Usually, I post about my creations and ideas.

For a change, I think I'll brag on Adam's creativity.

Here is a little glimpse of our awesome refinished floors that Adam did all by himself!

Through the Looking Glass

This window may not seem like much.

It may look worn out and fragile.

For me, this window is a significant part of my childhood.

This window was in my Great-Grandmother Wood's house. 

My cousin grew up in this house and I spent many, many days looking through this window as a child.

To make it usable, I added hooks to the bottom.

It will now have a special place in our new home.

Are you surprised?

These cabinets were for lack of a better word, pitiful when we started.

The previous homeowner had attempted to glaze them, but as perfectionists, Adam and I started over.

Or should I say, I started over. 

1. I sanded them using a hand sander.

2. I repainted them a cream color. (Can't remember the exact name of the paint color.)

3. I glazed the creases with a Mocha glaze from Sherwin-Williams.

4. After letting the glaze sit for a few days, I painted 2 coats of polyurethane. (Depending on how often you cook, you should paint more coats.)

We also added new hardware.

We're very happy with the finished product! 

When I thought of making these doors chalkboard doors, Adam wasn't quite sure what to think.

They turned out great, and surprisingly, he loves them!

Before & After

Our dining room chairs BEFORE I recovered them. 

AFTER

A Subtle Reminder

Yes, these are my Grandmother's dishes on the mantle. After her death, they only made me sad. Years later, as I display them in my first home, they are a daily reminder to take advantage of the time you have with the people you love most.

Never Again

Today was not what I thought it would be in any way, form, or fashion. Usually, I would be relieved that the first day back to school has come and gone. Surprisingly, the only emotion I feel at the end of this long day is sadness. Though it is a bittersweet sadness, I am still fighting back the tears. Never again will I have to buy notebooks, pencils, highlighters, or the infamous notecards. Never again will I pick out what I'm going to wear on the first day back. Never again will my Momma get to kiss me goodbye as I start a new school year. School is all I've known for 17 years. I never realized how much it consumed my life until this day, my last first day of school. Wasn't it just last year I graduated high school??

Maybe Kids at 30, but Can We Have the Bed Now?

Adam and I selfishly have an extremely long list of things we want to experience before we venture into parenthood. Let me give you an idea of how long our list is: Children aren't in our 5 year plan and are at the bottom of the list of our 10 year plan, ha. As we know, God has His own plan for our lives, so we may very well have a child sooner than anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love kids! Ty and Madi, in particular, can ALWAYS put smiles on our faces! They absolutely love Adam, so it will be fun to see him with our kids. For now, it's fun to spoil the heck out of them and send them home. All this being said, how cute will this bed be if we ever have a little boy?? Maybe Adam will share and let him sleep in it every once in a while, ha.

The Grandmother God Gave Me

Have you ever watched a favorite movie, smelled a familiar scent, or heard a song that reminded you of someone special? For as long as I live, I will never be able to watch Coal Miner's Daughter, smell barbeque sauce, or listen to a Willie Nelson song without thinking of my sweet Grandmother. You see, she is the only grandparent I still have living; however, she's always been incredibly special to me. She's my Nan-Nan and by far the strongest woman I know. She has been through so very much in her lifetime, but always seemed to provide for my Mother and her siblings. Through her hardwork and most importantly, her faith, she has endured far more than anyone should.

When I was younger, Saturday mornings were spent at Nan-Nan's house. As I grew older, Sunday lunches became a weekly tradition and my most anticipated hour of the week. No matter the situation, Nan-Nan is always quick to give advice. Through her countless experiences in this crazy, mixed-up world, she has so much wisdom to offer. At times, that wisdom is the last thing anyone wants to hear, but it's always the wisdom that gets you through the hard times.

There are so many things I am thankful to Nan-Nan for, but the most valuable thing she has ever provided for me is my amazing Mother. Nan-Nan raised a strong, independent, and beautiful daughter that loves her family and her God more than anything in the world. The values Nan-Nan instilled in my Mother gave her the wisdom she needed to provide me with the amazing life I am living.

Thank you Lord for a grandmother and mother that never give up on me and love me no matter what!

I Need This

This pergola would fit perfectly on our deck. Poor thing definitely needs something to break up the monotony of the horrible green house (fyi: will be changed after the wedding).

Christmas time, already?

Christmas will be here before you know it and I absolutely cannot wait! Nothing better than spending quality time with our families while keeping in mind the reason for the season. Over the top decorating isn't too bad either ;) Think Adam's going to let me put this on our front door??

Realizing

Sadly, most of my friends from high school have graduated and started new jobs this summer. Being a semester behind, I am in summer school trying my hardest to graduate in December, so I too can start my career. As I read each of their blogs, I realize our lives have gone in so many different directions. A few have started their careers several states away and some only a few towns away, but for my sweet Adam and I, we are staying in Pontotoc. For now, that’s okay with me because I know that we are about to start our lives together, regardless of our zip code.

What a Starr

I’m a Daddy’s girl, plain and simple; however, my sweet momma is my best friend. Though I may not act like it at times, she is one of the only people in the whole world that can comfort me no matter what. She has supported me in everything I have ever tried, whether I failed or succeeded. I can call her at any time of the day and know that she will be there.

I often take her for granted when I should be thanking the Good Lord for allowing me to have such an amazing mother. She sacrifices daily to provide me with everything I need or want.

I love you Momma!

Adam Carnes

Like always, the past few weeks have been a test on Adam and me, but bless his sweet little heart, he has been a trooper. I have been studying constantly when I’m home, which means very little relaxation time. Our nights together have consisted of him falling asleep on the couch while I’m going over notecards. I’ll never be able to repay him for his patience the past two and a half years of my desperate attempt to graduate. He never fails to amaze me. He’s my hero, my everything, my life, my love, my best friend. Thank you Lord; I am truly blessed.

I’m sure he thinks those little things he does go unnoticed, but I promise Adam Carnes, I notice and love every single thing about you! Like when you make all those noises–whether, it’s a firetruck or an ambulance, I notice. They are the most unique and interesting sound effects I’ve ever heard. If we hear, see, or are talking about any emergency vehicle, you better believe he’s going to mimic the exact pitch, depth, length, and volume. Sometimes, he can fool me and I’ll look around for a firetruck. (Yes, he’s that good.)

He ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS, sings along to the songs on the radio, but NEVER and I mean NEVER does he sing the right lyrics. Apparently, the real lyrics are not exciting enough for him, ha. I can never remember the lyrics to songs, but I never forget the lyrics Adam makes up.

We can be in the most in depth conversation ever, but if we are in any position for me to reach his back, then he will completely change the subject and insist I scratch his back. I’ll admit, this is not my favorite thing in the world to do, but it always makes him happy and that is my favorite thing in the world to do, so of course, I always give in

Adam Carnes should run for mayor in ANY town. He’d win because this boy NEVER meets a stranger. I absolutely love this about him! He will absolutely go out of his way to do anything for anybody! He is so tender-hearted. If I wasn’t already head-over-heels in love with him, his charm would melt my heart right away!

The best part about the love of my life is his devotion to the Lord. He always places his faith in the Lord before all. Whether it be through tithing, praying while driving to work, or being an example to his friends in everyday life–Jesus Christ is the most important thing to him and he tried his best to make that show daily! The Lord brought Adam and I together and I have full faith that our love and trust in Him will keep us together.

Words Cannot Express

BLESSED–such a loaded word; however, it’s the only one that comes close to describing my life. God amazes me each and everyday with the small, simple things He allows me to take advantage of.

In the twenty-two years, 3 months, and 29 days I’ve been on this Earth, I have experienced an endless amount of remarkable things–accepted Jesus Christ into my heart, fell in love, been loved, had my heart broken, been kissed, been to prom, graduated high school, ventured into the college world, got engaged, and I am anxiously awaiting to see what new and incredible things God is going to allow me to experience next. I’ve been to so many fabulous places–the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, the Black Hills, the Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and so many more God given and inspired places. Surprisingly, in my short amount of time on this Earth, I have had and still have some of the most inconceivable friendships. To top it all off, my best friend is the love of my life.

What more could an only child from small town USA ask for?

Meaningful Prayer

Dear Lord,

I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I’m blessed You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said, or thought that was not pleasing to You. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through Your eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive Your forgiveness.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus’ example—to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It’s the best response when I’m pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I cannot pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don’t know You intimately. I pray for those who don’t believe. But I thank You that I believe.

I believe that You change people and things. I pray for each of my family members and their households. I pray for friends, old and new. I pray for peace, love, and joy in their homes and that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than You. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.


This is my prayer.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Daddy's Girl is an Understatement

This man will believe until the day he dies that George Strait is the “King of Country Music”. He is a diehard Ole Miss Rebel fan. The Manning’s have a pretty special place in his heart. Dale Earnhardt is his hero, dead or alive. We jokingly say he is a long lost Earnhardt. He cried when Dale was killed in Daytona in 2001. Yes, my Daddy is on a first name basis with The Earnhardt’s, ha. Being able to hunt every single day of deer season is his heart’s desire every year. I really hope he gets to one day. He loves to read. John Grisham novels are his favorite. He can have a 500 page book read in a few hours. Unfortunately, I did not get this trait from him. This amazing man with all these passions is my sweet Daddy.

When I was a little girl, I called him “Daddy-do”. He had an orange truck I called, “The Pumpkin”. We used to go to EVERY Ole Miss Football game together. I would hold onto his belt loop so I wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. On my nineteenth birthday, I got tickets to see George Strait & never did it cross my mind to take anyone but my Daddy. My Mother, Daddy, & I drove 500 miles to see Dale Earnhardt race in Bristol, Tennessee. Jeff Gordon won the race & we all three got sunburned; therefore, the ride home was horrific.

A daughter’s relationship with her daddy should be one that cannot compare to any other. Thankfully, I have this remarkable relationship with my Daddy. I’m really not sure what I would ever do without him in my life. He has taught me so many things, whether it was manual labor or just a simple life lesson. He NEVER missed a basketball game, softball game, or piano recital. Even though, having to listen to me practice the piano was a horrendous chore for him, ha. He has encouraged me in everything I have tried or accomplished.

When I was six years old, I broke my arm in May; therefore, the summer was miserable. To make it more enjoyable, my parents took me to Atlanta, Georgia to see the Cincinnati Reds play the Atlanta Braves and to the Cabbage Patch Birthing Center. For my parents, the only good thing about the trip was seeing the Reds beat the Braves. They got food poisoning and were sick the entire trip. Surprisingly, they still took me to see those cabbage patch babies being born; therefore, making the summer worth the broken arm. As you can see, I was & still am a much loved child.

Against my mother & grandmother’s wishes, my Daddy taught me how to ride my first horse, Dakota. Once when I was ten years old, at Witch’s Dance on the infamous Natchez Trace, she & I rode ahead of the crowd. We finished the trail ride before anyone. When my Daddy finally got back to the truck (at dark), he was worried sick about me. That is just one of many predicaments we never told my mother about. Another sticky situation Dakota & I got ourselves into was in Forrest, Mississippi. We had to cross a 4-lane highway on the trail ride & a car spooked Dakota causing us to run right into the car. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, yet we still failed to mention it to my mother. When Dakota was injured in the pasture years later, we had to sale her. That was the most devastating experience of my life, but my Daddy promised me a new horse. At the time, that promise made it no better, but he held to his word & not long after, I had a new horse.

The first time & one of the only times I was ever embarrassed by my daddy was when I was in the 3rd grade. He had to carry me to school in his old, muddy Toyota that was the loudest truck you’ve ever heard. I made him drop me off at the road & I walked the rest of the way. This is not exactly a story I’m proud of, but it sure is a little humorous looking back on it.

When I became old enough for boys to start calling my house (way before cell phones), my daddy would have to give them the third degree before I could even think about talking to them. At the time, it was awful & I always got so mad at him for it. Looking back on it, I appreciate it & will more than likely be the same way with my children.

When I decided on a major in college & realized I was going to have to attend Mississippi State, I thought my Daddy was going to have a heart attack. We made a deal not to “trash talk” the other one’s team. Wouldn’t you know the first year I was at Mississippi State, they were awful in EVERY sport. Ole Miss held them to ZERO points in the Egg Bowl. My daddy never said anything, just had a little smirk on his face. I knew what he was thinking though because I would have been thinking the same thing if Ole Miss had lost. Contrary to most of my family’s belief, I am still an Ole Miss Rebel at heart.

Walking me down the aisle on my wedding day will be the hardest thing my daddy will ever do, but other than becoming Adam’s wife on that day, that is the most important thing to me on my special day.

They say a girl marries a man that reminds her of her daddy. In my case, God has blessed me with two amazing men who I know love me more than anything. Adam Carnes has some huge shoes to fill, but I know he can do it.

God Made Him Just For Me

I truly believe good things come to those who wait. God gave me a glimpse of true love at 12 years old, but He knew I wasn’t fully satisfied with Him, so He took Adam away for the next 7 years. We were friends and secretly crushed on each other, but would never have admitted it. Thankfully, God put us back together and I am so looking forward to beginning our life as husband and wife. I am so blessed for my best friend to have been my first love and last.