Make Me...

It's definitely just another one of those, ummm...Monday's.  I want to "make it" with Kel & Jess!  Won't you join?!

To kick off yet another crazy busy week, I'm going to pause and take heed of the following questions...

Where is a place you go for ME time?  How do you deal with a bad day, tragedy, or disaster?  Who's the person you go to the most when down?

Queenie as a yearling (2008)

My ME time is spent in different ways, depending on the season.  In Spring and Fall, I'll go for drive with the windows open (weather dependent) and music blaring (typically country or christian), walk through the fields with my horses, or go out and sit on a blanket and bask in the sounds of birds chirping and smells of fresh cut grass, at the park or my Daddy's graveside.  Sometimes, a nice jog will even follow. 

Come Summertime though, my ME time is basking in the sunlight on pool, lake, or beach.







Engagement session fun with MIL (2008)



Since I get an extended vacation (being a teacher and all) and my MIL has an in-ground, I'll typically spend my days reading (typing grad school papers this go-round) and basking in the sun's delight.  I'm getting very antsy as I type this!

Winters lead ME time to the bathtub for a nice warm, relaxing epsom soak.  I'm thinking I have an addiction to water.  I don't suppose that's a bad thing though.

Question numero dos...

My bad days, tragedies, or disasters are taken up with a consistent "Go-Go-Go" mentality.  When tragedy strikes, I don't stop.  If anything, I'll add more to my plate to keep my strength building.  I'm not saying that I avoid confronting it, I just mourn by keeping my life moving and reflecting as I go.

In light of this response, I'll continue on to

numero tres!

My GO-TO person actually consists of more than one.  First and foremost, my sweet M catches the brunt of all my ups and downs.  Of course, that may just be part of why I married him.  He deals so swiftly!  I'm so very blessed with this man!!





M and ME





The rest of my GO-TO list involves my sisters and momma, along with my "Kel-bel", Lauren, and my school girls. 

About once a month, my Daddy Jim catches a mouthful from me too.  He's always ready with open and listening ears.  Talk about another great man in my life!  (I'll save that for another day.)

Either way... yes, I'm a talker and expresser.  I have to release my joys and concerns.  Even if that's through inner convos with myself.

This talking thing... I really do get it honestly!

(Again, another day altogether)

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world, you will have tribulation.  But take heart, I have overcome the world."  ~John 16:33

Excitement sets in...

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I want to be that WHO in the lives of others!

As you know, I'm changing within myself to be better able to shine His light on others. One of my goals is to increase the volunteer roles I take on.  In doing so, I've stepped forward to serve at a clinic taking place in our small town community. 

It's this Saturday!  Like 2 days from now!!!

I'm going to spend almost my entire day serving and shepherding for families in need of basic services, that many of us take for granted (dental, medical, and vision).  Might I add...all for FREE! There will be spa services, a food pantry, and clothes closet as well.  Again, all.for.FREE!

Families will be welcomed in to a local church building where they will be treated like royalty throughout the day, by a wide variety of demoninational affiliates.  Everyone providing any of the services are completely volunteer and giving forth their time to aid in bettering our community by representing Jesus Christ.

This incredible experience I speak of is titled Shelby Touched Twice.  It came about through Touched Twice United and this is the 3rd year for the event.

It's my first run and I aBsOlUteLy cannot wait to shepherd in such wonderful people to the delights of a life of SHINE.

I have no greater desire than that of becoming closer with God.  Within my growth process, I've witnessed so many great words and actions through so many other people in my life.  It's those WHO's that have set an example for me to become a WHO for others.  Even if those others are just one person.  I don't care.  One is better than none.  And that one could become one for someone else.  And that pattern could continuously move forward.  And I want to be a part of that!

I can't wait to share my reflections!!

I do hear a lot about how exhausted I'm going to be.  So, I'll try to get my reflections in process on Sunday, but I can't promise anything.

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Valentine's...

I do believe this day of hearts is a true reflection of the small things...

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This day 2002 was the first of so many.  Funny how life evolves into such greater things we can't even begin to imagine!

Ten years later and here we are...living our happily ever after.

And he's even cooking up a delightful Valentine's dinner downstairs as I relax, reflect, and write!  How did I get so lucky?!

I know, it's not luck...I'm just plain BLESSED!!

kjsamplesphotography@gmail.com

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It's a date...

Saturday nights are always good times when old friends get together.  M has a couple of old friends, one of which from college, that wanted to meet up and introduce some new ladies to the group.  They were all three fraternity brothers and built great friendships in their time at GC.  They've since kept close and carried a strong bond of brotherhood.

I suppose I've lucked out in the fact that I'm oldie to this group of men.  Therefore, I have the privilege of welcoming new comers just the same.

Although I've previously met one of the gals, over Christmas break, at a homemade pizza/game night M & I hosted, it was great seeing her again!  

So, in meeting up, the guys put the plans together and they did a fabulous job!  

After stopping in to watch a few quarters of my 7 year old nephew's basketball game, we made our rounds of "Congrats" on his win then took off for some Japanese flavor.

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Oddly, M & I were the first to arrive!  For anyone who really knows us, you know this just isn't a normal occurrence.  We nipped that in the bud (this once anyway).

Upon everyone's arrival, we made our way to the hibachi table and devoured some delicious delights while enjoying each other's company.  Lots of laughs were shared.  We apologized up front the poor couple that got stuck at our table.  They suffered through quite well, even with a few laughs.

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Following dinner, we made our way to the bowling alley via Volvo entourage.  (Great minds think alike, I suppose.)  Boy, was the rest of our evening a blast?!  We had some professionals and some not so professionals and even a professional quickly turned opposite. (Sorry Caitlin!)  Either way, the night turned VERY interesting when our lane neighbors came along.

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Long story short, I now know what "furries" are.  For more info, check THIS out.  We bowled alongside these "furry" friends who were also celebrating a birthday.  Being as how I'm SUCH a people watcher, you can imagine how my bowl game was spent when I wasn't on the lane.

After two hours of bowling, our "oldie" selves were ready to hit the sack.  With hugs and farewells, we made our departure a la casa.  

Again, friends are such blessings.  May we always let them know!

fyi...we now have our own button!  Won't you GRAB it! (see the link on the right...just copy and paste)