So much catching up to do and so little time........

So, we have had a TON going on this year and I just haven't had much free time to sit down and update. Every time I start to something comes up. Amazingly I have managed to keep up my snapshot blog with a picture posted every single day since January 1, 2011!  I had really not planned to keep it up this year but it sort of just ended up that way.  Of course, the quality has probably not been as great since we have been so busy.  None the less.....

The wedding was in October and aside from being very cold out (which of course never bothered me for some reason lol) it went off without a hitch. We were so thankful to the family and close friends that were able to attend. We were able to work it out so we could livestream the ceremony to family in England which was perfect. It was so important to us that we be able to have them be part of our day. PERFECT.

Now just for the record I started on this blog a while back and clearly didn't make it too far. LoL

We honeymooned up the coast of California making our way up the PCH from San Diego to San Francisco. We hit the zoos, safaris, state parks, Malibu, the Hollywood Hills and even Alcatraz. I can't say I would trade a single moment. We had a blast exploring and sharing in new adventures together. It's what we do. Tons of photos we have yet to find the time to sit down, sort and post. lol. We will eventually get to them, promise. I am still posting my daily snapshot blog so there was at least a photo or two posted from every day.

After making our way back home we had a nice reception here with those we were not able to have at the ceremony. We had Starla's birthday, Thanksgiving (one of my favs), Starla's surgery, Chris's first birthday with the family, Gracie turned 8 (and is so cute and spoiled) and then Christmas very quickly snuck up on us.

Christmas has been wonderful. The entire family had a wonderful day, lots of yummy food and I think everyone was happy with what Santa brought them but more than anything happy that we were together. John and I came home in between stops to Skype with family in the UK and then we were on to another meal. Ha ha ha

I surpassed my 1 year with UHC back in October as well. It was been a great year+ and I am happy and thankful to say that each and every day I can say "I'm Blessed".

The world did not end last week (YAY) so I am looking forward to 2013, a trip to spend time with family in England and all of the new adventures life has in store for us and our loved ones. I just know it is going to be another great one!

So, with hopes of things being a little less hectic this year as well I truly do intend on updating you more on here.

In 2013 I will continue posting my photos even if no one sees them, I will continue with the same resolution I had for the two previous years; do something new, go somewhere new, be open (it's worked great for me so why fix what's not broken?) and I will remind myself daily to not take those I love for granted, the little things in life and to always work at improving myself.


“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”

- Helen Keller

So here we are 37 days from "The Day". Gosh it seems as though it has just flown by. Still some things to finish up but things have really started to progress. That sure makes me feel better! I'm so excited to see the bridesmaid dresses this coming week. That will be one more thing we can mark off the "to-do" list. We went back over all of the wedding and honeymoon budget last night and that all seems to be sorted and on track as well. That helps me relax a little more for sure!! We are getting ready to start planning the reception for when we get back home. I think everything with that will move along smoothly. Of course I do worry about everything. That's just me. John says I'll worry until we are home from the honeymoon at least. LMAO! I'm sure he's right. 

My aunts held a shower for me this past weekend. It was really nice of them and they did a fantastic job. I've been do busy for months it was good to just chill and visit with everyone as well. 

Work has been super busy but still going well. I still enjoy it as well as my teammates. It really has been a great change in my life. 

Jeramy is a SENIOR! I can't believe it. Starla is a freshman a d so far loves it. Still can't believe it. They are both doing well, growing and changing every day!

I really do hope to blog better in the coming year. With everything going on I have definitely been a slacker this year. Sorry!

I have unbelievably managed to still post a picture every day! I have for sure surprised myself on that one. :o)

Anyhoo, thought I'd take a moment and do a little update real quick. I hope everyone has a safe and happy long holiday weekend!!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"

~Eleanor Roosevelt

YIKES!

I figure when John informs me it has been too long since I have updated my blog it has clearly been WAY TOO LONG.  ha ha ha  I am not real sure where to start.  So much has been going on since March.  Things are moving along.  I go to Atlanta the 14th to pick up my dress.  Nervous and excited all at the same time.  Haven't seen it since January not to mention the one I tried on wasn't even white so its going to be interesting.  It took a little more effort than we would have liked but we did find a photographer for the wedding and got that all booked and sorted.  They did a 2nd engagement shoot for us (we were not so pleased with the first guy) and we were very happy with them.  They knew what they were doing, where the best shots were and best of all they shoot at Biltmore several times a month so they are very familiar with the layout there and what works.  There are some photos on my FB page for those of you on there and if not here are a couple.

Our little family begins......
(Photos by Two Ring Studios Asheville, NC)

We are quickly checking items off of the "To-Do" list that has been haunting me in my sleep!  lol  Ceremony, Cake, Photographer, Dinner after, Bouquets, Makeup for myself, the girls and my mother, favors (purchased but not put together) are all complete and marked off the list.  Still more to do but I feel much better seeing things marked off.   I wanted to do the nice custom hangers but just refused to pay $20-$40 each for them online.  So I started investigating, went to Hobby Lobby and put John to work!  I think so far he has done a great job!

LOL - For real, I have tried like 20 times and this keeps posting upside down!
Hopefully you can still see he did a WONDERFUL job!!

Work is going GREAT!  I absolutely love my job.  I think about everything going on in my life and everything going on around me.  I think about those around me, where they are and  where I was a year ago.  I can honestly say that everyday I sit down to work I realize how completely BLESSED I am to have the job I have now.  The ways this job has blessed my life are just endless.  I am SO THANKFUL!  A couple weeks ago I went to Nashville for some training with 35 members of my team and then we went to Nurses for Newborns for a Community Outreach Project.  I love that UHC works so hard throughout the entire company to encourage these sorts of projects all over the US.  They also work very hard to promote healthy living for their customers as well as every employee.  My team is wonderful and every one is so nice and so helpful.  There is never a concern when needing to reach out as you are always met with one or more willing to help you however they can.  I said on the way home from that long work day to those in the van I was riding in - I have worked in small offices with a few people and I have worked in an office with 100+ office employees sitting all around you and I have never felt such a sense of TEAM as I do now.  Odd since we each work from home and don't see one another daily but it is the truth.  It truly is a wonderful blessing I am forever grateful for.


I am positive there are a million more things I could write about and update on but I am thinking for the sake of everyone's time I will simply try and do a better job of keeping up.


Hope everyone has a wonderful remainder of the week!

The way to gain a good reputation, 

is to endeavor to be

what you desire to appear. 

~Socrates

From yesterday's blog.     http://rens2011dailysnapshot.blogspot.com/
I can't believe I haven't missed a photo post since I stated 1/1/2011!

Oh my goodness......It has been way too long!

So, I just don't know where to start.  I haven't written since December, shame on me!  Anyway as always there has been A LOT going on.  The new job is still going well.  I enjoy being home, I enjoy sleeping better and less stress!!  YAY!!  I have learned lately from questions from various people that there is a huge misconception about my job.  Yes, I work at home.  Yes, I can work in my pjs.  BUT I do way more work!  I am busy all day long.  I don't get much free time at all.  It is OK though, I enjoy it.  I would rather be sitting here at 3:45 and realize that I should have quit working at 3:30 rather than to be sitting there at 1:45 watching the clock and waiting for the day to end.  The job is very detail oriented.  You are dealing with claims, medical coverage and all so everything has to be entered in correctly.  I work for a great organization and one that has this telecommuter thing down to a science.  Everyone assumes that you can just do as you wish and nobody will know....HA!  No, they monitor everything (Wouldn't you?  I would!)  Of course, I have the mind set that if you are doing your job and doing what you are supposed to do then who cares?  I don't.  Of course after explaining all of this to my nephew yesterday he decided it was a bit too much for him that he was not cut out for working from home.  Truth.....not everyone can work from home.  You can't be distracted by everything else around you.  It takes a lot of self discipline and self motivating.  It works great for me but again, no, it isn't for everyone.  I am very happy with it though.


The kids are doing well.  Starla starts high school next year and JD will be a senior......CRAZY!  They are both so amazing though!  


Wedding plans are moving along.  We will be getting married on the hill at Diana at Biltmore on October 7th.  My dress was ordered in Jan.....good lord, I can't believe it takes 4-6 months to get a dress....craziness.  Working with a photographer on our Engagement photos and so long as all goes well we will have him booked for the wedding as well.  So location - booked, music - booked, Cake - tasting is the 21st...YUM, Shoes - purchased and are safely packed away, I am doing my own flowers and have started working on those.  Mom and I are going in the morning to choose fabric for the bridesmaid dresses.  I am working on favor bags and looking at some different options.  So......it is still a work in progress but things are moving along and a decent pace.

I went to school with this designer, check her out!
http://annrothshoes.com/

Gracie is GREAT and spoiled as ever!  How can you not love a face like that.....she is my baby!  John is like her little buddy which is HILARIOUS since everyone knew him to "not be a dog person".  They go on little hikes together and everything.  Ha ha see.....you can't help by love her.

SNAPSHOTS......Well I am still doing this.  Can you believe it?  Since Jan 1, 2011 I haven't missed a single day. I have posted a picture every day.  I am working on my 2011 coffee table book but some of my photos were not uploading the other day....gotta figure out what is up with that.

JEEP!  Yep, got a new Jeep.  Well John traded the C7 and got the Jeep so he could "play" on weekends and I could drive it and he drive my car to work now.  I am good with that because I LOVE the Jeep!

So.......I guess there is a quick run down.  LOL  I will have to get better at this updating for sure!

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the spring weather!

" People are often unreasonable and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. 

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. 

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. 

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. 

Give your best anyway. 

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. 

It was never between you and them anyway.” 

~ Mother Teresa

Ok.....I have been SO busy!

So, so much has happened so I will try and do a decent but not too long update! Let's see.....The end of October I started a new job!  I am now a Clinical Administrative Coordinator for United HealthCare.  I have a home office which is a big change.  All learning has been virtual but I must say, they have a good set up.  So far it has been a great experience.  Everyone has been very kind and welcoming.  We got a power point today of the veteran staff so that was great to put faces with names and voices.  We have a Christmas party coming up in Nashville so I will soon get to meet a number of them which I am looking forward to. Thankful for the new direction!

Mom says the picture doesn't do it
justice but this is the best I can do.
It's BEAUTIFUL

If you are on FB then you likely already know but if not......I became engaged Thanksgiving Day!  I am sure you have heard me talk before about John and of course he is on FB.  He is from England.  We seem to balance one another well.  Knowing I am a bit of a traditional person he arranged to get my mom and dad bother together the night before for dinner and asked them both.  I love that he did that.  So many just don't do it these days.  We are planning for fall 2012.  Having some issues with the location we originally wanted so not 100% sure on that yet.  I know, I myself never thought I would agree to get married after some of what I have been through.  I feel good about it though.  


New experiences this year, new friends, new job, new future.........I truly did set out on a mission this year though.  I set out not with any one particular "resolution" but I set out to CHANGE the way I did things.  I made myself get out and do things I wouldn't normally do, hiking by myself, seeing a movie by myself, I challenged myself to make changes in the people I surround myself with; focusing more on those that have a positive influence in my life and reducing the focus on those that don't.  I challenged myself on my snapshot blog and as of today I have not missed a post for every day this year.....personally that was one I didn't think I would accomplish!  LOL  Maybe those are the resolutions we should be making for ourselves. Not always big things either, sometimes just the simplest changes make such a huge impact.  Make yourself step out of your box.  It really has made such a difference in the past year. 

My little Gracie turned 7 on December 11th!  

We took her to see Santa and then of course took her annual photo. 

I just love her.  She is so rotten!

Well there is my update for now! 

 Hope everyone is getting ready for CHRISTmas 

and has a wonderful time with their loved ones!

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."

  ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Well, not sure where to start.  The past month has been CRAZY!  Lot's going on, ups and downs.  I guess my last blog was when I went to Cincinnati.  That has been a while.  So I received a call on my birthday with a job offer.  What a gift!  There were a lot of security and background checks in the process so it took a few weeks to get everything in order.  I started the end of October.  So far it is going great.  I have looked for over a year and it has been such a relief to have finally found something that worked for me.  I now work for United HealthCare. I have a home office which I must say I am enjoying so far.  I spend my days by the french doors and with my little Gracie under my feet.  I am looking forward to the first snow for sure!  There has been quite a bit of classes and training and more to come but even with that it has been a very refreshing change which I am very thankful for.  My nephew (my brother's son) passed away a month ago in a tragic accident.  He and his wife are struggling still, very understandably, and can still use LOTS of prayers.  My heart aches for them daily and I so wish I could fix it for them but I just can't.  Starla's birthday was the 2nd as well, she had a wonderful day and I think she got everything she asked for!  After that it was on to new job, new training and getting ready for my sisters wedding. Yes, all of that jam packed into just a few weeks.  My sister got married on 11/11/11 and I think now has a lot of her stress and anxiety relieved so that is great.  She can chill a little now.  Jeramy is doing great, good in school and with friends.  Starla decided (on her own) to start volunteering at Riding High.  A local stable that works with horses and special needs children.  Very proud of her for doing this at her age and she has  really been enjoying it.  We have a program here called TAG (talented and gifted students).  They do these classes each winter at the local college.  Children must be referred by a teach and a counselor so it is not something they can just sign up for.  Jearmy did this both 7th & 8th grade, the only years it is available for them.  Starla hoped to go in 7th grade but didn't.  This year, SHE DID!  She has been so excited about it and has already picked up her classes.  So over winter break she will actually get to go to the local college and take courses.  There are only so may student chosen from the surround areas and they narrow those down so it is a big thing.  Class has been pretty heavy the past 2 weeks so I am looking forward to a 3 day work week and a long weekend!  It has been over a month since I have blogged so this is just a quick summary blog.  I will try and do better as things start to settle down!  Hope everything has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving with those they love. Enjoy every moment, take nothing for granted.....We are not promised tomorrow.

Misty & Joshua 11-11-11

"If you treat Thanksgiving Day as a mere custom, then you are missing out on the true meaning of the holiday. As much as we enjoy Thanksgiving for the dinner and the festivities, we must also rejoice for our good fortune. So, have fun with your family this thanksgiving, but don't forget to say 'thank you.' And if you are fumbling for meaningful words, read these thanksgiving inspirational quotes for a push in the right direction."

~ Izaak Walton

So, things were very hectic this summer.  It just worked out that I did not get a trip to the beach (Still a little sad over this) Nor did Jearmy or Starla.  So we decided it was time for a weekend road trip!  So, last Friday John and I both left work at lunch, picked the kids up and hit the road!  We drove up through KY and enjoyed the crazy, beautiful fall colors.  BEAUTIFUL!  We arrived at our hotel in plenty of time for dinner so we checked in and headed off to explore a little and find dinner.  We walked below Newport on the Levee and along theOhio River until we picked a place to eat.  Saturday morning we got up early, had breakfast overlooking the Ohio River and the headed out to the zoo.  It was such a gorgeous day for the zoo!  After wearing ourselves out there we decided to have dinner at this little place I came across on the internet.  It was called Maury's Tiny Cove. What an absolute hidden treasure they have there.(Founded in 1949, Maury's is one of the oldest, continuously operated restaurants in Cincinnati ) WOW.....what a find!  I mean a Filet &Chicken Combo for just $24 and it was excellent.  Everyone got bread baked in their own little bowls, (Starla loved that) and the service was great.  We'll go back next time we are in the area for sure. (LOTS More photos to be posted on FB soon!)

Sunday morning we got up early and had breakfast again overlooking the Ohio River and watching all of the rowers doing their morning training.  We took off for a little sight seeing, exploring a little of downtown and then on to the Levee where we took a ride on the Ducks.  For those unfamiliar they are WWII Amphibious Vehicles.  They drive you around and then straight into the water where they convert to a boat and then you finish your touch back on land and wheels as you started.  Neat to do if you haven't done before.  I rode them in Branson, MO back in 96.  It gives you a different look at things getting a touch on land and water while learning along the way.  After the Duck tour we headed down to Hooters on the River for lunch and then back down town for a little more exploring.  We checked out the Carew Tower.   Completed in 1930 and standing 49 stories high we took 2 different elevators and a flight of stairs to get to the observation deck.  The views are insane, you can see everything!  We then made our way down and strolled through Tiffany's & Co.  (why not? it was right there! LOL) and then on to Fountain Square where we made a stop at Graeter's Ice Cream (founded in 1870 and loved by Oprah) I am telling you I have never been an ice cream person but good lord, if I lived there I would be HUGE!  The mango ice cream was the most amazing ice cream I have ever had!  LOVE LOVE!  After that we took off to find the Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish.  It is a small church but one with a lot of history.  It was considered to be a beacon/watch tower for this in the underground railroad.  It is also the church that hold the splinter from THE cross.   Once we made our stop there it was back to the interstate.  I guess we dropped the kids in their driveway a little after 10:30 on Sunday night.  We had one very packed but very good weekend!  Road Trips are always great!

(not my photo)

“The world is a book 

and those who do not travel 

read only one page.”

~ St. Augustine

Funny Things.............

While organizing I discovered why the birthday card I got from my father this year sounded a bit familiar; turns out it was the same one I got from my mother the year before!  bawhahahahaha


So, mom's has black writing while dad's has raised purple writing but you will notice on the back that mom got the better deal!  She paid $2.99 while dad had to cough up $3.39 LMAO!  Just thought it was funny and I would share.

"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told,

 'I am with you kid Let's go!"

~ Maya Angelou

Everglades National Park - Simply Stunning!

Oh my goodness........It has been TOO long since I have posted.  I have had SO much going on though.  I will try and do a few posts to cover rather than one HUGE post.   LOL  August, well mid August John's Mom, Step Dad and Brother came from England for 2 weeks.  In the middle of their visit we all went to Florida.  It was great to get away for sure!  We went to the Everglades, enjoyed and Airboat ride, got to hold the little gators, explored the Miami Zoo and just enjoyed the time away and all getting to know one another.  Love the Everglades BUT I must warn you, if it is hot....DON'T GO!  The mosqitos will eat you alive!  Aside from that it was a lovely trip though.  The zoo was great.  It was beautiful all day!  We got to feed the giraffes which instantly turned me into a 4 year old!  ha ha ha I loved it!



We took them to Biltmore, Cades Cove and all sorts of places.  I think they enjoyed it and enjoyed the sun since they don't seem to get much of that in England.  I recall when my mother went there with my mamaw when I was in 5th grade that they said it was cold and rainy the entire time!  Anyway, lots more to update since I am clearly so behind but again, one thing at a time.  


Hope everyone has been doing well!

Everglades National Park (yep just at side of trail)

Everglades Alligator Farm

Everglades National Park

Everglades Alligator Farm

One of my favorite shots of the trip!

"My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others. That is nice but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success"

~Helen Hayes

Ok, ok.....I must admit.  My update skills are continuing to lag.  Things have stayed a bit busy though.  A lot of out and about as always.  Snapping away and keeping up my snapshot blog, at least I have done well not to miss a day so far on that one!  LOL  Full time work has not changed much.  I think we would all like to see some improvements but on the upside we still have our heads above water.  Better than being completely under!  My business is still steady.  Two new clients the past few weeks so I am totally happy about that.  One is a new print client and one is a new website so a little variety is good too.  Oh yeah, and apparently one of our local magazines used some of my photos, and maybe a couple of John's on their cover for this month.  Of course I haven't seen it yet so I have no clue what it looks like.  Took the kids one evening and snapped a few pictures.  We'll have to get out and do more soon.  They said it looked great though, I will have to check it out when I get my copy!  I have still yet to "fully" clean my house but I am starting to get a little more caught up so at least that is a step in the right direction.  Took all the blankets and sheets to the laundry mat yesterday, ok a boring hour but man, sure was nice to have it all done at one time!  It would have taken me forever at my house.  Had lunch after that, went to the grocery store, picked up some movies and cooked dinner at the house.  It was just a "regular" Sunday.  Seems a bit odd since I am always on the go but every once in a while we need just a regular day to get regular stuff done.  Been trying to spend some more time with the kids so one weekend we took them to the Haunting at Ramsey Plantation (fundraiser), they enjoyed that and then we went to Chop House for dinner and of course they enjoyed that!  LOL  Last weekend we took the kids out for a FULL day.  Picked them up at 6:30am and dropped them at home at 7:45pm!  LONG day but we had so much fun.  We took them to Cades Cove, got out did a little walking and exploring.  We went into Gatlinburg and had lunch at Calhouns and then back on the road again.  From there we went to Cataloochee.  Hoping for them to see the Elk but in the heat they tend to hide.  We did see a couple though.  Saw a nice turkey and saw the Biggest bear I have ever seen outside of a zoo from 15'-20' away!  Yes, way too close to be considered safe viewing distance but we sure didn't approach her she was just there, with her 3 cute cubs!  It was Starla's first time seeing a bear outside of the zoo and she was able to get a picture too so that was pretty neat.  I must admit I was VERY excited, my goal for the day had been to get a picture of a BIG bear and I was so bummed when I left Cades Cove not seeing a single bear!  

I mean for the past couple months every time we have been to Cades Cove we have seen bears, a few weeks back one even jumped right in front of my car!  I was totally excited to see this BIG bear.  It made my day.....LOL    Ha ha ha I just love where I live.  I love that we have so much of beautiful mother nature for us to appreciate on any given day.  It is great!  Took off this past Saturday on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.  Not sure why we had never taken that one since we are out and about in the GSMNPs every weekend but none the less we hadn't.  It was nice, a lot of little trails around the cabins and and found a few trails/hikes to check out once the weather cools off a bit.  The heat and humidity have been AWFUL here.  I have a vacation coming up in a couple weeks, I will not be getting away from the heat and humidity at all but it sure will be nice to really get a way for a few days!  Off to the Everglades, Keys; off to see something new again.  Can't go wrong there.  Still doing good at the gym.  3-4 times a week since June 4th!  lol Ok well there is a bit of an update as scattered as it may sound.  I will post some pics as well.  Hope everyone has a great week!

The BIG Bear!  LOL

"I love to think of nature as 

an unlimited broadcasting station, 

through which God speaks to us every hour, 

if we will only tune in." 

  

~George Washington Carver