a country wedding, part I

This weekend was my little sister's wedding out in Arkansas.  Her little family lives in a very small town out on a dirt road, and even though they are truly out in the middle of nowhere-it is beautiful to see God's creation in the stillness.  Her wedding was in the middle of a hay field and everything was a little bit country.  Of course there were a few glitches here and there, but overall it was a success!

After this wedding I added some more titles to my wedding planner credentials.  These include: hair dresser, makeup artist, DJ, and day-of organizer.  I mean, I really think I'm ready to go into business.  

The day started with primping the bride: 

Do you see that hair?  I surprised myself!

Her little boy, Jaden, is such a cutie!  He was the cutest ring bearer yet.

The moms:

Sister and sister-in-law.

I had the special job of holding my nephew Kash during the ceremony so he was a part of it all.  Of course I was in heaven!

Isn't the background so beautiful?!?

More to come...

Love my brother!

get your fit on p.2

I was talking to one of my coworkers the other day who reads my blog.  She said,  "Of course you would put work out moves on your blog!"  What can I say, I thought it would be pretty fun!  

Here are two more for your enjoyment.  All you will need is an exercise ball and a resistance band.  I picked one up at Sports Authority last year that is 20 lbs. resistance.  I LOVE it and can use it anywhere.  It is seriously a very versatile workout piece which makes me love it anymore.  

Step 1: Place your resistance band around something sturdy.  I'm suing a piece of equipment in my tiny gym.  I've used a tree outside of my house before or a railing on the stairs.  Step back so you have resistance on the band, then bend your knees at a 90 degree angle and hold the band out in front of you.

Step 2: Pull your arms back into a row.  You will want to focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together, bend your elbows, and pull your arms back.  

Tips: Engage your abs while doing this exercise, focus on keeping your knees at a 90 degree angle....I know it's easy to let up a bit but keep pushing yourself, and squeeze those shoulders back to work on your back at the same time.  

Sadly, I can't find the beginning picture of this move but it is once of my favorites for your abs!

Step one: Get into a plank position on an exercise ball.  The tops of your feet will be on the ball and your hands will be on the floor.  Make sure your shoulders are directly over your wrists and your back is straight.  Really keep your abs tight during this move so that you do not sway your back and cause injury.

Step two: Squeeze your abs and pull your knees in towards your stomach.  Then, return to step one.

I really love this move because it really helps me focus on my abs while working my arms at the same time.  

If you really want a challenge, try doing it with just one leg!  

Go get your fit on!

it's the little things in life...

...that make crazy, stressful, and chaotic weeks seem not so bad.  

I love being able to find the little beauties amongst the rubble and chaos and focusing on all of the blessings God has brought me.

Like sharing a latte and pink lemonade over mine and Kylee's final hoorah before she left.  We went to the cutest cafe downtown and chowed down on none other than....CHEESE!  Oh, our love for cheese is indescribable.  

I got to spontaneously see this little bundle of joy this week!  It has felt like forever since Auntie J got a big hug and kiss from her adorable niece.  Uncle D filled in for a last minute baby sitting sesh so I was able to squeeze in some time after work and visit her.  Despite the blurry picture my heart was filled with warmth as she squeals "CHEESE" for the camera.  

Uncle D knows how to tucker her out!  We played ball, rode around in her little pink car, and then he decided to make her dizzy....that poor little thing.  

Getting the sweetest email from my amazing husband.  "You can do it, you always do and I am proud of everything you do. Don't give up on yourself and hang in there," That's just a snip it -I love how he believes in me and encourages me along the way. My favorite part was how he signed it:

D. R. La Fuze -The Luckiest Man Alive

Having the best mom come and help out in your class AND bring you an iced nonfat pumpkin spice latte...she knows me too well.  I swore I took a picture of it, but my phone must've decided it didn't like it because it is no where to be found.  Even though it has been 90 degrees here, we still find ways to make fall alive!  

  Starbucks really knows how to make that oatmeal!  I'm off to Arkansas for my little sister's wedding, and I was blessed by getting in the Starbucks line just in time.  When I left there were 20 people in line?!?!  

Things are about to get a little bit country over here!  Toodles!