opened.  Oh to be able to jump into a time machine and be a fly on the wall.  I would love to have seen this.  Needless to say, I was engulfed in the show.  I was amazed at how with each step of their many, many feet there were no mistakes.  Their legs were in unison, the costumes fit each girl to a tea, and even their hair stayed in the exact spot during the show.  To add even more to my amazement, I noticed that they sing live during their routines! In my world, this was a dream! I can't thank Dedee and Stuart enough for giving me this experience I will take with me forever! 

This past Saturday I had the ultimate holiday treat-my sister, mother-in-law, my sweet cousin through marriage-Laura, my mom, and I went to see the Rockettes at the BJCC.  I was worried that it wouldn't be as good as it was in New York, but to be honest I was not let down-not even a tiny bit.  The stage was set up beautifully, and the lights were just as bright.  The show even had more enhancements and new parts.  I literally felt like a kid once again.  I couldn't help but notice this precious little girl sitting in front of us.  My sister and I kept poking one another to look at her.  She had beautiful, curly, blonde hair and had her was dressed her best for the performance.  Every time the Rockettes came on stage to perform she would bounce in her seat and clap.  The funny part was that I was doing the exact same thing! I highly recommend that people take advantage of this show if they can....it's completely worth it!!! After the show we went to a nice dinner where we talked and shared memories.  I don't think the night could have been better.  

Rain, Rain, stay here....

Don't you just love the sound of rain pouring down? I sure do! It is by far the most calming thing for me to listen to.  Maybe that's why I love my sound machine so much-sorry Hunter, it's not going anywhere anytime soon! I hope everyone enjoys God's gift as much as I do-rain!!!!!

"Should old acquaintance be forgot and old time since...."

(I love this picture taken in London during a New Year's Party!)

It may seem like I'm skipping ahead with this blog, but I am not meaning to skip over Christmas. Christmas is by far my most favorite holiday, but I got to thinking this morning about my reasons for disliking New Years. I was talking on the phone last night with my best friend, and it got me thinking. We were talking about plans for New Years, and my automatic response was a big sigh and ughhh. Why do I despise New Years so much? Why do I avoid parties or celebrations? Most importantly, why does the holiday get on my nerves?! I don't know if bloggers in the world believe in signs or intuition, but I do. I was just typing a word into google, and the song"Auld Lang Syne" came up on the screen. I immediately starting singing it because I really do love this song-ironic you say?! It's weird to like a song about New Years and claim to dislike the holiday. In fact, my favorite version of this song is on the Sex & the City soundtrack. Click here if you would like to listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-iNefuaumY Without further rambling, the point of this post is to get my annoyances of New Years off my chest and answer some fun and interesting questions about New Years that I came across online.

New Years or New Habits?!

1) What is the most annoying part about New Years? I would defiantly say the pressure to be out at a fancy place, wearing 2009 party hats, dressing up, drinking too much, etc....It shouldn't be a pressured holiday.

2) What is your favorite part of New Years? The thought of starting over with a clean slate. Some years I take it more serious than others.

3) What is the most important decision you need to make this year? When it comes to my career path, I need to figure out what truly makes me happy and then go from there.

4) What habit would you most like to establish this year? Getting into a regular exercise routine

5) What book do you most want to read in the new year? Gosh-this is a hard one!!! I really want to read Traveling Light by Max Lucado

6) What's the most important trip you would like to make in the new year? If we are able to financially, I would love for Hunter and I to visit my family in California. I will say that I am looking very forward to going to Williamsburg, VA for Thanksgiving with my precious in-laws!

7) What is the best piece of advice you will take with you into the new year? "The grass may always be greener on the other side, but the water bill is higher."

8) In what area of your life do you most need change? Hunter and I need to be more faithful to the Lord by attending church more often.

9) What is the most important new item you want to buy this year? a new truck or SUV for my husband

10) What is one regret you have from this past year and how will you grow from it into the next year? It is so easy to list regrets, but the one that stands out the most is not marrying my husband earlier. I wasted so much time being afraid to date him because I knew he was the one for me-crazy huh? but I know you women can relate!

Alright friends, your turn!!!

Four Acres and 400 pictures

Well not really 400 pictures, but very close! I had the opportunity to take some pictures for Candace and Brad Daniel. They are one of our close couple friends, and my personal friend from college ;-) We had a great time at their home in Gordo, Alabama. For those of you who do not know, it is 20 miles north of Tuscaloosa. Hunter and I had such a fun drive to T-town where we met them for lunch. The atmosphere was so relaxing and nostalgic for us. Every restaurant or shopping place we drove by we would share stories of our college days! It was very sweet for us because that is where we met and led us to where we are now. I will always hold Tuscaloosa in a very special place in my heart-oh and Roll Tide!

After meeting them for lunch, we drove to their amazing home that sits on 4 acres of gorgeous rolling hills. I was amazed! I wanted to sell our home and move to the country!!! We spent the afternoon taking pictures in their backyard that seemed more like a farm because nature was at it's best on Sunday-beautiful leaves and natural sunlight everywhere. Here are some pictures I took...enjoy!!!

Turkey and Cake

This was Hunter and I's first official holiday together as a married couple.  It was so much fun doing the little things you do when you are married-picking out his clothes for our Christmas card pictures, packing the car, bringing food on your cute serving dishes that you are so anxious to use, etc.  I don't think Hunter thought much of it, him being a guy's guy, but he had fun anyway! He defiantly puts up with a lot from me.  Thanksgiving this year was great for so many reasons.  It's nice to have three families combined like one big happy family (don't judge please-I know this comment was cheesy).  It's just so nice and easy having families get along so well like we have known each other for years.  

Hunter's parents and his Nannie came for the big meal, and Janelle's sweet in-laws came to celebrate as well.  It was so nice to be together.  I of course took tons of pictures with my new camera and all.  We got three Christmas card pictures done:

Janelle, Gavin, Jack, Clara-check

my whole family with all the kids, in-laws, and grand kids-check

Hunter and I-check

Here are some pics....enjoy ;-)

The day after Thanksgiving we spent the afternoon at Uncle Kenny and Aunt Tootie's lake house where we celebrated their grandson's and Katie's child's 1st birthday.  Other than me feeling really sick the whole time, I had a great time. I loved visiting with his cousins and family, and the man of the hour-baby Jake! I was given another great opportunity to take some pictures.  This time was so much fun-so laid back, just snapping shots of babies-how fun is that?  The cake was so yummy too!!!

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!!!