he melts my heart...

I LOVE country music! Kaz always laughs at me because my favorite thing to do in the car is crank the radio up and sing the whole time! His idea when we get in the car is to talk, mine is sing! Ha! I, like most people, relate songs to life experiences...lately, this one song makes me smile every time I hear it! "Are you gonna kiss me or not" by Thompson square[click on the name for the video]. Our story of dating is VERY sweet BUT also very funny! I was Kaz's first girlfriend:) He was so sweet BUT it took him forever to hold my hand or kiss me! It really was sweet, don't get me wrong. It took him 3 months to hold my hand, and 6 months before he kissed me! I knew he wanted to but he was so nervous! After our first kiss, Kaz said, "That was good...I'm gonna have to do that more often"! Awww, he melts my heart! This song reminds me of when we were dating because this is exactly what I wanted to say to him! 

It makes me smile everytime I hear it....and by the way-I wouldn't change one thing about our story! Kaz was and is the perfect gentleman!

"Are you gonna kiss me or not?"

We were sittin’ up there on your momma’s roof 
Talkin’ bout everything under the moon 

With the smell of honeysuckle and your perfume 

All I could think about was my next move 

Oh, but you were so shy and so was I 

Maybe that’s why it was so hard to believe 

When you smiled and said to me… 

Are you gonna kiss me or not 

Are we gonna do this or what 

I think you know I like you a lot 

But you’re ‘bout to miss your shot 

Are you gonna kiss me or not 

It was the best dang kiss that I’d ever had 

Except for that long one after that 

And I knew if I wanted this thing to last 

Sooner or later I’d have to ask 

For your hand 

So I took a chance 

Bought a wedding band 

And I got down on one knee 

And you smiled and said to me 

Are you gonna kiss me or not 

Are we gonna do this or what 

I think you know I love you a lot 

I think we’ve got a real good shot 

Are you gonna kiss me or not 

So, we planned it all out for the middle of June 

From the wedding cake to the honeymoon 

And your momma cried when you walked down the aisle 

When the preacher man said say I Do 

I did, and you did, too 

Then I lifted that veil and saw your pretty smile 

And I said… 

Are you gonna kiss me or not 

Are we gonna do this or what 

Look at all the love that we’ve got 

And it ain’t never gonna stop 

Are you gonna kiss me or not 

Yeah baby I love you a lot 

I really think we’ve got a shot 

Are you gonna kiss me or not

a few pictures from when we were dating....:)

a small reminder of HIS love...

Last week, I started off having a really bad day...Don't get me wrong...My circumstances were perfect but Satan was just really beating me up with the adoption. Through a series of events, he kept reminding me of all those awful feelings and emotions that I haven't struggled with in a long time. I recognized that and was trying so hard to cling to the truth but he was winning...I called Kaz crying and started questioning why we didn't have a baby yet... I KNEW the truth and was TRYING SO HARD to believe it BUT EVERYTHING IN ME WANTED TO QUESTION, QUESTION, QUESTION.....I told Kaz I was going for a run. He said it's a beautiful day, you'll love it!

I walked outside to see a beautiful sunny morning. I started the run and struggled the whole way both mentally and physically. My head wasn't there, so it was a hard run. My thoughts were everywhere along with my emotions.

Tears continued to roll down my face as I ran, but about halfway through I felt it starting to rain. I looked up and the sky was completely black behind me and clouds were forming all over the sky. It was such an incredible experience because the rain was a blessing from the Lord. I felt like the rain was symbolic in that the Lord acknowledged my hurt and tears. The sun, yet very small, at times was still there through all the dark clouds and rain. The whole run I continued to think of HIS love for me and every so often I found myself searching the sky over to find the sun. At times I couldn't and other times there were just rays of sun shinning through the clouds. 

What an incredible reminder of HIS PRESENCE AND LOVE.  At times His plan is so evident and other times it's hidden behind the clouds BUT HE IS ALWAYS there whether I can see Him or not.

Psalm 36:7

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
   People take refuge in the shadow of your wings

a GRAND VEGAS vacation....

Kaz and I have been talking the last few weeks about our vacation for 2011. It’s no secret that we LOVE to travel. We have a lot of little trips planned throughout the year but we’ve been talking about “our bigger trip”. We would LOVE to be able to take a vacation before a baby comes, it’s Kaz’s 30th birthday this year, and our 5 year anniversary. So 2011 has the potential[and looks like it will] to be a very big year!

We threw some ideas back and forth about different places in California[our favorite state:)] but all the places we wanted to go early on was in their snowy season. We are movers...We love to be on the go all the time on vacation to see as much as we can.

Kaz has always wanted to base a vacation around a race, so that’s what we’ve decided to do!

We are going to do the Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon the beginning of March in Las Vegas! This half is probably going to kill me! The first 6 miles are up hill not to mention the change in elevation:( BUT I think it will be so much fun and definitely a beautiful run!

Red Rock Canyon

photo credit: www.Ivig.com

We are going to stay in Vegas 2 nights, then go to the Grand Canyon and stay there, and then make our way back to Vegas for the last night! While we are there we are hoping to see Death Valley, Mount Charleston and hopefully the Hoover Dam! 

 Death Valley

 photo credit:  http://blog.lib.umn.edu/anton089/architecture/2006/10/the_moving_rocks_of_death_vall.html 

Mount Charleston

photo credit: www.lasvegasharley.wordpress.com

I’m SOOO excited!!! I can’t wait!

In Vegas we are staying at 2 different hotels...Trump Las Vegas for 2 nights and the Hard Rock Hotel the last night! I’m super pumped about Trump. There is a tv in the bathroom mirror:)

 photo credit: www.trumplasvegashotel.com

 photo credit: www.activerain.com

photo credit: www.hardrockhotel.com 

We have never been to Vegas or that area so we are both really excited! It’s definitely more of an outdoors trip which makes Kaz extremely happy! BUT NO WORRIES...I will STILL have my celebrity goggles ON! Ha!

Any other ideas on things we should do?

photo credit: www.zdnet.com

a long overdue post...

it’s been awhile since I’ve told you about Miley...She is so ROTTEN! Now that I work from home, she thinks that my attention should be on her 24-7. She’s constantly by my side EVERYWHERE I go including the bathroom! Most of the time she follows me around like a lost puppy. She sleeps ALL the time! She’s even gotten to the point of laying on my feet under my desk and sleeps while I work. 

She has calmed down a lot in the last few weeks so Kaz and I have started letting her sleep on the floor by our bed. She LOVES it! We hear nothing out of her until 5am...then her internal clock tells her it’s time to get up and she wakes us up! When she wants attention from us she will find a sock and then walk by us with her head down knowing we are going to fuss at her. She loves goldfish[that’s a secret weapon for getting her to come inside:)] 

If you breath the word W-A-L-K she's at the front door. If she wants to go for a walk she will just sit by the front door! We constantly find her just sitting and staring at us while we watch tv, cook, etc...She even sits in front of the bathtub while we are showering!

She comes to the names of pooter[she does this all the time and has no idea where the sound comes from] and stinky! She constantly chases her tail and then eventually gives up and starts biting her leg, which then causes her to fall to the ground...

She’s my little buddy! She’s a MESS! 

all of these pictures were taken with my iPhone so please excuse the quality!

 She randomly does this sometimes! I think it's so funny when she shows her teeth!

 S-P-O-I-L-E-D

it’s gonna be here real soon....

my first half marathon is NEXT SAT! I’ve got less than 2 weeks! I’m super EXCITED BUT REAL NERVOUS! I’ve been running so much lately AND LOVED every minute of it[well most of the time:)]

When I was at my parents the week of Christmas I ran everyday in Hartsville! I love running in Hartsville..it’s a nice little town with some really cool homes. The 2nd day of running I had an experience that I will never EVER forget! 

I run the same route in Hartsville because I love the scenery. It’s a 5 mile loop and I usually only have 1 dog encounter. He’s a friendly[can you hear the sarcasm?] yellow lab. He LOVES to sneak up behind me then bark ferociously! One day he’s going to make me wet my pants! I was at my favorite part of the run when suddenly 2 dogs started chasing me along a park fence that would eventually open up...I decided to turn around and as soon as I did I could see 2 more dogs coming in the distance barking. I panicked and didn’t know what I was going to do! THANKFULLY a city of Hartsville truck with 3 men came driving by. I stopped them and asked if I could ride on the back on the truck past the dogs! It was probably the most random encounter they’ve had BUT they saved the DAY! They came at the perfect time! I’m just THANKFUL that you can still trust complete strangers!

Saturday Kaz wanted to run the Ravenel Bridge. I haven’t ran it since we were engaged and there’s a reason why! UPHILL! I HATE RUNNING UPHILL! This bridge is very steep and LONG! It was challenging BUT I DID IT! I’m even going back this week!

photo credit: Amy Prikazsky Photography

Kaz took these pictures when we finished...I didn’t realize he was taking them but I actually LOVE them because I look really skinny! Ha! I lost 35 pounds in 2010 and have 8 more to go to reach my goal! I’M ALMOST there!

2 weeks....13.1 miles....it’s gonna be here SOON!

the waiting stages of adoption...

I haven’t written much about our adoption process because to be honest not a lot has happened....In the waiting stages it’s just that-waiting to hear someone has chosen you. Kaz and I both have been doing really good lately...waiting is hard, don’t get me wrong BUT looking back I can honestly say that the Lord knew what He was doing! Why did I ever doubt? I begged him to give us a baby by Christmas...I wanted to start our family so badly BUT He knew what was best. Looking back there would have been no way that we could have made it! I didn’t realize until this week HOW busy 2010 was for me. I worked a 40 hour job every week on TOP of photography...I shot 48 weddings last year....had tons of family, children, newborn sessions...traveled to Nashville, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, Jamaica, Illinois and all over SC for various photography sessions. On top of all of that I had to edit all those pictures, continue promoting my business, be a wife, see friends and family, etc. Do you get the point? I was slammed! 

I’m thankful the Lord hasn’t given us a baby yet for so many reasons...One we both needed rest from 2010. It was a fast paced, challenging year...We needed more time to our ourselves. We have grown so much in our marriage over this last year....

I still want a baby more than anything that I’ve ever wanted in my life...BUT I’m at a place where I’m trusting the Lord 100% with our future. Do I get sad? Sure, all the time. I know the Lord has placed us where we are to grow our faith, our marriage, and our testimony to others. He has blessed us more than we will ever realize...He continually pours down His blessings and encourages us daily. He continues to put people in our life for support...He is carrying us daily...HE IS in CONTROL. HE HAS a perfect PLAN...HE IS GOOD....HE WILL PROVIDE....HE IS OUR GOD!

"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord!"-Job 1:21

goodbye Leroy...

Years ago, I had the crazy idea that I wanted pet goats! AND I wanted them really bad! miniature ones...:)

Mom and dad agreed and we went one Friday night to a livestock auction and bid on 2 little miniature goats! I named them Billy & Giant[Kaz came up with that name!]

I LOVED them! Billy would let you hold him, pet him..whatever you wanted to do!

Giant on the other hand wouldn't come near you!

I can still remember the day they got fixed! I went inside because I couldn't bear to watch. BUT poor little things squealed so loud I could hear them inside:(

Giant didn't last very long....SO we got another goat. A bigger one! I named him Leroy. 

What better names for goats than Billy & Leroy!

Over time we came to realize that Billy wasn't a miniature goat...He WAS HUGE!

Leroy and Billy were best buds! Everybody in Patrick knew about our goats![My parents live on a main road and you can see the goat pin from the road....]

Billy died awhile back and this past weekend Leroy passed away. We knew it was only a matter of time. They were great goats and we had a lot of fun with them! I'm thankful my parents went along with my crazy idea to get them in the first place! Kaz and I had our pictures taken back in October in the country and I really wanted to take some in the goat pin because I didn't know how much longer Leroy would be around and thought it would be a neat memory! I'm so glad I did now no matter HOW CRAZY they look:)

Mr. Billy always ask me about Leroy every time I see him! 

Billy & Leroy were famous in our small town:)

Goodbye Leroy!

[Leroy to the left, Billy to the right]

 Me and Billy the day I got him

 I know this is CRAZY BUT I begged my parents to buy leashes so we could walk them one Christmas[2006]! I have no idea what I was thinking! Who takes goats on a walk? Ha

 Leroy in October

 My mom fed him saltine crackers every day!

 The whole gang!

 Last picture...the day after Christmas in the snow!

You're probably thinking," She sure is crazy"! Yes I am BUT that's okay:) 

unexpected visitors....

Sunday started out just like any other day....

We went to church & sunday school....

Kaz came home and started working on some paperwork while I went to meet a potential client at Starbucks....

Along the way, my friend Liz started texting me NON-STOP! 

We text a lot but I thought man she must not have anything to do today....You get the point. It was a lot!

Before getting home, Kaz sent me a text and said he was going next door to help our neighbor real quick..

I came home, started an egg sandwich, and immediately went to put on my pjs....

BUT there was one problem...

My pj bottoms were in the dryer and they weren't completely dry yet...

I thought 5 minutes will be enough so I'll just wait and then put them on...[Mind you I had already taken off my other pants....Spelled out: I was in my undies-something like that:)

I was the only one at home...it's ok right?

Liz was still texting me non-stop....I got a text that said: "Your car is soooo dirty and I gotta pee!"

I wrote back "huh?"

Then it hit me....I thought surely they aren't here! 

Sure enough, the door bell rang nonstop! I knew they were here and better YET the door was unlocked! 

I was praying please please don't open the door-I had NO pants on!

I rushed to the dyer...pulled out the pj bottoms and they were twisted together and in a mess. The doorbell kept ringing so I had to rip the pants apart to get them untwisted, ripping the elastic in my pants...

Wheeeewwww close call! 

My face when I answered the door was in complete shock! I was BEYOND HAPPY to see them BUT THE HOUSE WAS A MESS! I'M OCD about it being clean when we have guest over. The sink was full of dishes! Stuff everywhere! Thankfully they cared nothing about that! They came from Columbia[107 miles away] just to spend the afternoon with us! BUT they did let me pick up for about 20 minutes! I HAD TOOO!

We had a great day playing with charlie, chatting, and going to dinner! I LOOKED like I had been hit by a mack truck but oh well! Good friends don't care how you look or what your house looks like!

It was a GREAT day! AND WE ENJOYED seeing them SO much!

 a little blury:(

low key BUT GREAT new years...

Kaz and I love nothing more than to have low key nights, especially on New Years Eve! I don't know that we have ever stayed up til mid-night[well maybe our first year of being married]. This year we went over to a friends house to watch the Gamecocks football game for a little while. We were back home by around 930! We are wimps! I always try to take at least 1 picture on New Years but didn't think about it until we got back home so this was the best I could do:)

 our new years kiss![you can really see kaz's bald spot in this one! Ha!]

me and miley

 I don't know....he wanted to look serious!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

new years, shrimp & grits, and gooey cake....

Kaz and I have a tradition of making Shrimp & Grits every New Years! We have made this since we've been married! My uncle "Vester" said it's the best meal I've ever cooked! I like to think this is one of my "specialities"! This year for dessert we are going to make OOOOEY Gooey Butter Cake! Yummmmm, Yummmmmm!

Below are the recipes:

Creamy Shrimp & Grits

Creamy Grits[this is for 1 serving-I usually triple it]

1 cup water                  1 cup half and half

2 oz butter                         3/4 quick grits

In a small saucepan combine the water, milk and butter. Add salt[just enough to taste]. Bring to a simmer and add the grits. Cook over medium low heat for 10-15 minutes until grits are tender. Grits should have the same consistency as oatmeal.

Shrimp

4 stripes of bacon sliced in 1/4 pieces              3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 lb peeled & deveined small shrimp                               1/4 cup of flour

2 peeled diced tomatoes                                        1 1/2 cups half & half

Cook bacon until crisp in a saute pan. Add shrimp to the bacon[leave a little bacon grease] and cook until shrimp just begins to firm up. Dust the mixture with flour and stir until well blended. Add tomatoes and half & half. Stir until well blended. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over grits!

Gooey Butter Cake

1 Box yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, let soften
2 eggs
Heat oven to 350. Blend together and spread in 9X13 inch baking pan.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
4 Cups confectioners sugar
2 eggs
Blend together and pour over batter in pan. Bake 30 minutes.