Gwynies Got It

Easy on the Eyes

Cupcake Cafe. Bec and I weren't going to leave NYC without a taste of Manhattan's finest confections. We even took one back to the man at our hotel who loaded our luggage. It was his birthday, so we left him a note saying, "from your Alabama girls!".

My mom's on a mad search for these plates for my wedding.

THEY are timeless.

Henri Matisse. One of my new favorites.

There's nothing better than a good afternoon of dress-up.

Make or Break

Powerful. It kind of reminds me of Pink's "Please Don't Leave Me". Very humbling.

Ballin' Birthday

Bec: We the bomb.

C: Numba ONE Sista!!!

Bec: Unreal!!!!

C: AHHHHH!! How cool is it that you get to experience all this. You work for the #1 ranked Football Team in America!! I’m jealous. I’ve decided you’re the Erin Andrews of AU!!

Bec: I wish I was that purdy!!!

C: Girl, you are. She better be thankful she has that long blonde hair.

Bec: What choo doin?

C: About to run. Hey, have you decided what you are doing for AM’s B-Day?

Bec: I reckon she wants to bowl.

C: Oh! That’ll be fun!

Bec: Gah, who wants to bowl? Nasty.

Bec: I'm thinking about going to Charleston for the weekend. You in?

C: OMG! I wish, but I've already committed to something. Thanks though, that sounds like SO much fun!

Bec: We'll do it after football season. Hey, AM’s B-Day is the 15^th at the Arena. I’m going to rent a room and then pass out tickets to the Women’s BBall Game.

C: Bec, that is the coolest party ever! How’d you talk her out of bowling?

Bec: She didn’t have a choice. I told her how it was going to be. Lost my deposit at the Bowling Alley.

C: I’ll be in Tuscaloosa for the Game, but I think I can stay in AU through Monday, so I can be there. Yayayaaa! Leave me a list of things I can be doing for you on Monday for the party!

Castle of Cheerios

If you have children someday

When they point to the pictures

Please tell them my name

Tell them how the crowds went wild

First loves are enchanting, magical, pure, exciting, innocent, hopeful, beautiful and never forgotten. I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you, and bring on all the pretenders, because I’m not afraid. I had the time of my life with you.

Long Time Coming

My favorite part of the movie. He always knew she was a princess.

Jumping the Gun

Car ride with Dad,

Me: "I hope you're saving, because to be honest, something is about to happen, I just know it. The year 2011 is around the corner, perfect set up for a wedding in 2012, I hope you're preparing because I am."

Genius Topsy Arrangement

place setting perfection

Out of Control Calligraphy.

Bridesmaids Luncheon.

Sylvia

the cutest bride ever.

i found these on a photographer's, who I once met, website. he is good looking, and as i was talking to him, daryl shouted from across the tent, chas! have you convinced him to take your picture yet?! check him out. rob ingram.

wowzee.

Want the braid.

Monique.

Bridesmaid Attire.

These girls mean LIFE to me. They are so uniquely different, which is why I could never put them in the same dress.

There's just something about bringing the inside out.

My mother in the backseat:

"Chas, HUSH! People are going to think you're crazy if they hear you talk like that."

Writing Meg Ryan

I miss...

Mrs. Avery’s show and tell

6^th grade notes from A.J. Petty

Slumber parties at Mary Jeanne’s lake house

Coach Wright’s basketball practices during Thanksgiving Break

Game Days at Carter Gym

Mr. Day’s SGA Class

Ryan Tyler’s Youth Trips

Grey’s Anatomy premieres at John Price’s

Riding back roads in ski masks while Cooper drove my car loaded with my best girlfriends

Living on the ADPi Hall

Creekside and all the blessings it brought

my Zip Code being 35769

But one thing in life, I am not willing to miss are the people that God has given me, and there is a certain someone I am terrified of loosing, so I’m sending them a letter expressing my love and thankfulness. I look back on the countless times I had the opportunity to express my gratefulness of their presence in my life, but the words were avoided, and I’ve learned that most of the time in life, we don’t realize what we have until it’s gone, but I guess that is the beauty of it all, and I am hoping my words aren’t too late. Please check your InBox.

To my Parents,

My aunt taught me to never start a “Thank You” note with “Thank You”, but sometimes, that’s all there is to say…

Mom and Dad,

Thank you for striving to love each other as Christ has loved you. Thank you for being loyal to each other. Thank you for sacrificing your wants, so that the other’s needs could be met. Thank you for staying true to your vows and yearning to raise me in a Christian home.Thank you for never asking me to leave the room so you could argue. Thank you for never making a rule of 50/50, because sometimes it’s 0/100. Thank you for giving me a place of peace to call home. Thank you for setting the example of a faithful marriage based on honor and respect, so that one-day, I could put my observations into actions. Thank you for being patient with one another. Thank you for allowing me to sleep with you when I didn't feel like being alone. Thank you for family hugs. Thank you for following Christ on the straight and narrow even though at times it might seem long and un-ending. Thank you for thinking of me as you live your lives together in this world that is full of Satan’s lies.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails…” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Happy Halloween

My Mom told me quit crying because I was going to wake my Dad. She said I was acting like my Aunt. My need to breathe was over-powering my need to explain. I couldn’t get the words out. Em was worried I was upset with her or that a phone conversation had turned south as I was driving north on Clemons Road. She found me in the driveway. I was too scared to tell my secret…

Me-Tube

I'm sorry, B. I might have missed you this past Monday because I was visiting my Grandparents. I just didn't think Lymon Evans would appreciate your Chanel's and Jimmy Choo's as much as I do, but I did make a strong suggestion, but the Cowboy's won the TV time. So, I promise I'll be at the premiere of your latest movie. I'm SUPER stoked!

This week would have marked the eight year anniversary of the Lachey's. PLEASE get back together. Jess, we know you aren't truly happy, and you can never get over your first love, the first cut is the deepest, and Nick, Vanessa, she's your typical pretty, brunette, bronze and petite. Haven't you seen, there is a lot more of Jessica to love nowadays...

If you haven't experienced this, you're missing out on the winning side of life.

I first met Austin at my cousin's Fiesta Party. He was the live entertainment, and I am pretty sure I hit on him, HA! He let me sing "I Never Told You" with him, and it kind of became "our song". He's a Scottsboro native who every time I talk to him, makes me realize to never stop chasing my dream. He's SO cool!

Mr. Freeze

Last Sunday, my pastor challenged his congregation to give up a daily spending habit in order to financially help our widows and orphans at Life’s Journey. He used his morning breakfast routine as an example, but for me, I was led to really think about how I daily spend my money. I don’t eat out everyday, I don’t shop everyday, so of course in my mind I was thinking, perfect! I have to sacrifice nothing! This is great, but God quickly made me realize I do in fact have a daily habit. I could not live without music. While I bathe, drive, cook, clean, I am listening to music. I buy music everyday, it helps me on my runs, and I always need something new to keep my mind off the strain of the Jones Valley hills. So, freezing my iTunes account will be a strenuous sacrifice, but before my decision went into effect, I had to buy T. Swift’s Speak Now album, one last Ka-Ching.

Personal Takes

Last Kiss,

“So I’ll watch your life in pictures… and feel you forget me… and keep up with our old friends just to ask them how you are.”

I was in the bathroom putting on my make-up when I first heard this song. I started crying because “I don’t know how to be something you miss.”

Better than Revenge,

“She’s better known for what she does on the mattress.”

Trust me, the good girl ALWAYS wins, and my vintage dresses are way better than your Express sale rack returns.

Enchanted,

“All I can see, is that it was enchanting to meet you”

From afar, I observed him and thought, 'oh, if only'. He was royalty in my book, but when the calling, asking and inviting came, I realized I wanted what I had already said good-bye to.

Mean,

“You can take me down with just one blow.”

I once met my match.

Dear John,

“My mother accused me of losing my mind.”

Lynette Bellomy flipped her lid and thought about having ‘Hardcore Dior’ take charge of the matter.

Back to December,

“How’s life, tell me how’s your family? I haven’t seen them in a while.”

I see this scenario in my head every other day. Preparing myself.

Walls of Jericho

…. two men and one girl, five and a half hours of exploring Jackson County… ONE GREAT NATURE OF AN AFTERNOON!

Fall's Future

Scissor Happy

The picture I took into Neo Mode. I’m still learning to style my shorter locks.

Arm Candy

Christian. Desires to live in a small town. Wants a house-full of chillins. Loves adventure. Even kill and slow to anger. Always down for a road trip. Likes to talk. Writes insane love letters. Eager to eat my baking. I’m looking for you.

Upper East Side Wannabe

I vow to always clear my Monday night schedule and make time for you, B.

Cabbage Patch Kid

I don’t know how much of a blessing it is to have good health. My mother has been worried I don’t eat right, so in efforts to ease her thoughts and take care of the body God has so graciously given me, I have decided to change my eating habits.

Vitamin E Powerhouse: 
Avocados are the best fruit source of Vitamin E; an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.

I’ve said good-bye to sweet tea and coffee; I can’t believe it, it’s like a piece of my “Southern” sweetness has gone down the drain.

Orange juice is known to contain a high percentage of Vitamin C, which is helpful in boosting the immune system.

Benefits of Blueberries

Improved vision

Clearing arteries

More antioxidants for disease protection

Strengthening blood vessels

Enhanced memory

Stopping urinary tract infections

Reversing age-related physical and mental declines

Promoting weight control

Rock Solid

Hilary Swank dazzled me in the September issue of InStyle. Her body is rockin’ and inspiring. She has now beaten Cameron out of the top spot on my refrigerator.

Grand Jete

I’ve always been fascinated by ballerinas. They are absolutely stunning. It’s on my “Bucket List” to take lessons, and no time is better than now to begin.

…and Edgar Degas found them picturesque too.

Jackson Hole

I’m begging my Dad to take me to Wyoming. I look at pictures all the time, and I imagine hikes through the mountains, picnics in the fields and campfires with my family. I want to see if Old Faithful is really faithful.

Mirror Image

Oh Liv, you’ve done it again. You’ve made me want have style just like you with your recent pictures from Milan’s Fashion Week. You always keep me on my toes.

Go Volunteer

Volunteering and getting involved with my community is something that God has placed heavily on my heart. One day a week, I spend an afternoon with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club at McDonnell Elementary School. There, I work with children who touch my heart and are always willing to give hugs, and I have met one of the most amazing leaders. Ruben Flores, not only are the children so blessed to have you to look up to, but I am very blessed to have you in my life. You amaze me every week, and you encourage me on this journey called life.

Red Reading Hood

Em’s going to be really proud her reading suggestion made the list. I’ve been reading Sacred Marriage for the past five months. I was actually reading it on the plane back from Chicago when the guy beside me asked if I was getting married. I quickly held up my left hand and said, “not even close”. It turns out he was a writer, and I told him I used to write everyday, that I had a blog, but things had gotten too busy and I didn’t write like I wished or wanted to now. So thanks Mr. I forgot your name and I can’t seem to find your business card in my nightstand, you reminded me of how much I missed Chasleyland and encouraged me to get back to writing.

Anxiously Awaiting

Becdie and I can’t wait for your November 16 “So Far!” launch! We’re hoping your “bad A#@” attitude will help keep our Holiday weight off! We love you, PINK! Thanks for keeping our spirits high on the pavement!

Piggy Bank

My desire to live in the City hasn’t changed. I’m saving for the Big Apple.