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According to Plan

Sunday, August 18, 2013

I wonder if anything has ever gone according to plan. The way we envision that plan in our minds is always a little bit off from how it actually pans out. I suppose that's just life. There are hiccups and there are bumps, and they always seem to show up at the most inconvenient moments. It has been said that during life's little mishaps, wonderful things can happen. When one plan fails, it is opening the door to countless other opportunities to fill its space. It all depends on how you decide to view the situation. In my experiences, I have learned that you can figure out a lot about the nature of a person by their reactions. Especially, their reactions to unfortunate circumstances.

Thinking about the way my life has played out, I realized that nothing happened the way I thought it would. I had planned to study journalism, only to switch during my final years. I had planned on moving to a big city to figure life out, instead I moved into tiny home in an even tinier town with the one person who made life make sense. I thought I had accomplished my scholastic goals, only to start thinking about grad school. Nothing ever has went according to plan, and I can only thank God for that.

Turns out, that major life plans aren't the only things that can get off track. Anything can get off track. Even what is supposed to a fun and simple weekend getaway. That's what happened to us last week as we headed out for our annual Lake Powell trip. The first few days weren't quite what we expected. The weather was going to be in the upper 90s everyday {it wasn't}, the boats were going to take us on long cruises throughout the day {they didn't} and the calm nights were to be spent around a fire with a drink in hand {not quite}.

I began to think that our retreat was going to be one unfortunate event after another. However, just as easily as things fall apart, they can come back together. We were fortunate enough to catch a few rays of sunshine in between the storms and to experience a couple of eventful boat rides. There was still laughter and smiles and of course a few drinks. Our trip wasn't what we were expecting, but it was definitely memorable.
Not exactly the way I envisioned our first night at Powell. Wyet is digging trenches around our tent in prepartion for the storm.
Hiding out in our tent while the wind and rain approach. Ironically enough, I spent this time reading Life of Pi {a story about a boy who is stranded on the ocean}, and I felt a little stranded myself.
As quickly as the storm approached, it passed, and we spent a few fun hours on the Lake.
Soaking up some sun with this babe
Wyet taking us for a little cruise around our camp.
Two little people in one little raft.
Words cannot explain this picture. Priceless.
Wyet and Jed- they are more like brothers than anything else.


Our turn for a tube ride!

Jeri and I enjoying the sun that finally came out.

Happiness Is

Friday, August 16, 2013


In a world filled with so much beauty and happiness, I certainly still find a lot to complain about. Not that complaining is all that bad {sometimes, it’s down right necessary}, but I have been known to go overboard on the negativity.

Today, rather than complaining about all of the things I dislike or go on about what’s not going my way, I have decided to do just the opposite. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all of the wonderful things around me, and to let you all in on what I love the most about right now. It's the small things like this, that I never want to forget.
Lazy days spent in bed watching Grey's Anatomy with the puppies {using every pillow of course}.
The only thing better than walking into a bookstore, is leaving with a new book in hand.
My love for coffee is only matched by my love for weekend mornings enjoying an entire pot with Wyet. Oh, and this cup.
These three. They each have their own bed but, just like all sweet souls, they would rather spend sleepy moments together.
 You can never go wrong with Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, or any film from the 60s. To top it off, this was a surprise gift from my mama who knows me better than most.
Whether it be a lunch date, coffee date or a simple text message- any interaction with this lady will put a smile on my face.

Fresh flowers on the countertop = instant gratification.
I have a love for all things miniature and homegrown. It just so happens that Wy grew this himself in our own little garden.
Waking up for work to notes stuck on the bathroom mirror. I'm convinced there is no better way to start your day.

Craftin'

Saturday, August 3, 2013

There are always those mornings when we wake up and can think of a dozen things we would rather do than go to work. Sometimes, we get lucky and actually want to be where we are forced to be. This happened to me a couple of weeks ago.

I work for a company that specializes in my most favorite past-time. Scrapbooking! {I'm not joking when I say I'm an old lady at heart.} Every six months, there are tradeshows which bring together all the best in the business to display their products and creativity. I have had the opportunity to attend two of these shows since I began working for American Crafts, and I have to admit, each one has been just what I needed.

These tradeshows help me to remember that I too am a creative person. I have a creative outlet, and I am lucky enough to have an incredible life that drives me to express it. I am a firm believer in that we need to live this life to its fullest capacity. {Why squander such a gift?} Better than just experiencing our moments, we need to remember them. By documenting the ins and outs of my daily life, I am giving myself {and family} the gift of memories. There is nothing better than opening up an old photo album and being instantly taken back to that very day.

I scrapbook because I want to remember everything. I want to share my memories with anybody that's willing to look at them. Life is beautiful and ugly and crazy and boring all at the same time. That's what makes it perfect. I want to remember these moments just as they are. Perfect.

This little space in our home is my sanctuary.
Feeling inspired, I wanted to document some of my most precious memories. This is my very supportive grandpa and I at my graduation. {2012}
Another memory that will always have a special place in my heart- spending time with my best friend on the most important day of her life. {Clearly, this page is still a work in progress.}
I need to finish this little book I started years ago! This book is filled with pictures of Wyet and I during 2011- this year will always be special to me because it's the year everything in our relationship {finally} fell back in place.

 
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