Insta-ississppi!

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If you follow me and are from our great state of Mississippi, then you need to jump over to MS Women Bloggers today and find out what I'm introducing! 

And if you aren't signed up with us then NOW is the time!  It's free to join! 



Party People

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The past two weekends have held two very special birthdays, with two of my favorite girls!

First up, my mini-me turned 3! I can't believe it's already been three years since that little bundle of joy came into our lives.  I love getting to spend time with her and see her learn new things. For her birthday this year we did it on a smaller scale than the Minnie Mouse Party and the Dora Party.


For this birthday she wanted Max and Ruby, so that's what she got.  We had a simple day of playing in the pool and then jumping in the inflatable jumping castle.  Even I got in on that one and had a ball!



And so by far my biggest challenge yet for Jenna was making her birthday cake.


For this feat, I ordered a bunny cake pan from Wilton and baked two of those. And then for the body, I baked a cake in a 9X13 pan and cut it in half.  Then, in order for it to "fit" I had to trim some out of the "neck area" before icing it how I wanted.  As a guide, I simply Googled an image and did the best I could.


It isn't the best or prettiest creation, BUT it tasted good and I think it wasn't too bad for my first ever attempt at baking a cake for an occasion.  Success in my book.


Then this past weekend we had another birthday to celebrate, my mom.  She wanted to go to Lambert's to eat for her birthday, so some of us loaded up and took a mini road-trip.  It was such a fun day spending time with my family.




Once we got home, it was time for CAKE.  And I made this one too.  This one didn't turn out at all how it was supposed to look, but it was delicious so maybe that helps my case, ha!! 



Hope it's been a fantastic two birthday weekends for my two favorite girls!



A Give and Take.

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Marriage isn't easy.  I know that even before I say my "I Do's" but it isn't something to be scared of either.  I think in our day and time marriage is almost looked down upon and it's for sure a minority.  But I want to change that statisic, even if it is only for MY marriage.

I recently got asked by one of my customers if I was "ready" for the change.  Being that it came from an older MALE, it caught me off guard.  More times than not, it's a woman who inquires about personal things such as weddings or relationships.  I knew he had more to tell than just to ask me if I was ready so I answered him, "Yes. I am."  He then told me something that has stood out in my mind.  "It is what you make it. It's always a give and take."

Without going into too much detail, he and his wife haven't always seen eye to eye on life's challenges.  But in the recent years I think they have resolved a lot of the past and put it in their past.  I know a lot of prayers have been issued for the couple, and overcoming a hard marriage is a work for God, I believe.

This man told me to be sure and go into the marriage with no expectations that my husband can do every thing that I "expect."  Men are internally different than women and don't think to just do things around the house.  This whole conversation with this man was in my mind last night as Brian and I discussed home duties.  Brian confirmed just what the man was saying to me, don't expect.  Ask and let your partner help you, don't nag and frustrate your partner.

There will be many battles in Brian and I's life, I'm no stranger to that.  I've seen marraiges go through hardships over something that started small and built over time.  I don't want that to be Brian and I and I refuse to let the Devil win that one and come between us.  I try to always tell Brian my most honest thoughts, even when you doesn't want to hear them or doesn't agree with me.  It truly is okay to agree to disagree sometimes.  Brian and I have already figured that one out, and it works for us.

As those battles arise, we have to know which ones to pick and which ones to ask God to give us forgiveness to just let go, even if we strongly feel we are right.  In the end, God doesn't care who was "right" in arguments, He cares how you treated each other and looked to His word for strength.  I've already read a few marriage geared books, and downloaded several new devotionals to my Bible app to keep me in the right direction. 

My wedding day will be the happiest day of my life.  I want it to be perfect, like any other bride.  But my marriage outweighs my wedding.  I want my husband and I to have a strong, healthy, honest, dependable marriage that never lets the outside world creep in and try and destroy us.  Brian is my dream come true, and I will always be grateful to God for allowing this wonderful man to walk into my life.  I want Brian to know each and every day that he is loved beyond measure and has a wife that will stand beside him in good times AND bad.  Our lives will not always go as planned, but that's when you perk up and develop a new plan.

That's just where my heart is today..


Crunch Time

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52 Days until I'm Mrs. and my list is so long that I'm unsure if it will all get done.  But I have to keep remembering that it will all be okay in the end. 

August To Do List:
- Finish Registering at stores.
- Get all invitations out in the mail.
- All groomsmen need to be fitted.
- My dad's suit
- Pay Wedding Coordinator
- Finialize Flowers
- Brian's wedding band
- Pick up my wedding band from jeweler
- Something New
- Finalize Music Selections
- Finish DIY Decor
- New Bible
- Print Programs
- Make chalkboard signs
- In Memory Of.. table
- Decide send off

Who wants to come help? :)


Opening My Heart

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This has been such a whirlwind weekend that I haven't had time to work on blog posts from the weekend yet, but I do want to touch base and just tell a little something. 

Brian and I are beyond blessed.  Even though life is moving VERY fast and I feel like between the two of us and our families, we have a million places to be (sometimes with overlapping times) that we truly are in the best part of our lives right now.  We have so much support behind us as a couple and I still get butterflies when someone tells me how cute a couple we look together.

We have 54 days to go until we become Mr. & Mrs. and I honestly cannot think about sharing these exciting, busy, and emotional times with anyone other than Brian.  He truly is my best friend and my rock to lean on.  Over the course of this engagement he has seen me experience some highs and some lows and some very stressful moments.  He has been right by my side through it all.  I know I have a good man to depend on for the rest of my life.

This is just a simple thank you to Brian and to those in our lives right now. You are making such a difference, even if you don't feel like you are.  Many of you have continued to check on me, check on progress of the wedding, and offer your time to help make my dream day come true.  It honestly means the world to me and I need to take more time to relax and reflect on that instead of rushing to the next project.  At the end of the day I will be Mrs. White even if those last few projects are still sitting half-done somewhere. 

Yesterday was our first bridal shower and it just amazed me to see people wanting to do things for Brian and I.  All my life, I've been VERY independent and so to sit back and let someone throw a shower for us is kind of out of my comfort zone.  But as I was lying in bed last night, I just thought about how truly blessed we are.  God placed Brian and I so our paths would cross and I believe He has allowed us to be where we are now by giving praise to Him for all He does for us. I'm cherishing these next couple months.  This IS how true love and a true fairytale feels.

So, from the bottom of my heart- a big thank you. 


It's Coming...

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Happy Friday, my loves!  This has seemed like such a long week to me, anyone else?  Well, tomorrow is my baby girl's 3rd birthday.  For those of you new around here, not MY baby girl but my niece.  But take a look at a picture and you will know why most people think she is mine anyway. :)

I can't believe she is already turning 3.  It seems like just yesterday we were waiting on her to make her big arrival into this big world. Time sure does fly.  And I'm grateful that God allowed me to be this little gal's aunt. :)

So, in order to make this party special for Jenna, I took upon a task that I don't normally do.  I am making her birthday cakes (Yes, she is having two) by myself.  I might be crazy, and it might turn out horrible but either way I am trying it.

I can't wait to show ya'll my creation.  And yes, I'll show it even if it looks like a huge mess. :)

So, here's to a big happy third birthday celebration with my little mini-me!


Bake a cake

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I'm up to my eyeballs in wedding things.  Ladies, I have 59 days to go and I'm nowhere near where I should be at this point.  You would think with having an eleven month engagement that I wouldn't be sitting here stressing, but I am.

There are so many things I kept saying 'I'll do tomorrow" and guess what? Tomorrow never came. And now the clock is ticking (louder each day) and I'm thinking about the To Do list that I can't cross off without adding seven more things to.  Any fellow brides to be or newlyweds feeling this way? Advice?

And I shouldn't but I'm going on a rant.  I live in a small town.  There is no Hobby Lobby or anywhere even remotely like that.  I need a Hobby Lobby, like yesterday, or eleven months ago.  I don't have time to drive 45 minutes for ONE store.  But it's looking like that is about to happen next week.  End rant.



I sure hope Brian has the groomsmen covered because I've shoved them out of my mind, and list. (Sorry, guys!)

Does anyone want to come live in Mississippi, oh say, 55 days and help me out?  I will bake you a cake.


Back in the Groove..

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I feel like I should re-introduce myself since I went MIA for a couple of weeks.  For those of you who might be new around here, I'm sorry.  I try not to neglect my blog as much as I have, but lately life has just been one large whirlwind of events.  Ironically, that makes for some good blogging material, IF you can find time to blog.  That's where my issue has been.  However, I'm back and I'm going to try to balance this crazy life of mine out better.

Have I mentioned I'm getting married? Ha. Yes, I know I have.  But that's a huge part of where I've been lately.  When I do have the time to get online, it's usually being spent looking up how to make DIY decor or planning for my niece, Jenna, upcoming third birthday. By the way, I am taking a risk and going to try and attempt to make her birthday cake myself.  I bet you will want to stick around and see how this goes.  Maybe pray?!

So, let's see- My wedding "to do" list is getting longer instead of shorter, so be ready to start walking through some diy posts with me. I've got my hands on some mason jars, lots of burlap, lace, and twine so the party starts soon.  I wish some of my favorite blog ladies were closer.  I would cook you dinner to come help me with these things.  Also, have I mentioned I'm not crafty?

Brian has been heavy into softball the last few weeks.  That's been another reason for my absence. I mean I can't not go and support my man, so I've been traveling with him, sometimes, three times a week to games.  I love watching him get to do what he loves, and not to mention I've always had a love for baseball, so this is right up my alley.

Speaking of Brian, his church is throwing us a shower this weekend at his church.  For those of you who know the situation, know that is a big deal.  But we are thrilled and so thankful for those who want to do this for us.

And last, but certainly not least.  This past weekend was my bachelorette party in Nashville.  I went with 3 of my bridesmaids and had a great time getting out of the house and spending some much needed girl-time!  We had lot of giggles, girl talks, and memories.  I truly am blessed with some fabulous ladies in my life.









So that's where I've been lately, forgive me?  Stick around.. the next few weeks are going to be fun!

Peaking in.

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It's been a rough week so far...

I want to be back here... that's all.

Packed Full Weekend

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This was such a wonderful weekend full of many memories with those that I love the most. Although, I must say, I am worn out and ready for a break!  Life has just been super busy lately and with only 68 days left until the wedding, it won't be stopping anytime soon!

Friday after work I drove to my mom's house and set up our tables for a yard sale.  Now, ya'll know that I love going to some sales, but having one is a completely different story.  However, with Brian moving in and lots of re-arranging in the house coming up, it was needed.

Saturday went well.  I made a little money and got rid of things so it was a success to me.



After the sale, Brian and I went to his sister's house for a Mexican dinner with the family.   I love me some Mexican food and family time.

After some good conversation with everyone, Brian and I went on a double date with Ben and Lindsey to see Two Guns.  It was such a good movie and I'm glad we went, but let me add this- the late show isn't for me anymore.  Ha!

Sunday we went to see the boys annual Children's Choir program.  They did so great and it was so refreshing to see God working through those innocent children.  That's how great our God is. :)



Sad, yet Happy.

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A few months ago, Mississippi Women Bloggers was launched.  Since then we have tried to reach different angles of people's lives and get them involved.  After the website began, we have had a "routine" of days we go by regarding material that's posted.  Normally on Thursdays, we host a guest blogger.

((Be sure if you haven't submitted, or want to submit again- email us!))

Yesterday, the other ladies and I swapped gears a little an we hosted the first ever "Getting To Know You link-up".  First of all, thank you to those ladies who participated.  And if you still want to add your post, the linky is still open.  We would love to get to know YOU better.

I know I speak for myself and the other ladies who are working behind the scenes on this community, that seeing you wonderful ladies from all walks of life participate is exactly where we want this blogging community headed.  We love the encouragement we see, the advice, and not to mention the YUMMY recipes.  By the way, today McCall has a divine looking recipe for Chocolate Chip Banaana Bread that's sure to make your tummy growl. 

With all that said, I want to address something that is very sad. I had quite a few comments over the last couple weeks that I have not been able to respond to due to it being a No-Reply Blogger.  If you have been commenting on my blog and never heard back from me, this is you.  I do my best to respond to every single comment I receive, but some of you I've been heartbroken to find that I simply can't. 

I wanted you to be able to fix the problem, so I am sharing this link today that shows some easy steps.  It might not even hurt to check and make sure you're not reverted back into No-Reply mode.  Mine actually did this to me not too long ago and I didn't know until someone pointed it out to me.  So just remember even though you are set "fixed" then you might (somehow?!) change back.  So be aware!


Getting to Know You [MSWB]

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Mississippi Women Bloggers

It's here!  MSWB's first ever link-up!  We are so grateful for the turnout that we have had in our first couple months after launch.  If you haven't heard of MSWB yet, then please see my previous post here and here about joining in and finding some new friends.  And if you know of a fellow MS Blogger who would be interested, please pass along the word!

The Questions:

1.What part of Mississippi are you from? Born and raised in Corinth, MS.  I briefly lived in Booneville, MS and Oxford, MS during my college years.  I returned back to my hometown in 2008 and bought my very first house. 


2.How long have you been blogging?

I wrote my first blog on July 15, 2009.  However, I took a few breaks before I finally got into the swing of things.  I had to find "me" in the blogging world I guess you could say.


3.Why did you start blogging?

My friend Cassie and I had been talking about blogging.  She had started one herself and so I wanted to do the same.  At first it was just for fun, but then it turned into a way I can keep track of all life's events!


4.Tell us what we can expect when reading your blog.

When you visit my blog, you will find a complete mixture.  I'm currently in the process of planning a wedding (10-12-13!) so you will find lots of wedding talk.  You can also find home projects, a receipe here and here, and lots of just daily laughs. :)


5.What does your blog title means?

Just simply means keeping up with yours truly.  And yes, it's a spin off of Keeping Up With the Kardashians!


6.What do you love about being part of Mississippi Women Bloggers?

I love all of it, but specifically I love that I'm finding new MS ladies that otherwise I would never known about.  I'm also really excited about seeing all the wonderful receipes that have been appearing on Foodie Fridays!


7.Who inspires you to blog?

My family/friends.  I know over the last year more of my "real life" friends have began reading my blog and I'm thankful for that.  It gives me an outlet to keep what's going on in my life current.  I've been stopped many times in public and asked things about posts he/she has read on the blog.   It's a nice outlet and fulfilling to know people like to visit and read my little space of the internet. :)


8.If you could pick a favorite blog post from this past year, what would it be? 

Hands down, My Surprise Proposal.  That moment changed my life, and turned the direction of my blog.   ((Be sure and check out the Mr. & Mrs. tab on my page to find more wedding information!))


9.Do your real life friends know you blog? How do they respond?

Yes, most know.  They have all been very supportive and comment how they love to read the posts and see what's going on in my life. 


10.What is your blogging routine (if you have one)?

Lately, I used to be so much more organized with my blogging, but recently I have fell off my routine. 

So, now, my "routine" consists of:

Sundays- I catch up on all blogs that I read from the weekend and I try to get Sunday-Wednesday of my own posts typed and scheduled. 

Wednesday- I catch up on blogs I've missed early in the week and schedule Thursday and Friday.  I don't usually post on Saturdays.  I consider having the blog almost like having a job or any other responsibility and I want a "day off" to myself.  We as bloggers should always remember, if we don't take time out to LIVE life then we will not have any material to write about.  It's as simple as that for me and my blogging routine.


11.We all love social media! Are there any social media links you would like to share so we can follow you?

It's no shocker that to really grow your blog in the blogging community, then the help of social media is neccesary.  It's a great tool to boost your page, find new followers, find new faces to follow, and boost YOU.  We all love seeing our follower numbers rise and strive to be the best writer we can so we can keep these people around.  I focus my social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  I also co-pilot the MSWB Facebook and head up with MSWB IG! Be sure to follow me and the MSWB social media!


12.Name 3 bloggers who have not joined Mississippi Women Bloggers that you would like to see join us!


I don't have anyone that I know of that isn't already a member, but I'm hoping YOU do! :) Spread the word!!!



Rules:

1.Write a post answering the above questions, and post it next Thursday, August 1.

2.Grab the button code, and add it to your post.

3.Come back to us to link up said post.

4.Grab a big glass of sweet tea, and meet the ladies ’round our Mississippi Women Bloggers table!
We can't wait to hear from you! :) Happy Blogging!