My Trendy Best Friend

A couple weekends ago, I had the pleasure of going to see my life-long best friend and her new house! She is super trendy, a clean freak, a minimalist, and just plain awesome (everything I aspire to be, but just can't seem to achieve). You'll see in the coming pictures! She and her husband have really done a lot of work to make this house a beautiful home that screams of their personalities. Yesterday was her birthday. I wanted to post this on her birthday but just ran out of time. So alas a day late ... Happy Birthday, Mandy!!

I took this picture last year right around her birthday. She's beautiful on the inside and on the outside.  

Let's start the fabulous tour of her beautiful home with the trendy kitchen, which she says isn't complete. I personally think it looks great just the way it is! 

And did I mention she's neat, clean, & organized? 

And the fab dining room.

Then she has this super cool sun room off the side of the dining room. It's just amazing. 

Our girls enjoyed this room...which one do you think likes getting their picture taken?! I'll give you a hint...it's not mine!! 

The living room is awesome...I don't know why I didn't get great pictures of it. Maybe because our husbands were sprawled out there watching Ultimate Fighting (blah!). 

You can see my mom sitting on the couch. I don't think she's really enjoying the Ultimate Fighting. I think she's rather deep into an ultimate game of sudoku, but none the less, she smiled for me anyway!

These awesome shelves were built by Mandy's husband Tim. Amazing, huh?! 

And what little girl wouldn't want this room?! It's pretty pinky and wonderful! 

 And all the pinky details. 

 I know my daughter loved every little bit of that room. And she also enjoyed wearing her little friend's rain boots. 

 Miss J is really animated when she talks. Here she is telling about how Miss A tried to get into the bathtub with her rain boots on. She said, "I told her, 'No!' But she didn't listen!" 

And the pink room provides for a lovely backdrop for photos! 

The bathroom is super cool, but me and my big camera didn't fit too well in the bathroom. But such as I have give I thee. 

 Last not but not least, the basement and the trendy artwork it has to offer.

Wow...finished. I think this has got to be the longest blog post I have ever done. There were still rooms remaining that I didn't photograph. I wasn't allowed to because they weren't "finished" yet. But between you and me, I think they looked fabulous just the same. Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, best friend. I love you and your beautiful house!

The Valedictorian

I had the honor of attending a high school graduation at my alma mater this weekend. The place still looks the same. My name is still in the speech and drama trophy case and my class photo is up on the wall. I have left my mark even if it was 11 years ago. And 11 years was exactly the age I was when the Valedictorian of Cassville High School's 2010 graduating class was born. I can remember her mama popping tums while teaching my Sunday school class. When I was a teenager, her father was my youth pastor. It was during those times where Amy would pretend she was me. At one point, I can remember her mom saying that she wanted to be just like me. Well, Amy, let me just say you have surpassed me in so many ways! I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished! I am so glad I was able to attend your graduation and get these fabulous photos of amazing you. You are going to rock at U of A!!!

From each loyal son and daughter, Dear Cassville High,

Thou hast taught us more than yearning 

With bright hopes our hearts are burning

Oft in dreams we'll be returning 

To Cassville High

(Yeah, that's right, I still remember the alma mater.)

Sweet Miss M - Sneak Peak

I met sweet little Miss M and her mommy today at Forest Park. At first she was a little hesitant, but she soon warmed up to me. What a beautiful little person she is! I had so much taking your picture and chatting with your mommy, Miss M. Thanks for such a fun day!