Random Pictures Overload...

Yep... still on vacation...

Yesterday, I didnt even get out of my PJ's... Ahhh - heaven!!!

But I worked on editing a Senior portrait session all day.  I could get use to that - doing photography all day.

I noticed I had some pictures I never posted here... so here's some randomness for you.

My little Zoe just loves a camera... I think she's even smiling :)

Ahh - my Erin Condren planner.  I'm in love with this thing & I take it everywhere.  I can tell I'm going to be getting a new one every year.

Look at my fur babies together... Buffy was a rebel & wouldnt come over with the rest of the gang.  You'd think someone who takes so many pictures could get 4 dogs in one picture, but I think its near impossible.

You may think those are sunglasses...NO - those are a GNAT SHIELD!!!  I have to wear them lately because I'm coming home with HUNDREDS... no joke... HUNDREDS of gnats stuck to my face, arms, stomach, hair & even in my eyes!!!!  The fun of running in the country... a gnat face!  Now, I dont feel like I have to run with my hands over my eyes - which I was doing... that's safe.

Isnt this the perfect picture of LAZY?

These things on my arms - Compression Sleeves... I am in love.  They make my arms feel so much better with the pain when I run - & generally all day long. I've been wearing them with my shirts & it just looks like a long sleeve shirt under a short sleeve shirt.  They're going to give me funny tan lines though while running.

Here's the twin's birthday cake from this year... Angry Birds... I had never played before & one of the kids at their birthday party had it on their ipod so she let me have my first go at it.  ... I'm not good at it...

I've been busy doing photo sessions this October too (LOVE IT)... but isnt this a fantastic shot of this family?  They were so much fun!  I love the boys arms on both ends of the girls... it fills the picture out.  The expression on the faces is what I love too... And this was only taken in 2 jumps.  I bet they woulda jumped as many times as I asked - they were up for anything.

I love this picture for a few reasons... first of all, look at how sweet this family is.  Second, it has a baby - ahhh - who doesnt love a baby?   Third - this is totally untouched.  The sun light is all natural & hitting them perfectly.  I caught this moment when I told the boys to make their baby brother laugh..... capturing natural moments is my most FAVORITE thing to snap!

I had an engagement session with this young lady... yes, you've seen her here on my blog MANY times as one of our youth kiddos... & now, she's engaged... When does that happen?  Kids grow up... I stay the same age though.  Its one of those mysteries in life... like how Paris Hilton is famous.

This is why you want to schedule a photo session in October around here... the colors are just perfection.  I love everything about this picture & how "natural" & peaceful it looks... it didnt hurt this young lady was gorgeous .. inside & out!! She wants to be a photographer & work in youth ministry... Hello?  She's a mini-me.. except much more beautiful.  I need to talk her into dying her hair red :)

I got my hands on my first DUDE for a Senior Session too... I just called him Mr. GQ because he was a model in the making.  He would stand in front of the camera & give me a straight face & then a smile & then a SMIZE :) ... he knows how to work a camera.  Not bad for a football player.

Did anyone stick around through all the pictures?  I coulda put a whole lot more... I'm a snapping fool...

I'm off to go to lunch with a friend, plan 2 more photo sessions for the weekend & suck in the joy of vacation.

Happy Day friends!

Broken....

So today, to start off my vacation, I had to get up early to head down to physical therapy. 

Who doesnt like to still get up early on vacation... & like to have a little physical torture?

I'm in so much pain lately... still... that it didnt even matter.  I went with hopes that there would be some answers.

I get there only to get hit first with the reminder that health insurance totally bites.  Reviewing how much I have to pay out of pocket is the hardest punch in the gut for me.  Why not?  I'm used to people telling me, "You're insurance doesnt cover ______, so you'll owe $____ (More money then I have laying around as spare change)"....

The physical therapist asked me all kinds of questions. Does it hurt to raise my arm?  Does it hurt to lift anything over 5 lbs?  Does it hurt to dress yourself?  Does it hurt to do simple things, like write?  ....

... the answer is YES to all of the above.

So he starts pushing, poking & pulling.

Next thing I know, he has me raise my arm... (insert POP POP POP in my shoulder when I raise my arm)

He then starts poking on my shoulder blade in my back.  Has me stand up again & then grabs, yes GRABS my shoulder blade & tells me to raise my arm.  Pain?  Not nearly as bad as it was... I can almost say it wasnt there at all!!! What the heck?  Is this dude a magician or something?

He told me he doesnt think I have tendonitis in my arm afterall... he thinks there may have been a touch of it at one point, & that it may come & go, but that isnt whats causing the severe pain in this arm.

What is?  I cant even begin to tell you... it was like a 20-syllable word that sounded like a foreign language curse word.

So I ask him, "can you dummy that down for me?  What do I tell people when they ask me because I'm not even going to ATTEMPT to repeat that word"

He said, "Your mechanics in your shoulder are completely out of whack"....ok... dummy-ed down...

But that means that somewhere along the line, the shoulder blade & my rotator cuff have gotten off track & its made the muscles weak & it has them stretched & pulled in the wrong directions.. in the front of the arm & the back where the shoulder blade is. 

I thought he may be crazy at first because it hurts in my WHOLE ARM & my back & my shoulder blade has never been an issue.  He then went on to tell me that the rotator cuff reflects pain to where the bicep reaches the rotator cuff... & that pain "refers" down to the bicep, down to the forearm, & even as far down to the fingers... & he pointed to exactly where all my pain is.

He explained that is why heat/ ice/ Alleve/ anything for inflammation isnt helping - because its not really inflammed.  He used the word "impinged" & said its about building up the muscles again.

So, there's good news in that.  They were saying that if the tendons werent getting better, then we could be looking at surgery... but now its not an issue. 

But its still going to be awhile... he said that the muscle is pulling on the rotator cuff & that its going to take awhile to do these exercise he's shown me & for the body to adapt.  Because when I left today, the pain wasnt bad at all... even felt better.  But he said, "your body will adapt back to what its been used to - which is broken" ... "broken"... what a word... so its going to take months of repetitive exercises to train the shoulder to get back to where it needs to be.

... he was right too - the pain was back within the hour... even WORSE - which he told me it would be as I am trying to strengthen these mucles.

So - that's where I'm at... still in pain... but at least feeling like I have some answers...

but still broken....

Cutest Pumpkins EVER

So I mentioned my brother had a booth at a local Fall Festival...

See the one with the blue eye shadow on?  Oh yeah - I totally snagged that one up for myself! :)  Gonna put a witches hat on her for Halloween, & a pilgrim had for Thanksgiving. ... its HUGE too so it'll fill up my front porch too... I'll have the cutest pumpkin on my street.

I headed over to the festival to check out his booth... mainly because I think his work is A-MAZ-ING... from the classy, beautiful work, to the fun, adorable, even constipated looking pumpkins :)

Tell me this pumpking doesnt scream "CONSTIPATED"

Arent these pumpkins awesome?   I just think these faces are adorable...  All the kids loved them too - they would come running over & just staring at the big eyes & big noses...

... I just love seeing my brother get out there & promote some of this talent because he definitely doesnt show enough the amazing things he can do.... all these are hand painted & air brushed...

....Am I sounding like a proud little sister?... because I totally am :)

Friday Fragments

Friday!!!!  Not just any Friday either... its the Friday before my vacation.... which means today will be busy because when you get ready to leave work for vacation, you have to make sure everything is finished... only to come back to have work piled so high on your desk, you're exhausted for another week.  I don't care.  Its one week I dont have to worry about getting up at 4:30... I plan on sleeping, cleaning my garage, sleeping, going to physical therapy for my arm, sleeping, relaxing, sleeping, letting my arm rest, sleeping.. & more sleeping...  Until 3:00 gets here, we'll just frag away

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I'm still angry about Chynna Phillips getting kicked off "Dancing with the Stars"... that's 2 weeks in a row that 2 GOOD dancers have gotten eliminated.  Even if she forgot her routine, she was STILL better then Chaz & Carson... & Hope! I dont see why anyone thinks she's good - I think she looks so "stiff"... As of now, I dont even think they have 3 good people for a final 3... If Ricki Lake or JR gets booted, I'll be watching "The Sing Off" on Mondays

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I'm ignoring a toothache that's coming on... that's the LAST thing I need right now with all my arm issues.  And the last thing I need for my wallet.  Hey - I remember my vacation last year also left me getting a root canal & a crown... there's my vacation fund right there every year... this pain is in a tooth where its already crowned & has been root canal... THAT right there folks is how lucky I am!  Who can have pain in a nerve that isnt even there?  geez....

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How cute are these leg warmers?  I love that yarn pattern too - Noro is just BEAUTIFUL... but I would totally wear these all the time... with skirts - over jeans... to bed!  I'm all about extra warmth with the cool weather coming.

Source: ravelry.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

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My brother is setting up a booth tomorrow at a Fall festival selling some pumpkins that he paints.  He does it every year & they are A-DOR-ABLE!  He always gives everyone in the family one & his friends & every year we all tell him he needs to sell them.  So he's doing it tomorrow.  Wish him luck!  I've gotta run by & cheer him on... take some pictures of all the pumpkins together so you can see once again his amazing talent!

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SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Anniversary Dinner... So, I dont gamble - at all.  We have a Riverboat Casino near us.  It used to be Ceasars but The Horse Shoe has taken it over.  Last time I was on the boat was in 1999. No joke.  But I have gone to their hotel for the places to eat... hello... Paula Dean has a buffet there.  Heavenly Buttery Fat EVERYWHERE. But they have amazing places to eat there... so Ricky, who DOES love to gamble always is getting things in the mail from his Player Card.  He & his best bud, Tony have spent more time there then anywhere else... wait, I take that back - 2nd to the skating rink I'll say.  So this week, Ricky gets in the mail a discount for the most amazing steakhouse (steak for him - none for me thankyouverymuch) & it says, "To celebrate your Annivesary"... Our anniversary is Oct 28... the River Boat knows that... that's scary....

(The owners probably know that most men forget it & its their SLY way of reminding the men so they're not in trouble & can keep coming back to gamble... anyways...)

So Ricky says to me, "I think Tony & I are going to go use this to celebrate our anniversary"

....huh?....

...what?....

Since when did you marry Tony?

He went on to give me an explanation on why it makes sense to take Tony there.

.... so for the record, he's taking his best friend on our annivesary dinner & he's messed up our vacation being off on our anniversary.  Its a wonder we're going to make it to our 16th year... good thing I love his messed up butt

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FYI - & I hate to admit this... the Spat of the Week a few weeks ago... Isaac liked Ricky's choice of toys - the Iron Man figure won out.... DANNNNNGGGGGG ITTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Guys stick together is all I'm going to say about that

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I've missed my books lately... I'm just not finding time to read & its making me sad

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Speaking of books... I'm totally interested in this little gadget....

Source: amazon.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Kindle Fire!!! Anyone else looked into it yet?  I bet they will be impossible to get around Christmas time though... & Yes, I'm talking about buying myself one for Christmas.  Priorites :)

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Anyone know why on Pinterest, you have to put your own settings for height/width?  That's causing me stress...

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This just freaks my mind out....

Source: reddit.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

OK everyone... Hope you have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!  Mine will be even more FAB at 3:00...

(Did I mention I'm going to be sleeping a lot on my vacation?)

Arm update...

...yep... still miserable...

... still in pain...

... still frustrated.

I went back to the doctor earlier this week.  Y'all know how much I hate going to the doctor so that should tell you how bad this is still hurting.  Its been going on now for 4 months... sigh...

The doctor gave me a steroid pack to try.  Its called MethylPREDNISolone (dont know why those letters are captalized, but that's the way its printed on the box?) ...

Prescription medicine makes me nervous & I prefer not to take it unless its totally necessary, which after 4 months of pain, its necessary.  But when I think of steroids, all I can think about it swelling up & gaining weight.  The doctor told me this is such a short burst of steroids that that shouldnt happen.  I wanted to say, "but do you KNOW me?  have we met?  because anything bad that can happen, usually will"...

I'm also afraid after this pack, I'm going to look something like this...

(Just imagine red hair... & a lot paler...)

Its only a 21 pack - & there is a schedule that has me taking like 6 pills the first day, 5 the next, down to one pill 6 days later.... so we'll see what happens.

I'm also supposed to schedule with a physical therapist & let them evaulate me & see what they can do.

... I just want to feel normal again...

...to you...

My devotional for the morning has a simple verse:

"See, your king comes to you....."

Matthew 21:5

It was a devotional on Jesus going into Jerusalem & how the people were cheering Jesus' arrival when he entered, but how it sooned changed to screams of "Cruicify Him"

But all I kept thinking about were those 5 words...

& I kept thinking about how Jesus keeps coming to us... even when we're excited He's there & then turn on him just like the people long ago...

... & then I just kept asking myself, how often do we go to Him?

Thank you Jesus that you're always there, coming to me, waiting for me to always come to you... daily... hourly... every second of the day...

May our own lives say, "See, we go to our King"....

OK - I've got no excuses...

My friend put a link up on my Facebook yesterday for me to check something out...

I click on it to read the story...

Its about the woman who gave birth right after running the Chicago Marathon.

(She's a red head... you gotta watch out for those... they do some crazy things! :) )

Wh-wh-WHAT?

I know runners are a tad motivated & push their bodies in ways most people cant understand... well, just chalk this up to that list.  Maybe with a bonus for "extra" crazy... but in a good way.

This mom obviously was in good shape if she's heading out to do a marathon at 39 weeks.

I think running while pregnant is amazing!  I ran my 2nd half marathon & saw a VERY pregnant lady out on the road.  It was actually inspiring.  But luckily, she didnt have a little baby running right out, there in front of me.  I'd take off the other direction.. EEK!!!! Panic!!!

I told my friend that I cant hardly run even when I have a FOOD BABY ... so I applaud this lady. 

I guess I have no more excuses on days I dont want to run.

My knee hurts?  Try running while 9 months pregnant
I'm tired?  Try carrying a HUMAN inside of you & then talk about tired
My feet hurt?  Try running to the hospital while your in labor & then think about your FEET hurting...

...yeah - no excuses....

steps....

We just started a new series in our youth group, talking about moving forward.

When we become a Christian, we sometimes think we're supposed to be perfect - make no more mistakes - we have it all together afterall... right? 

yeah - those of us that have been Christians for awhile know that's a laughable statement.

But we get that idea in our head sometimes that we have to take giant LEAPS toward Christ - when all He wants is for us is to take steps.. .small steps actually... maybe even baby steps. 

Its those steps that get us closer to Him because we're doing those steps thoughtfully & not the leaps that are usually out of excitement or emotion.

Have you ever came home from a retreat & was all pumped up & ready to change everything you do because you want to be THE.BEST.CHRISTIAN.EVER!!!! ....

How did that work for you? ... exactly.

Last night, in the youth small group, some of the kids gave me an even better understanding of this idea

(See?  Again, this is why I ADORE working with youth - they teach me everytime I talk with them)

They said that when you take a step, at least you have one foot on the ground - it keeps you stable & balanced so even if you do take a misstep, you have some support to keep you upright.... if you leap & you take a wrong step, chances are, you're coming down in a mess & hurting yourself.

Isnt that a cool visual?  Out of the the mouth of the teens of today :)

So be encouraged - you dont have to take huge LEAPS for Christ... He just wants you to continue to step towards Him... whether that be a nice stride, or even small slow steps... as long as its forward.

Friday Fragments

I'm so lazy today, I'm not even grabbing the button for my header.... THAT's how my Friday is going...

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I know I sound like I'm Mrs. Whiney McWhineystein but I cant help it.  My arm is making me miserable.  I have a doctor's appointment on Monday, but wondering if its worth it.  I know they'll just still tell me its Tenditis, which actually its not... that only last 2 weeks I've learned.  So its progressed to "Tendinosis" - which takes up to a year to feel better - IF at all.... did you hear that people?  IF!!!!  Its a breakdown of tendons - not an inflammation.  Not sure what to do about this doctor's appointment.  Waste of time?

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I got new insurance!  Which is why I can go back to the doctor... I'm going to enjoy it this year because I know next year, the rates will increase so high, I'll have to go back to the poor-man-version - which is diddly squat.

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I'm so excited... doing new photo things this weekend!  I've got a BOY to do senior pictures with.  I've been keeping my eyes on "boy poses" on Pinterest & cant wait to incorporate them.  He wouldnt appreciate holding a flower - not when he's bring his football gear with him.  Maybe I'll put a flower in his helmet?

I've also got a family session with little ones - FUN! .. & doing another family session with grown kids for a Christmas card.  My camera will be getting a work out.... just hoping my arm lasts with all the editing.  (Yes, Whiney McWhineystein is back)

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I've got to run 8 miles first thing tomorrow.... my Fall races are going to be here in just a few weeks!  Where did that time go?  Did it RUN by me?  haha!!! Oh, I crack myself up

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SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Vacation.... We normally take vacation during our anniversary - which is October 28.  So that would make it the week of October 24-28, right?  So I tell Ricky to tell his work that's when he needs off.  He kept putting it off... putting it off.. & putting it off some more.  Next thing I know, I get a call Monday with Ricky saying, "I cant take off that week - I didnt put in for it & now 3 others are off that week"... really?  So needless to say, we'll be taking our vacation a week early.  Good thing we didnt have tickets to go anywhere.  But now, I better get flowers at my work on our anniversary since I'll be at my desk celebrating....

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This is for my sister in law :) haha!!! 

I hate the internet if only that it makes me feel like I'm going to die in a week... & I'm totally serious in that statement...

Source: thatswhatthatmeans.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

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No offense, I think our country lost a genuis mind - but why all the attention of the guy who died from Apple?  I dont even remember his name - that's how much I know of him.  I do think his mind created AMAZING products.. but the guy that made Doritos died a few weeks ago too & you didnt hear anything. 

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Dancing with the Stars Shocker!!! Can you believe who got kicked off this week?  Just know it wasnt Chaz - so you know from that it was an epic fail.  I have to say though, Mark has developed a little attitude, has he not?  I'm pulling for a JR, Ricki Lake, Chynna Phillips Finale!!!

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Hope you all are enjoying Fall weather... its absolutely beautiful here with all the color... so much for my dead-leaf theory of last week. 

Have a Fabulous Fall Friday!

Thursday Letter: 4:30 am

Dear 4:30 am

I know we have a new relationship together.  Normally, I would ignore you & not even realize that you existed.  But with this new change in routine & route to work everyday, I have had to grow closer to you over the past few weeks.

Its because of this closer relationship that I feel like I can write you this letter to tell you how I really feel about you.  I'm sorry to say, its not pretty either.

I think you are some sort of evil creature that is sent to mess with me physically & emtionally.

Why emotionally?  Because when I see you on my alarm clock every morning, it sends me into a state of depression.  One that involves tears & a 2 yr old tantrum of kicking the bed & saying things like, "I dont wanna!!!"

Also I feel like this is an emotional game because I would almost bet you $1 million dollars (as if I HAD $1 million dollars) that I just laid down & I just closed my eyes.  Mr. 4:30, do you have magical powers that speed up the time during the dark hours?  I would bet $2 million dollars on THAT also!

Physically, you are taking a toll on me as well.  I feel like my body is going through a wringer everyday.  You make me want to take a nap every day because I feel like I cant even hold my head upright by lunch time.  That's just messed up.  And if I take the time at lunch to watch my TV shows I enjoy on Hulu during lunch, only because I have no time at night now to watch anything, I am almost in a "crawling" mode to get in my house for a quick snooze at your sister, 4:30 PM

Why do I need that snooze?  Because I'm training for my next half marathon & the way my body is being effected by you, I think I can make it about 5 miles & it equals the same as 13.1 miles right now.

Mr. 4:30, we also dont even want to talk about how I have no time nor energy to keep up with my house.  You have forced me to neglect my laundry & my dusting.  My home has turned into a perfect mess... I'm just glad that is close to Halloween & I can make it sound like the dust & the mess is all part of a "Haunted House Feel"....

I'm hoping our relationships becomes easier.  I'm hoping we even begin to LIKE each other.  As of now, I'm doubting it though.

Regardless, I'll be seeing you tomorrow.

Your tired & grumpy friend,

Mom's Birthday - NOT the twins... yet ...

.... with no pictures of my mom :)

I took my camera & ended up playing with the twins all day with my camera.  If I had kids around my house all the time, I'd have 1,000 pictures a day - I'm sure.

It was such a beautiful day... after we went out to eat, we came home & pulled out the Frisbee. 

Madi is a little pro...

Where did Madi's hand go?

My brother & I were raised throwing Frisbee when we went to our grandparents house.  My uncle & my Papaw were always throwing frisbee's ... Papaw could do the coolest tricks with them... & whenever someone would catch them under the legs, it was like something out of the Olympics to me

Look at that determination!!!!

Sophia didnt want to play & she was being a little booger & didnt even want me to take her picture.  So she kept putting her head down & flipping her hair up to cover her face....

I still think I got a good picture of her ... HA!  I will prevail with a camera

Madi watching the frisbee action waiting her turn....

Then it was time for Uncle Ricky to play with the twins...

they love him... even if he takes their 3-wheeler

we were cracking up at him riding this thing...

Then he went to show Sophia a magic trick.

He had their complete attention ....

Madi then showed me her awesome swing jumping skills....

I was always afraid I'd break an ankle doing this... I probably would of too..

And then Sophia showed me her cart wheel skills.  She really is turning into a great gynast.  Watch out Mary Lou Retton! (Did I just age myself?)

Finally - a picture of the sisters together...

Showing off a gourd in dad's garden.  He had so many gourds growing... they were everywhere  - but this is such a weird shape one - the twins loved it...

Even though I didnt get a picture of anyone else - trust me, we all had a great time celebrating my mom's birthday.

Its the twins birthday this weekend - I should take pictures of my mom & dad all day instead.. only fair - right?

Mind playing tricks on me that early?

You will hear me whine & moan & groan & whine more until this bridge is open again... so for 6 months... sorry... but dont say I didnt warn you.

I have to get up early... the alarm goes off a little after 4 am.

I usually hit the snooze a few times to where I'm dragging myself out of the bed by 4:30 am.

Thank goodness I dont take long to get ready - I'm fast on make up - I set my clothes out to just put on as I walk out the door - I grab a breakfast bar & eat on the road.

But when I go to grab my breakfast bar Monday morning, this is what I see....

Excuse the mess in my pantry...  if it were organized, I wouldnt find anything...

I thought it was my mind playing tricks on me at 4:53 am...

but no... it was a real root beer bottle - half empty, by the way.

I've said it before & I'll say it again - Ricky randomly just lays things around the house.

I guarantee I got blamed for pouring out his drink when he wasnt finished with it too :)

I totally shoulda saved this for the Spat of the Week on Friday... but I couldnt wait

This is when I hate Texas...

Texas feels so far away from Kentucky...

Like a lifetime away...

especially on days like today... our grandson's birthday!

This weekend was Isaac's birthday party & its no fun when the grandparents are like 12,593 miles away.  I know that's probably not right - how many miles is it AROUND the world?  Close to that?  But that's what it feels like anyways.

I totally snagged these pictures off of Julie's facebook so you can see how grown up he is getting - & just how dang cute...

Here are both of the boys... ready to PARTY it UP!

Luke is like, where's MY party?

Julie let Isaac decorate his own cake.  He helps her make things in the kitchen & loves to get involved so this was perfect.  Especially since he wanted a Spiderman - Buzz Lightyear - Ironman cake... who doesnt, right?  Julie gave him some candy & he brought some of his toys & VIOLA!!!! A perfect 4 yr old birthday cake.

How proud is that face of his?  Cake Boss - you better watch out!

(I'm totally decorating my 40th birthday cake with my own Beauty & the Beast toys...).

Happy Birthday to our little blond hair boy... Nanny & Pappy hate being away from you.. but it doesnt mean we love you any less.  We love you to the moon & back... or make that to Texas & back, because that feels further away...

Happy Birthday to my Mom!!!

This is why I love pictures....

So you can look back & see a life that you werent around to see....

My mom is on the right...

Mom is on the left... with some of her sisters... look at those gloves :)

School picture ... everyone thinks me & mom look alike - but my brother looks like her here

Ah ... young love.. my mom & dad

Charlie's Angels has NOTHING on these three... my mom with my dad's cousins

Its been a life....

One I'm glad to be a part of.

I love you mom! 
(like I did that in blue?)

Hope you have a great birthday...

with many more pictures of life to come....