We can't just say I love you, We have to live I love you!

Lovers Day this year was made special by one amazing guy! Shaun and I have been together for almost a year and let me tell ya . . . it has been one great ride. We have such great friends that we make memories with, but the moments that mean the most to me are the ones when we spend time with just the two of us. We didn't have big valentines plans because he didn't get off until 8. I met him at Shortly Smalls during his quick dinner break. We have really become fond of this place. . . Their fries are the best in town and their honey mustard is AWESOME! It our special little dinner place during the week so I saw no other way to spend valentines day. After he finished working I met him at his house where we were going to just spend a little time together and exchange the gifts we got each other. He started by opening the one I wrapped for him . . . In the pretty valentines wrapping paper with a matching bow was a razorback license plate that he had mentioned a while back he would like to have. Along with a sweet card I also put some pictures I had printed of us. After he finished it was my turn. I always get nervous when opening presents because he does such a good job of keeping things a secret. I had no idea what he had decided to do for me. He went to the pantry and pulled out two little boxes that he had wrapped in phone book pages. Apparently someone forgot to leave the valentine wrapping paper over there. . . that would be me! : ) It was so cute! He is such a great wrapper. I did say WRAPPER not RAPPER . . . even though he would agree with both! HA! After almost crying while reading my sweet card I went to open my little boxes. I asked which one I should open first and he said it didn't matter. . . I would know what it was by either one of them. Apparently they were connected in some way. I was totally blown away when I opened the box to find a new iPhone. For those of you that don't know . . . Shaun and the rest of our friends have had iPhone's for a while now. My phone on the other hand, has been around the block a few times. Don't get me wrong. . . I will fall in love with my new iPhone, but it's going to take a lot of patience and practice. I am so excited! I have been wanting a new iPod so this works as both. Can't wait to get it all hooked up and get started using it!! I will keep you posted on my progress! Oh yeah, and he got me a sweet case to go with it. I am pretty rough with things so it will keep it nice and safe!

Here is his fantastic wrapping job! : )

 I am a lucky girl . . . not just because of my gift, but because Shaun does his best DAILY to make me feel special. He is truly a great man and I am so very thankful for all the sunshine he brings into my life. I heard a song recently that sums it up pretty much perfectly: He loves me for me. Not for what I have done or what I will become. He loves me for ME!

                              I love us! 

Lots of catching up to do!

       One great part about my job is that I get to travel ever so often. Last week I had a training in Blytheville and was about to meet my Pop, Nana (on the right), and two of her sisters for lunch. Tradition in our family is to eat bar-b-que when you visit town. We had a great visit. It was really good to see all of them. 

Here is my version of the football cupcakes for our super bowl party. . . They turned out pretty good! I decided to make chocolate footballs instead of using icing. They sure did taste better that way! 

       This past weekend we ladies shipped the men off to Greeres Fairy to stay at a cabin for the weekend while we got together for some much needed girl time. We had been talking for a couple of weeks about how much fun we were going to have sitting around in our pajamas, snacking, and chatting while watching sappy girlie movies. Unfortunately, one thing led to another and one by one the ladies plans fell apart. Not to worry. . . we all took a rain check and will be getting together SOON! Even though Rocky Bones and I weren’t able to get together with our ladies . . . we decided to take a road trip to Pocahontas to visit Shaun’s family. We met them Friday night for their traditional Friday Night Fish Date. They love Captain Catfish and have told us for a long time that we should come join them. Now I know why . . . It was some of the best catfish I have had.
         Mrs. Lin planned for her and I to find me some new/old fixer upper furniture for my new place (Post for another time). We went to several different antique places around town where we found soo many goodies! Unfortunately, they cherish their fantastic finds a little more than I was willing to pay right now.  Even though we came home empty handed . . . she and I had just a great day together. I got to see parts of Pocahontas I have never seen. We enjoyed an awesome root beer float, laughed until we cried listening to Chonda Pierce CD, and got some good ideas for the future. 

         Mrs. Lin just goes on and on about playing cards with her mom and her friends. We have said for a while now that I will have to come up and have them teach me how to play hand and foot. Saturday was a perfect day for it. We met up with Ms. Wanda and Ms. Fannie and had so much fun!! They are serious about their cards, but are great teachers. We celebrates Ms. Wanda's 39th ;) birthday with rice crispies and strawberries! I am blessed to have such great Christian women in my life. I look up to these ladies and strive to be more like them daily! Thank you for all the laughs this weekend!! 

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Dinner and a Movie

Between the year-end reports we are working on at the office, turbo tax Tuesday, catching up from a weekend at home, trainings I have had at night this week, and celebrating a good friends birthday . . . this has been one crazy busy week! I love staying busy, but believe me . . . I love to slow it down too! I am looking forward to not having anything that just HAS to be done this weekend. Luckily Shaun is off tonight so we are going to have a date night! First one we have really had in a while. Dinner and a movie. He even said I get to pick the movie. . . after the Black Swan choice from last time . . . think he owes me! : )  Can't wait!!

I mentioned that we celebrated a friends birthday. One year ago yesterday I met the most amazing group of people. Katie's brother coaches with my dad in Magnolia. He knew I was new in town and didn't know anyone so he had her give me a call. It just happened to work out that they were going to be going out for Rusty's birthday that week. I decided to go and the rest is history. There is no way I would have made it in this town, after moving here alone, without them! They keep me on my toes, laughing until it hurts, and have my back no matter what! I am always looking forward to the next time we will be able to see each other. I love them like family and I am so blessed to have them. 

Our first date! Goofy from day one :  ) 

 My plan for Saturday. . . SLEEP IN! : ) After that, if weather permits, I would like to go antique looking and shopping at some junk stores here in town. I am wanting to make myself a craft room at some point. . . have to get my own place and find time to craft, but when I do I want to be prepared! I would love to find some old pieces of furniture like these to transform! 

  

We are all getting together for the Super Bowl on Sunday. I am in charge of bringing the cupcakes. This is what my intention is for the project. We shall see what they end up looking like . . . fingers crossed they don't turn out like the key lime cupcakes! : /  story for another time. . . still to soon to talk about it! 

  

Have a fabulous weekend!! 

back to my roots

I am so lucky to have a great family. My parents are both strong Christians that have raised me to walk in their footsteps. I love going back home because it brings me back to my roots and reminds me of who I truly am. When I think I have it all figured out I am quickly reminded that I have no clue. I am thankful for the way we are able to communicate as a family. I am thankful for the faith they have put in my decision making skills and the trust they have had in me through the years. It would be so hard to be where I am today without my great support system!

Nie Nie. . . the author of a blog I have been following, asked a somewhat simple question today.

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

What makes you happy? I am taking this year to find myself again. I feel like it is time for me to get back to where I should be in every aspect of my life. Tired of just going through the motions and not making the most of every day God gives me. While in search of my new self I have been trying to figure out what I can do to make myself a happier person. . . The simple things that I can do on a daily basis that makes me feel like I am giving back, making the most of my day, and making an impact on someones life for the better.  This question might be simple for some people, but I have a hard time with it. I have worked on a list and this is what I have so far. . .
1. spending time with people I care about and care about me
2. helping people
3. solving problems
4. serving
5. making things . . . being crafty
6. mini weekend vacations to random places I have never been before
7. experiencing things I have never experienced
8. having good conversation with friends I have lost touch with
9. riding in the car with windows down singing my favorite songs
10. cooking for people I love
11. at times I love girl time . . .  coffee, girl talk, desperate housewives, bachelor, and anything that doesn't have to do with the guys ; )
12. watching my favorite movies over and over again
13. playing card games
14. having alone time
15. going to weddings
16. planning events/vacations/day trips . . . just planning in general
17. a little coffee with my cream and sugar
18. clean sheets and warm towels just out of the dryer
19. having people in my life I can trust
20. feeling wanted/needed
21. getting compliments
22. being made to feel special and irreplaceable
23. visiting a church and being made to feel like you have known them your whole life
24. being with someone and not feeling like you have to say anything
25. diet coke
26. decorating for Christmas
27. flowers
28. pictures
29. hearing a baby laugh and watching them smile
30. hearing the words "i love you"
31. going different places and doing things without a time frame
32. looking around in target or hobby lobby

When I really started thinking about it I realized that there is a lot in my life that makes me happy. I am growing daily and by surrounding myself with those people I want to be like is truly helping me in that process of becoming a strong Christians.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful life, family, friends, and the start of a great church family.

If anyone can make it . . . I'm betting on me and you!

Such a great weekend! Started off with a date night Friday that ended at Katie and Rusty's for a little football watchin. . . Are you surprised?? : ) Saturday was soo much fun. . . We got Shaun a new tv and did some store hopping looking for a costume for the Farrin's First Annual Halloween Bash!! Needless to say . . . There will be a post later with pictures from that party. Can't wait for you to meet Keith and Bambi . . . oh and Junior! HAHA! Today consisted of a lot of laying around and relaxing. Not something I get to do very often. It was really nice not having to do anything. When Shaun got off we ended up at Kroger getting stuff for a shrimp boil and a few things to fix his house up . . . More light bulbs for the bathroom being one of them! : ) I had never been to a shrimp boil until tonight . . . It was AWESOME!! I ate so much . . . I thought I was going to explode. My man is great in the kitchen! All in all it was a successful weekend!!

Going to the Chapel

Katie and Rusty's wedding was the biggest highlight of the past few months. They are the most amazing couple and are going to have such an amazing life together. I am so lucky to have friends like this in my life. I wish them the best of luck and lots and lots of babies! : ) Can't wait to be an aunt!!!

The girls at the bridal luncheon. It was so precious. Each place setting had a
picture of whomever seat it was and Katie. Such a great idea.

After we finished having lunch, Katie and her Mom treated the girls to manicures and pedicures. It was so nice to be able to relax for a little bit and have some good girl talk!

Couple pictures at the rehearsal

Meagan and Ross aka. . . Liam's Mommy and DAddy!

Josh and Cheryl

Sarah and Brady

Deal or No DEal game . . .

They ended up winning $1,000.00!!!!!!!

AV guy . . . SHAUN HATCH!!

Everyone enjoying the video Katie worked so hard on. It turned out so perfecT !

4 people's luggage for 2 nights . . . WOW!

Sign leading us to the wedding site

Beautiful Bride

BEST MAN!

My brother from another mother. . . Katie's brother Josh. He coaches with my
Dad and is the main reason Katie and I ever met. Thank you Josh!

Waiting for the bride to come down the isle

True love . . . I love them!

Mohawk Martin

Katie sang the most amazing song to Rusty. I was so proud of her for making it all the way through without tearing up! Couldn't say the same for Rusty and everyone else in the audience.

I love you Katie and Rusty!!!