No good very bad day.......

Today is one of those days that I wish were a dream. I'd like to curl back into bed, go to sleep and start all over.

It started off wonderfully. We were getting ready to go put in an offer on a new farm we are trying to buy. We've been super stoked about this for months. While I was getting ready, I remembered that my best friend was having an ultrasound this morning for her 12 week pregnancy visit. I decided to send a text and check on things. The response was definitely not what I expected, "No heartbeat. d&c tomorrow". My stomach hit the ground. I've never felt instant sadness and sickness as I did at that moment. I had just sent her an email last night talking about dates for her shower. She had already bought maternity clothes for the summer and a cute bathing suit for her growing bump. This can't be real. She's been my best friend since we were 5. When she hurts, I hurt. I'm so thankful that she's such a strong person though. When she stopped by after the horrible morning she had, I felt as if she were consoling me. Not the other way around. It is so hard to understand why things like this happen. She's such an awesome mom to her son and I know she would have been just the same to this baby.

We talked about how, in times like these, many people doubt God. Not her. Her immediate reaction was, "This is God's will and maybe He is trying to teach me compassion for other women who go through this." What an amazing woman. In a time like this, she sees the blessings that can be taken from this. Don't get me wrong, she's hurting, but I've never before seen just how amazing she was until the horrible day. Her main concern was how she was going to explain this to her young son who already knew that Mama had a baby in her belly.

Please pray for peace and understanding for this sweet family. I know that the coming days, weeks and even months will be hard. I'm just so thankful that she has a relationship with Christ. I can't even imagine how hard this would be for someone who doesn't.

Our Summer To-Do List

The other day I was thinking about how much I am looking forward to summer this year. Wyatt is at such a fun age, I just want so badly for him to be able to do fun stuff. I remember my summers being so great when I was a kid and I want to make special memories for our family just the same. I know it is very easy to spend a fortune going and doing fun things, but cheap things can be just as fun! Here are a few ideas I have planned for us:

Point Mallard

Zoo

Camping

Movies

Kiddie carnival

Fishing

Lake Winnie

Joe Wheeler State Park

Aquarium

Pool

VBS

Skating

Park

Beach

You may notice a theme here, most of these things are OUTDOORS! I guess after this strange snowy winter we've had here, I'm just ready to get out of this house. What are some of your ideas for summer fun?!? I'm always looking for more ideas :)

I'm Back!

After more than a year away from my personal blog, I've decided to come back! I had originally thought I would use my photography blog as both, but it hasn't really worked out that way. I really need to do better and I feel more comfortable talking about personal stuff on my personal blog. Anyway, I'm excited to be back and I hope to post a new blog soon with what's been happening around here lately!

Thanks for reading! I'm excited to be back to my Simple. Beautiful. Life :)

Amberlee

Because this picture makes me smile, I thought it might make you smile too!

Oh to have the innocence of a child.

My sweet niece Amberlee.

Thanksgiving Fun!

This past week has been quite busy to say the least! I've been going wild trying to finish up editing pictures and get things ready for Thanksgiving. Somehow we pulled it all off without a hitch!

Wednesday, my bf's little guy came over and spent the day with us. His daycare was closed that day, so we were so excited for him to come over and play! It really is nice having a little buddy to keep Wyatt entertained.

Wyatt was so funny all day! He wanted Mason to do everything he wanted to do. Mason, of course, is used to being in a class with other kids so he just wanted to be left alone! I'm sure he was glad to get away from us :)

He really was so good all day! It is so funny how different they are, but they play so well together.

Thursday, we had 2 places to go for Thanksgiving meals. First, we went to my Granny's for lunch. I didn't take any pics there. For supper we went to my Mom & Step-dad's house. We got to spend lots of time with my sweet grandaddy! He is William Conley, which is where we got Wyatt's middle name. He looks pretty good for 88, huh?!?

Wyatt LOVED Nonni's wonderful meal! She had all of our favs, including Wyatt's: mac and cheese!!

Trying so hard to get it on the fork!

Using your fingers is so much easier!

Yumm......

My Mama's dogs (AKA my animal siblings) were waiting patiently for any little tidbits to fall on the floor! They stayed close to Wyatt...... smart dogs!

Mama in the kitchen. She could be the next Paula Deen! This woman can cook. I'm so thankful that she passed that love down to me! I call her at least 2 times a month for one of her recipes. Morgan sure loves them too! It's true that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach :)

The thing we are most Thankful for this year is this little guy! He is our pride and joy, and I'm thankful EVERYDAY that the Lord chose us to be his parents!

The Blind Side

If you haven't seen this movie, go now! Seriously, drop whatever you're doing and go. Don't worry if you don't have someone to go with, go by yourself. I mean it, you need to go!

Tonight we went with Morgan's brother, Drew, and sis-in-law, Elizabeth, to see The Blind Side. I was really just looking forward to having a night out with adults. My sweet mother-in-law was home with all 4 kids! Seriously, she's a saint! Anyway, we headed out to the 7 o'clock show. Who would've thought, 7 pm, Monday night, crowd? Nah. Well, yeah!! Between this movie, and New Moon (which can't possibly hold a candle to this), that place was PACKED! We had to sit on the 3rd row back, heads tilted straight back and watch the movie. I'll admit, I was a little ticked about a seat situation, until the movie started. I was hooked, and I could've cared less. It was such a great story. It really made me feel so selfish. I live in a warm house, have more clothes than any one person needs, never worry where my next meal is coming from, and more than that.......I have a family who loves me unconditionally. I won't give away all the story, but it will definitely make you re-examine your life. I am so blessed in many ways, and it has truly softened my heart. I hope that this movie will encourage us all to do for others more. I wish I could buy everyone a ticket. It really gives meaning to true love and unselfishness.

*BTW, Sandra Bullock rocked it out in this! I've always loved her, but this is by far her best work yet!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

My tree is up...

Stockings are hung...

A few presents are wrapped...

Candles are burning...

and

Cookies are baking....

All before Thanksgiving!!

Can you tell Christmas is my favorite time of year?!? 

Oh yeah, and thank heavens for Sirius XM radio! 3 Christmas channels to listen to all day long! I LOVE IT!!