Updates~ my relationship

Considering my last post, and how long ago it was, I know that some of you are probably wondering how I'm doing, if I fell off the edge of the earth, or something like that. You may also be wondering about how my relationship is going. I apologize for not posting in so long, but between me being busy, and my boyfriend being busy, and trying to adapt my schedule to work around his so I have free time when he does, life has been even more hectic than usual. I could try to tell you everything that happened, day to day, but I'm not sure I have enough time for that unfortunately. So I'll give you a brief synopsis, and pictures that tell the story better than I do instead. ;) 

I was frantic trying to get all those wedding pictures edited before Kenny graduated from college, because they wouldn't tell me when they were coming, but I knew it had to be sometime after his graduation. I got my pictures completed the day before the graduation. Sadly, I didn't get to go to it, but I was now anticipating whenever Kenny and his family would be coming to Louisiana. 

The following week we scrubbed our house from top to bottom. Everything anyone said was carefully analyzed by me, looking for a clue to when they would arrive. The weekend came and went, and they still hadn't showed up. I think if they wouldn't have shown up when they did, I may've been in danger of having a heart attack lol. 

a picture of Kenny and the rental car they used to get here and back.

That Monday, I noticed that my mom was acting strangely, watching the street and looking out the windows. That, and a few other things, tipped me off that they were coming that day. Needless to say, I was ready the whole day, never ceasing from looking out one window or another. I didn't get much accomplished. At about 5pm, they drove up to our house. I watched Kenny get out of the car, my heart pounding. I waited for him to knock, but those moments it took for him to do so seemed so unbearably long. My dad says he heard me run down the hall, although I wasn't even aware that I had run. Kenny knocked, I opened the door, and Kenny, his dad, his brother, and my dad were all standing there in a semi-circle. Kenny yelled surprise in my face, so they still got the stunned look they wanted, lol. I'm sorry to say, that we didn't take a picture that first night, we were both so excited, and I think still in shock that this was actually happening, and we were really seeing each other face to face for the first time. I'll admit, that I'm extra sad that I didn't get a picture, because Kenny wore a red plaid western shirt, jeans, and boots, because he knows I love that look. Still can't believe I didn't get a picture! Haha. 

Tuesday

 

our first picture together

  

Tuesday they came to our house that morning, talked a little while, then went outside to play toss the football and catch with a softball. I had fixed my hair that morning, but between the mud, humidity, sweat, and exercise, my hair did not look too good by the time this picture was taken lol. This is what happens when you court a guy who loves sports. ;) We had a lot of fun that day though, between playing catch, card games, and cooking dinner together. That night we had church since Christmas Eve was the next day, and my dad preached. Kenny and I got to sit together, and he got to meet some of my church family. 

Wednesday

 Christmas Eve morning after breakfast, Kenny tried to teach Mark and me P'knuckle (not sure how to spell it, lol). I don't think I ever did understand it. Soon, Kenny and I got to cook our Christmas Eve lunch, the biggest meal my family usually prepares for Christmas. We made gumbo, potato salad, and monkey bread. We had also gotten some pies for dessert. It was interesting to see how differently we worked in the kitchen, although I think we complimented each others talents a good bit. We bantered and sparred, having lots of

fun as we worked. The man can cook AND wash dishes!!! Doesn't he sound like a keeper? ;P 

a pic Kenny's dad took of us

 After lunch, we opened gifts. I don't have any pictures of all of that downloaded, but I can show you Kenny's gift to me, and my gift to him. 

apparently, this was the face I made when I opened my gift lol

 Kenny drew this picture of me, using the picture that he first saw of me. I think he did an amazing job creating it's likeness. He's so incredibly talented in so many ways. :)

                                         And then, he got to open my Christmas gift to him. :D

tee shirts that say, "this girl loves her boyfriend" for me, and "this man loves his girlfriend" for Kenny. We both love our shirts. :D 

We mostly relaxed for the rest of the day, watching movies, talking, going on a short walk, and playing Bible trivia that night while snacking on leftovers whenever someone was hungry. It was so much fun to play, talk, and just be together. :) And that game of Bible trivia got pretty competitive. ;) 

 We also changed our relationship status that night at 11pm. It was so much fun to see everyone's comments and finally be able to talk about our relationship and post pictures. :) 

Thursday 

Christmas morning we had a large breakfast, then headed to my Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house for the day to be with all the extended family. It was lots of fun to introduce Kenny and his dad and brother to everyone. I also got to meet my newest cousin, this adoable little baby named Miles. Can I just say that a man holding a baby is so attractive? ;) 

We ate tons of food, opened gifts, and hung out together. I also got to introduce Kenny to what's becoming the family mascot, my cousin's bearded dragon, Hydra.

I'm one of those odd girls that loves reptiles, so Hydra and I are old friends. Isn't he neat? :) 

Before we left, Kenny and I got to sit on the swing in the corner of the backyard and talk. It was calm and peaceful, and so amazing just to be talking face to face and being in each others presence. I didn't want it to end. 

Thankfully, my mom captured the moment, and took some pictures of us that turned out to be my favorites. 

The second picture is both of our favorite. :) 

We went home and hung out some more, while some people took naps. Kenny and I sat on the couch together, mostly silent, as we cherished the last few hours together. They left at 3am the next morning, so we knew that night that we had to say goodbye, at least for now. We went to the church and popped some fireworks that Kenny's brother had bought. I tried to take pictures, keeping behind Kenny as they went off, trying to stay warm in the cold night air. After they finally got to meet and talk to my pastor (no other time had worked out the whole week), and talking some more, we said goodbye. In just a few short days, I not only had gotten so attached to my love Kenny, but also to his gentle giant little brother, and his dad that I can't wait to be my amazing father-in-law someday. It felt like our families had already joined and become one. As my dad said, he no longer feels like he's losing his daughter, but that he's gaining a son-in-law. 

So now, even though it's been hard and we miss each other, we still talk and text every day. We continue to skype often, and work towards preparing for our future through Bible studies together, getting set goals accomplished, and becoming stable financially. We both have a ways to go, but every step is important, and I'm trying to enjoy and cherish each new phase and accomplished goal. 

So, that's my story of Christmas week! It was my most amazing Christmas thus far, and I look forward to the bright future ahead. If any of you have any questions about me, Kenny, our relationship, or courtship, please feel free to ask. I'd be happy to answer your questions, and try to do so to the best of my ability. :)

Shopping Finds~ Catching up

Hi ya'll! 

I've been getting in some really good shopping lately. 

Wanna see? 

Everything above came from Cato. I didn't list the prices, because some I really don't want to remember what I paid for them. ;) I was so excited to get the maxi skirts, and can see them getting a lot of use. They were $12 each, which wasn't bad prices for maxis. I didn't go to Cato looking for graphic tees, but I fell in love with these. I've been wanting something axtec print for a while, and the first tee was my favorite of the ones I found. I love the colors and the thin, soft material. The LOVE tee is so versatile, and I've already styled it a few different ways. I've been wanting an Eiffel Tower tee for a long time. But when I saw both of these, and tried them on, I couldn't decide which to get, so I ended up getting both. I love the look of French words, but if I can't understand what it says, I won't buy it. Thankfully, I knew what this one says, except for one word, but I know at least what the shirt is talking about. The jewelry was all in the $2 and $3 range. I finally have a white bubble necklace! I'm not sure if you can see the silver necklace that well, but it has a beach theme of shells and starfish. It's really cute. :) Then, I got the yellow set for my new maxi, since I don't have any yellow in my wardrobe. 

Then, I found this adorable jean skirt at Goodwill for $4! I don't normally like pleats, but this skirt looks straight down, and is super easy to walk in. And it fits like it was made for me. Perfect length and width. :) I also found a hardback Hardy Boys book, a three-in-one for $.99! 

Last Sunday, one of the ladies at the church we're helping walked up to me with a Walmart bag and put it in my hand saying it was a gift. When I opened it, I found a top I had complimented her on the week before! I guess I better be careful with the compliments. ;) Just kidding, I really do like it, I just never intended for her to give it to me. 

The colors and pattern are so pretty. :) 

I love the graphic tee and statement necklace style. I can't wait to try it with my new tees! 

In other news, last week I helped at the revival I told ya'll about. I really enjoyed working with the kids again, and just had a lot of fun the whole week, even though I was kept really busy. ;) 

The week before I was able to hang out with this fabulous lady for a Sunday afternoon. We had fun running errands, eating at Wendy's, and browsing at Goodwill before heading back to church for choir practice. It was so fun to sing alto again, even if just for a day. :) 

Oh and I finally did it! I wore stripes with floral! And I really liked the results. :) 

So besides that, I've been reading, homeschooling and editing pictures, celebrating my sister and brother's birthday's at Chuck E Cheese, and next week I'm going to Megan's house for a sleepover! I can't wait! 

So what's your summer been like? 

P. S. <3 <3 I can't wait for Autumn!!!! <3 <3

Has it really been two months?

First off, Happy Fourth of July! 

To say life has been crazy would be an understatement. I don't even know how I would begin to cover just the events of the last two months, but I'll try. ;) 

First off, we finished helping the church in Abbeville, and began to help a church in Houma, which is about 2 and a half hours away. Before in Abbeville, we were able to stay home and drive there for services, but since Houma is much farther away, we stay the whole weekend there. Which, honestly, is awesome for our family. We enjoy camping out in churches in our sleeping bags, working with the pastor and his family and hanging out together. It's so fun. Since we've been there, Bro. Barry has kept us busy with music and helping around the church. It has been such an experience to get the little tidbits of knowledge from him, especially in the area of piano. My piano skills have escalated in just the past couple of weeks. He's given me ideas and techniques to try which have led to some of my own discoveries. And now he's letting me learn how to play his auto harp! I never saw one before we went over there, but he said anyone can play an auto harp. I practiced and played with it so much last week that I got blisters on my thumb. 

This is what they look like.

Besides all that, I've been helping my little sister with her school, which has turned into a full morning job. I enjoy working with her, and the experience I'm getting. :) 

Then, two weeks ago, I went to Camp Liberty.

Me and Meg on the way to camp. 

Camp name tags and mementos.

This was my 8th year at this camp, and my fourth year as camp photographer. As always it was an awesome experience, but it came with a few hard challenges for me. Worst of all, my camera stopped working the Wednesday morning, right in the middle of camp. I used other people's cameras for the rest of the week, but I was heartsick for my poor camera. I believe that God knows what's best, and I have confidence that He will provide a way, hopefully to either provide the money to get my camera fixed, or for a new one. It's been such a huge part of my life over the past four years that it was almost like losing a friend. I ask that ya'll keep me in your prayers about this. Not only do I catch little bits of my life and my family's life, it's the main piece of my livelihood as a photographer, and a tool I've used for our ministry and to be a help to others. I know that God will handle it, and probably in ways I never would've thought of. :)

So there is other stuff going on, but they're going to be so detailed that it's going to take two more posts, one for each subject. And considering I can't seem to trust myself to have the time to write another post later, I guess they'll just be back to back. I have really missed you guys, and I hope to not be gone so long again.

Love ya'll! 

Current life happenings

This is my background on my phone at the moment. I've just fallen in love with the color yellow lately! It's so sweet and cheery. 

Speaking of, remember when I said a while back that I was looking for the perfect yellow item to add to my wardrobe? Well, today I found it! 

Isn't it lovely? 

I of course had to try it on and practice styling it when I got home.

Not really sure why my face is so red in this pic, must be the lighting. 

I've had this skirt for a long time. I tried a little pattern mixing with the flowers and stripes. I think I like it. :) 

Then, I had to see the $5 bubble necklaces in a myriad of beautiful colors. Grr. Oh well, I love my new navy bubble, and it's the first piece of navy jewelry I've ever owned. I'm wearing it to my friend's wedding.

I like this outfit for the wedding much better than the one I had chosen before. 

Then, since I was in an outfit trying mood, this is my outfit for Sunday. 

Both shirt and skirt were $2 each at Walmart! My mom found them and thought they looked like my style. :) 

So what has this girl been up to? 

Taking two mile walks nearly daily for the past two weeks, studying for and teaching Sunday School, playing games on my phone (yes, I'm guilty of getting into racing games lately, thanks to my lil bro), Bible College, and spending time with family. It's been fun, crazy, and needless to say, busy as I prepare for my first flight ever and shooting my friend's wedding in less than two weeks. 

Have a happy week! :) 

My life lately

I've noticed that since I got my iPhone that I take pictures pretty much daily just like I used to. I mean, I love my SLR, but it usually seems like too much hassle to pull out to take pictures of everyday, and I'm usually afraid to go just anywhere with it, because I'm afraid of it getting broken or stolen. But since my phone is always with me, and it takes really great pictures (for a phone), I'm once again enjoying capturing the little things of life. So here are some glimpses into my life through iPhone pictures.

Me and my friend Carolyn at her bridal shower last Tuesday. I so wish I could make it to her wedding, but it'll be all the way in Pennsylvania! *sighs*

My post on Facebook the day before Valentine's. I truly had a great day too with my siblings. :)

My yummy breakfast for Valentine's included coffee with marshmallows, biscuits and honey with a fried egg. Mm-mm! 

This was while we were trying to play a board game. Matthew climbed on Mark's shoulders all by himself. Here's Mark trying to look mad. ;) 

mint sweatshirt, bubble necklace-both $3 at Cato, mint hoop earrings-part of a set at Charming Charlie's, pink undershirt-given to me, jean skirt-$3 at a thrift store in Florida, nude flats- $20? at Payless. 

teal tee, royal blue undershirt, flip flops, and polka dot scarf - all from Walmart for $2 each, hair flower and initial necklace- gifts from friends, jean skirt- $3 from thrift store, earrings- $2 from Goodwill. 

scarf- given to me, from Cato, bracelet- made by me, earrings- part of a set from Charming Charlie's.

peach shirt- gift, $5 from Walmart, jean skirt- $5 from Goodwill, mint undershirt (not shown) - $2 from Walmart.

blue tee, black crop jacket- at Cato (long time ago?? Not sure of the prices), skirt- $6 from Clothes Mentor, a thrift shop, zebra necklace- made by me.

Another great thing about my iPhone is how much easier it is to take outfit pics and upload them so I can use them on here or on Modern Modesty. I know, I almost sound like I could do an advertisement for Apple! ;)

This was the weather we had today. Yes, you have permission to be jealous. ;) I was so excited to see the warmer temps again that I pulled out my short sleeve tee and flip flops to go grocery shopping ( I was wearing the outfit with the polka dot scarf today.) 

And this amazing stuff is what I'm going to be attempting to make tomorrow morning. Praying that it comes out ok and I don't waste anything. 

What have you been up to?