Happy new year!!! *

Happy new year!!! * by April May June εїз featuring blue bracelets

Wishing you all a bright and colorful 2011! xoxoxo

Jesus is the reason for the season.

Jesus is the reason for the season. by April May June εїз on Polyvore.com

And what a beautiful season it is! Wishing you all a very merry Christmas surrounded by the ones you love. ♥ xoxoxo

&hearts this quote!

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplacable spark. In the hopeless swamps of the not quite, the not yet, and the not at all, do not let the hero in your soul perish and leave only frustration for the life you deserved, but never have been able to reach. The world you desire can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours." --- Ayn Rand

Cliffs of Moher ~

Cliffs of Moher ; I think such a place could really change the minds of people who thinks this earth of ours was created by accident. Because, seriously who (or what) else could create something so breathtakingly beautiful other than God, Himself? Surely, everyone can see His work.

The #1 item on my bucket list is to see those cliffs in person. After I get the breath or two that was taken from me (and most likely, dry my eyes!) upon seeing my own two feet standing on the ground of this place I've dreamt of standing on for so long, I'll sit down and write a message. I'll roll it up, put into a bottle, and close it tightly. Then, I'll throw it off the side of the cliffs and watch it land in the Atlantic and begin it's journey floating to who knows where and for who knows how long. Until, someone finds it washed up on a shoreline somewhere. One thing I know for sure, I already know what the message will read: "Dreams do come true. This is proof. Just believe."

:o)

[A] survey *

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real, nothing made up!

1) what is your name: April
2) a four letter word: Able
3) a boy's name: Aidan
4) a girl's name: Aubrey
5) an occupation: Astronaut
6) a color: Apricot
7) something you'll wear: Ascot
8) something you'll do: Always smile. ;D
9) a food: Albacore tuna
10) something you'll find in the bathroom: Astringent
11) a place: Australia
12) a reason for being late: Ambushed by anteaters.
13) something you'd shout: "Ayo!"
14) a movie title: Alice in Wonderland
15) something you drink: Apple Juice
16) Singer or group: Aaron Neville
17) an animal: Alligator
18) a street name: Azelie Street
19) a type of car: Aston Martin
20) the title of a song: Air on a G String

To know you is to love you.

There are so many things that makes me think of you. Mom, certain songs, the sun setting, your wedding ring on my left ring finger, that floral-scented powder you loved wearing. (That I wear now.) There's even been a few occasions where, while shopping, we'll see ladies who'd be around your age who remind us of you. I will never forget during one of those times, one of the ladies turned around and faced me, looked me in the eye, and smiled so peacefully. I was, literally, stunned. Not stunned by the gesture of her smiling. But, by the look in her eyes. It was so familiar. It was like she had your eyes. As quickly as she turned and smiled at me, she turned back and walked away to finish her shopping.

A few minutes later, Dad was in one section of the store and I was standing behind him. For reasons that I cannot explain (still today, years later) the back of his shirt was pulled up like someone was tugging on it to get his attention. When he felt it, he turned to me thinking I had been the one tugging his shirt. I told him I didn't do it. But, that I SAW the hem of his shirt going up like someone was tugging at it. We were both really bewildered. We both wondered if there was a connection with that happening and seeing that sweet lady who reminded us both of you. Maybe you were trying to get our attention? Reminding us that you're still with us.

I've smelled roses where there's no flowers around. Which is unusual. What's even more unusual is that I can't even smell the scent of roses if there was a bouquet of them right in front of me. I have no idea why. I just have never been able to smell that scent. St. Theresa was your favorite saint, your namesake. And she is, often, referred to as "The little rose."

When I first saw this commercial, I instantly thought of you. The last part of it with the little girl asking her grandmother if they could go get ice cream and her grandmother quickly saying yes, while walking away, reminds me of you and I when I was that age so much. You gave me the world and so much more. And you still are.

To know you is to love you --- and I do. So much.

Tumblr ~

I heart & reblog stuff.

; Etsy . com ---

I'm currently in the process of getting my Etsy account up and running. I hope to have my shop opened, officially, in the next 2 weeks or so. I'm excited!

[♥] Dedicated to my MawMaw.

[♥] as evening falls * by April May June εїз featuring ultimo jewelry

. . . Wishing you the happiest of birthdays tomorrow. I love and miss you so much. I hope I'm making you proud.

:o)!

Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

[ http://listography.com ]

; My life in lists.

In honor of the 4th of July!!!

Happy 234th birthday to the land that I love! // ♥ ★ by April May June εїз featuring Forever21 shoes

Paradise won't be lost.

||| Praying for a resolution to the oil spill. ♥

To the Gulf of Mexico with love [ &hearts ] ; by April May June εїз on Polyvore.com

... And they'll live happily ever after ~

Well, the day my family excitedly anticipated and helped plan for has come and now gone. And it was a day we'll never forget! All the months of planning went into this one day and it was wonderful. Everything about it was beautiful. All of us, girls, got ready together and rode in a limo to the church. As we rode along, I told Jessie it felt like it was all a dream. We got to the church and our grandparents saw Jessie in her beautiful dress for the first time. And I can, honestly, say I could not have been happier. For the past year, I prayed that our grandparents would be well enough for the wedding and there they were.

About a half hour later, we were lining up to walk down the aisle. Jessie and Uncle Polie were in the cry room together waiting for their turn to walk down the aisle and once the bridesmaids and groomsmen made their way down the aisle -- I was the last one, to walk down the aisle, left in the lobby. Soon, it was my turn, the ushers opened the double doors and off I went. I vaguely remember hearing the music playing. All I remember is looking on both sides of the aisles and seeing everyone who came to see Jessie and Greg get married and smiling. When I got to my spot and the music changed over the Canon Pachebel, that's when the tears started coming. It really felt like a dream watching Jessie walk down the aisle. The ceremony was soo beautiful. We got to face everyone sitting in the pews while Jessie and Greg said their vows. It was so special to be able to watch everyone's reactions to watching the bride and groom.

After the ceremony and a few pictures taken, we all went to the hall. And had an absolute blast! We took more pictures, including the famous CAKE pictures! After that, we watched Jessie and Greg dance their first dance, then watched as Jessie danced with Uncle Polie and Greg dance with his mom. It was very sweet. Then, the bridal party all danced. After all the first dances were done, the best man and I made our toasts. Then, Jessie and Greg cut their cake. And the dancing began! We, literally, danced from 3 until midnight. I think it was the longest reception EVER, yet it went by in a blink of an eye. It really didn't feel like we were there all night. I have never had so much fun at a wedding reception before.

The food, the cake, the decorations --- everything was perfect. Everyone commented on how lovely everything looked. I really wish we could relive that day/night. It was so special. To top it all off, we finally learned the day of when MawMaw and PawPaw got married. Wouldn't you know, it was June 12th? So, as Jessie and Greg got married; MawMaw and PawPaw celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful thing!

My PawPaw and Ms. Vergie also came to the wedding. PawPaw danced quite alot! When, they left - I told them thank you for coming and Mom walked them out. I saw her walking back into the hall, after they left, in tears. I went up to her and asked what was wrong. She said that nothing was wrong, but that PawPaw just told her something that instantly brought her to tears. She said that he told her my MawMaw passed away 10 years too early. That she would've been so proud of me that day. So, of course, that made me cry, too!! It really meant alot. Jessie saw me crying and ran up to me and I told her what we were talking about. She hugged me, then told me it was time to dance some more. haha!

It was so great being all together. Greg's family and our family just joined together so quickly. You could really feel that we all became one family that day. Now, we're ready for another get together!

Standing beside Jessie on one of the biggest days of her life will, always, be one of my most proudest moments. It was such a huge honor. Leading up to the wedding, I knew being her maid of honor would be a huge privilege. But, when the day of the wedding came, it was more special than I could have ever imagined. It's a day I will never forget!

June 12th was a great way to begin the future. And by judging on how great that day was, the future is going to be so bright!!! ♥

we're all in this together~

Tonight, we had the rehearsal supper. Rehearsal went really well. The church is beautiful. Mom got the 2 readings she will be doing. And the words are so pretty!!! She's going to do a great job! :) One thing that I really love is how the priest said he likes to stand with his back facing the pews and have the bride, groom, and the bridal party facing everyone seated while the vows are being said, instead of the opposite way. I thought that was SOOOO neat!!! He practiced with Jessie and Greg, while we were up there. (I stand at the top with them. I felt tall. haha!) And it was great to look at our parents watching us.

I can't wait to watch MawMaw and PawPaw watch their little girl get married. I am so thankful that they will be there. PawPaw has alot of health problems and MawMaw has had her share of issues in the past year. But, I prayed that they would be well for the wedding since Jessie and Greg got engaged 16 months ago. Thank you, God!!! My PawPaw will be there, too. :) He's very excited! And I know that if my MawMaw could, she'd be there, too. She loved Jessie. And I know she's so excited that she's getting married. Actually, I'm pretty sure she'll be with me helping me walk down the aisle. Someone has to make sure I don't trip. haha!

The two ladies who will be helping us the day of the wedding asked me how I was related to Jessie. And Uncle Polie said we were cousins, but more like sisters. "They're joined at the hip," he said. "She's my niece, but like a daughter, too." That was so precious. :) The ladies thought it was so nice to see cousins that close.

After rehearsal, we went to Greg's parents' house for supper. The spaghetti was great!! We visited for awhile, then headed for home. Tomorrow, we get up early to go and decorate the hall. I'm excited about that!! I can't wait to see how everything looks all set up. It's going to be wonderful!! And then, Saturday is the BIG day!!!

So, the next time I post, I'll have TONS of pictures to upload and a new cousin --- another guy to add to the bunch! :)

The day is nearly here!!

We are just 3 days away from the wedding! The day we've been planning for for 16 months is just around the corner. It's almost surreal. Everyone is so excited! We have rehearsal supper on Thursday night, we'll be gathering at the hall to decorate on Friday, and then Saturday is the wedding. I can't wait to see Jessie walking down the aisle. I can't wait to walk down the aisle as her maid of honor. I can't wait to see all of the family together celebrating. I just can't wait for it all!! :D

It's summer!!!

So, it begins --- those lazy days of summer~ by April May June εїз featuring Cocoeve flats

It's all for you. ~

Paul's Jewelers in the Oil Center did an amazing job on MawMaw's rings. When Dad and I got there and saw them, all I could say was "Wow!" They are so beautiful. They sparkle! The man helping us smiled and said, "That's the reaction we hope for." They were all so nice there!

I can't wait to give Mom the one on the right on Sunday. I'm wearing the left one right now. And I cannot say how much joy I feel in my heart when I look down at my hand and see the ring. To think that PawPaw gave MawMaw this ring on their wedding day, 62 years ago, means so much! I hope MawMaw will feel as honored, that we'll be wearing her rings, as we will be feeling wearing them. ♥

Must I?

I can't always be waiting,
... waiting on you.
I can't always be playing,
... playing your fool. ♪

---

I think it's time I start expressing to people how I feel if/when they've hurt my feelings. I've made it very easy for people to break their promises to me. And even easier for them to have no disregard about doing it. Why? Because, I'm "easy going." I don't get mad. "It's ok!!! :o)" is my line -- always said with a smile, of course.

Newsflash: I'm not a puppet. So, don't treat me like one. Please.

/First ever rant entry.

♥ ; For Jessie ~

; Love birds~ by April May June εїз on Polyvore.com