Life moves fast...

HOST: "Welcome to the Masquerade! May I offer you a platter of poor decisions to choose from, or would you prefer a glass of denial? In either case, I'm more than willing to assist you in your gluttonous tendency. In fact, don't even worry about portion control here! There's plenty to go around! And when you've finished the appetizers, feel welcome to change into something more appropriate for dinner. In the closet is a veil and something heavy to drape around your shoulders. Take your time, I'll be waiting for you..." "Dinner will proceed a little differently than what you're used to. The servants are rather busy attending to those still in the appetizer phase. But you're used to serving yourself, right? Great! Because tonight we shall feast on the vulnerable and prey over the weak. Oh, and don't worry about your neighbor - just enjoy yourself." YOU:  "Umm, thanks...There's a lot of people here. Who is that guy?" ...

Ever read something and it isn't until about the fourth pass over that something significant about it strikes you? Yeah, me too...   "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me."                                                                                                      1 Corinthians 13:11 I 've read this verse before. I just don't think I've ever pondered on it this much...

Hills Alive. It was great! Need I say more? Well of course... So Hills Alive 2014, for those of you who don't know, is a  FREE Christian music festival that happens every year in Rapid City, SD. The first year we were here I don't think I knew about it, and last year Jeff returned from deployment that same weekend so we missed it then. Bless his heart, he was scheduled for a TDY this year so he has missed it yet again. But I was determined to find myself there for at least a couple days of it so I managed to get some video clips of each artist. I went both Friday and all day Saturday but skipped Sunday. Friday night I met up with a couple friends and we saw At The Wayside, Satellites & Sirens, Kerrie Roberts, Rhett Walker Band, and The Afters. Since Friday's performances are held at the downtown square it was more of an artist showcase. Most of those artists went on to perform a full set on either Saturday or Sunday. Regardless, Friday was an awesome evening! I r...

I realize it's Monday - two days past our anniversary - but I'm still feeling rather remnicent! I'll try to refrain from telling our life's story, but I'm not sure many get to experience life together so soon like Jeff and I have. Jeff and I met mid-way through my high school years. Though there is a 3 and a half year difference between us, we became friends quickly and soon we were inseprable. After all, we met through mutual friends at church anyway so everyone spent a lot of time together! Good memories... Fastforward 9 and a half years and here were are - married for 6 of them - and wondering where the time went! Isn't that always the way of it? I came across this song by Thompson Square a few months after we were married and had to laugh because it completely fits us. I mean, how long could Jeff keep a girl like me waiting before I evetually put him on the spot by asking, "Are you gonna kiss me or not?" lol. And when I say this song completely ...

This last weekend, we went with some of our friends to Sioux Falls, SD and then over the Luverne, MN for a wedding! While we were there we took some candids (in case you haven't already seen them on my FB). We concluded the Memorial Day weekend together as well, back in Rapid City, and went hiking. The following is a story told by pictures consisting of beautiful scenery, Honey, wedding fun, selfie wars, hiking, Jenga, and other randomness. Please enjoy. All photos are courtesy of us!                                                             Back in Rapid City...we went hiking on Memorial Day.         THE END!

Today my mom told me she is proud of me. On a day that is all about her. On a day where she deserves more than my late gift. The day where, if possible, the world and time should literally spin backward to provide a replay of all the happy memories she is surely reflecting on. But no, instead she turns the spotlight on me and I am the blessed one whose mom never fails to encourage and uplift - even on Mother's day. Isn't that just the example us "children" never knew we were desperate for? Selflessness. It's strikes me that THAT is the ultimate job of moms. Under the layers of boogers and what's left of the baby food jar...past the point of no return when adolescent attitudes begins and independence strikes...beyond the tears of each passing grade level and major life events...you will find the one who stands tightly grasping her trophy of selflessness.  The truth is, however, it is I who am proud. I am proud to know my mother by many names, in fact. ...

This past week we visited our home state of Florida. I'll try not to bore you with a huge recap of everything we did. But I will say it was both a fun and exhausting trip. Basically, anytime we visit Florida it's never a "vacation" in the true sense of the word. Setting my alarm every morning doesn't exactly ring "you're on vacation!" to me. But we had places to be and people to see and commitments to attend. We flew in to Orlando as usual and my mom picked us up. We headed straight to Panera Bread (oh the broccoli-cheddar soup was delcious..) before she dropped us off at Casey and Kendra's house where we would stay for the week. Upon arriving to their house, we were greeted by Casey who was holding Avery. Normally it's all hugs and hellos. This time it was some version of the following: Casey: (opens door) "Hey guys!" Amy: "Hi Casey!" (no hug, immediately enters house) Casey and Jeff: (Still standing at the door wh...