Heaven is for Real

I believe I failed to mention that this past July, for my birthday, I was given a Kindle. I LOVE it! I finally downloaded a book that several people have suggested to me since January. It is called Heaven is for Real. I'm almost done with the book, but I have to say that it's truly amazing! If ever any doubt with life after death, then this is a must-read for you! Of course it's probably somewhat bias because it was written by a pastor, but still worth the read. I've suggested it to many people. The story brought me to tears several times and almost felt unreal. I had to remind myself that it was a true story based on facts from a preacher and his son. I can't express enough how powerful this book is and that everyone should be reading it!

Vacay-shee-oonnn

My summer was extremely busy, but lucky I was able to unwind a little with a four night-five day stay in Florida before fall semester started. I just got back into town this past Sunday night, and I am SUPER tan! My husband and I went down with a few friends, and some of our family and family friends met up with us later in the week.

The place we normally stay is always great, but this time we took a stroll down the highway towards Ft. Walton and checked out a new resort called Emerald Grand. This place is beyond awesome! Everything you need is right there within walking distance. They have shopping, restaurants, water-sports, bars and live concerts. The entire area is called Harbor Walk. I recommend it to anyone looking to stay on the Gulf Coast. We also enjoy going to Howl at the Moon, which is a dueling piano bar. It may sound boring, but I promise it is very worth the visit. They light the piano tops on fire and duel for tip money. It's located over the bridge in Ft. Walton next to a night club called the Swamp.

A few restaurants the we frequent while in Destin are Capt Dave's and Pompano Joe's. These two places are great for seafood lovers. We tried out Bubba Gump Shrimp (yes, solely based on the movie) and even though my food was great, the rest of my party had terrible food. The prices were expensive for the small portions they serve, and the staff weren't very friendly. I don't particularly recommend this place.
Anyway, here's some pictures from our trip!

(If you hadn't noticed, I LOVE pictures!)

My friend Anna and me riding to dinner.

The hubby and me enjoying a drink before the free concert.

Baby Shower

As promised, here are some pictures of my sister's baby shower. I decided to go with the monkey theme because it's my sister's favorite, and she's decorating the nursery to match! We had such a great time at the shower and saw so many old friends. The food was amazing and the amount of gifts received were overwhelming! I definitely cannot wait to meet my nephew, Wiley. He should be gracing us with his presence in about 7-8 weeks.

The diaper cake I made. It turned out so cute!

Monkey theme all the way!!

We added lots of tropical plants to make the room feel like a jungle.

Me and my beautiful sister!

Catch Up

I know I haven't posted a new blog since May, so it's time to play a little catch up. I've had a lot going on this summer! I started a few online summer classes, and they've kept me so busy! I also turned 26 in July and had a nice quiet dinner with a few close friends, then another dinner with my family. My sister flew in from California to visit during my birthday week. We had an amazing baby shower for her *pics will be up later. I didn't realize how much I missed her until she was leaving again. We both broke down crying and hugged each other, said goodbye and she was gone. I will see her soon though...and hopefully my new nephew!

Today is my last date of summer class, and I head to Florida next week for a much needed vacation. Once again, I'll be visiting Destin, which is my second home! I love it there and it is by far my favorite place to kick back and relax. If you couldn't tell, I'm really looking forward to getting there asap! When I get back, however, I start fall classes. I'm signed up for 18 credits again. What was I thinking!? I am keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well this semester and the goal is to graduate in May 2012. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Well I have lots more to say, so I'll post more about my summer in a day or so!

Oh Paris!

Here's a picture from our girls night out at the Funky Paintbrush. Even though our paintings didn't turn out as good as we hoped, we still had a blast! Little city of Woodstock is really making their town sqaure a great place to hang out.

Mommy's Day!

Yesterday, we celebrated the once-a-year holiday known as Mother's Day. I've gotten a lot closer with my mom over the past five months so I wanted to make her day special! I wanted her to know that even though we haven't always gotten along (typical mother daughter stuff) that I appreciate her more now than I ever have. She is my support system and gives me the strength to achieve any goal.

In order to make this day extremely special, I had to get her away from the stress in her life. I spent the entire day with her; just me and her. We went to a nice brunch, then I took her shopping, and we finished out day with facials. It was amazing and the perfect way to say "I love you, mom". I couldn't picture a better day!

Painting Class - Sips N Swirls

There's a new fad going around, and I've latched on! This place was called Sips N Strokes, but recently changed the name to Sips N Swirls. It's a painting class...not just a painting class, but one where you can bring food, drinks, wine, whatever you want! There's a teacher on the stage showing you a step-by-step process on how to paint a complete picture.

You can look on the company's online calendar and choose which painting you want to attempt! It makes for a really fun girls night, and in fact, I am going again next Tuesday to the Funky Paintbrush (which is another company, but exactly like this one). Here's a picture of our latest painting.

This is my friend Anna, whom I've know since the sixth grade, and my friend Nicole, whom I've know since kindergarten.

New Inductees

On April 14, 2011, my friend Lauren and I were inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society. This was a very proud day in our lives because we work very hard at maintaining good grades and a high GPA.  Our moms showed up to the event, and we all had a blast!

Here's some pictures from our fun day.

Pooja, the girl in the blue dress, came out to show support. What a great friend!

Before the ceremony

 Just me!

After receiveing our awards!

Cinco de Mayo

Wishing a happy Cinco de Mayo to everyone! While I think this day is celebrated more by Americans as an excuse to drink heavily, I must still say I hope everyone enjoys their day! I went to a Mexican restaurant for lunch and will also be enjoying the tasty food for dinner. Stay safe people; no drinking and driving!

Update on Osama Bin Laden

So, I blogged somewhat late last night from my phone and only had little details on what happened in Pakistan. Today, Americans found out that Osama Bin Laden's body was given a quick burial at sea after locating him in a mansion in Islamabad. He was given the choice to surrender. When he did not, a single gun shot to the head ended his life. There is a lot of speculation going around about whether our U.S. troops really killed this leader of terrorism, since most do not trust our government leaders. I think the American people want proof, but in keeping with the Islamic tradition, Bin Laden was buried within 24 hours of his death.

The hype over President Obama capturing and killing Bin Laden is likely a ploy to get election votes in 2012. It was a collaborative effort by many that took almost 10 years to complete. Obama signed off on giving the go-ahead for this mission. The military service men and women who risk their lives every day are who we should be thanking. We should also be thanking God.

Let us not forget the mission to end terrorism. Let us not forget that Bin Laden was just one mortal human who was followed by many. Let's hope for the future that we are not victims of retaliation by his group.

God Bless America! United We Stand!



"Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Breaking News for America!!

Since the attacks to the United States on September 11, 2011, we have been searching for justice. Tonight, thanks to our heroic military, we can now say Osama Bin Laden is dead. Thank you to our service men and women! You are beyond awesome! President Obama is about to address our glorious nation! United we stand! God bless our country!!!! What a great day in history!

Westboro don't want to mess with Georgians!

A threat last Friday, April 15, from the Westboro Baptist church had the public rallying together for one good cause.

20 year-old soldier, Gary Lee Nelson III, lost his life doing what he loved best-defending this great country we call America. However, activists from the Westboro Baptist Church, who are known for protesting funerals of fallen soldiers, wrote on their website that they would be attending the funeral and picketing out in the streets. The funeral was held in Woodstock, GA - my hometown. I was shocked to hear that the Westboro protestors made it to Georgia all the way from Kansas. Citizens of the Woodstock community were asked to show support and block the streets from these activists. The outpouring of people was overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. It shows just what Gary Lee Nelson fought for and proves his life was not taken in vain.

I don’t think the Phelps family, of the Westboro Baptist Church, expected over 1,000 people to line the streets to show their respect for the fall soldier and keep the Phelps’ away. Westboro never actually showed up; but with the flood of angry Georgians, it was best that they stayed away. It’s the soldiers like Gary that fight for our freedom of speech and give the Westboro activists the right to protest when and where they want. Show some respect Westboro, and let these families grieve in peace. If this was your family, you’d expect the same.

I would also like to add a sidenote: WBC travels the country constantly because they obviously don't have anything better to do.

Canton road block for soldier Gary Lee Neslon III



Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

I've got something weighing on my heart today. Today, I mourn for Japan after it was struck with an 8.9 magnitude earthquake late last week. It was the fifth largest earthquake in the world since 1900. The damage is beyond devastating and the people of Japan are now dealing with what lies ahead.

They can only wait, at this point, to see what will happen to them and their loved ones. Many people died and many are still missing. It is unfortunate that Japan and it's people were not prepared for the aftershocks and tsunami following the massive earthquake. With the death toll possibly climbing to over 10,000, we can only pray for these people and keep hope that we look ahead to a brighter future.

Photo from google

KH

A Georgia White Christmas

Just thought everyone would like to see what snow in Georgia looks like!! We had a great Christmas when the snow began falling mid-afternoon!

Hope you enjoy.

Frienemies?

So here we are in a new year...2011. What a good year this should be. However....

A fairly new concept in the world is this "Frienemies" word.

I never thought I would have to use it, but recent events might force me to. The concept behind the word is "best friends" that truly are enemies. From my understanding, they are best friends to each other's faces, but behind their backs they talk trash about the other person. I hope my understanding is correct!?

This seems so childish and petty for women in this century. We are supposed to stand behind each other and empower one another. I credit myself for typically getting along well with people due to my easy-going personality. So this is where I don't understand all the women that revolve their lives around gossip and backstabbing.

I have [had] a group of friends that I was extremely close to. This group of friends includes my sister-in-law, who I went to high school with. We've never had luck "sharing" friends for some reason. I love her like my own sister, but we also fight like sisters, or cats and dogs. Her and I are pretty close though; even more so since she gave birth to my nephew last June.

Anyway; we share friends, for the most part. What I don't understand is when we hang out with each other, the other women talk about the people that aren't around. Why is this? Why do we do this women? It infuriates me! Now I will admit, I've gotten caught up in the typical "gossip" before, but I would never want to speak ill of someone I consider my friend.

Recently, I've heard this more often in this group of so-called friends. I try to look past it and make sure I keep quiet, but it's gotten harder not to get defensive for the person who is not around, ya know, stick up for them a bit - especially when it's my sister-in-law.

So I've decided that it's not necessary for these kind of people in my life. While they think that's a good way to live life, being frienemies, I insist that I must move on to bigger and better things. It saddens me to think these people who I loved and considered family will no longer be a part of my life, but I also have to question what they say about me when I'm not around.

The good thing that will come out of this is I will no longer have to worry about stealing any friends from my sister-in-law, and I feel I've matured a bit from these situations. If she wants friends like that, then by all means, take 'em. Until they can move past these actions, I must distance myself. Plus, I've got too much to focus on at school to include myself in their drama parties.

Any input on this? Any women as upset and disgusted by this as much as I am?