A Midwest Woman Marries a Mountain Man

Food Gawker

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Food Gawker...have you heard?? LOVE this website! I have made many many things off of this site in the last month and everything has been fabulously delish!! I found the site through Pinterest (that's another post in itself)....

http://foodgawker.com/

Smiling

2011-11-13T15:31:00.001-08:00

Hi! Happy Sunday! Today I am smiling. I have been all sorts of lazy today which is totally against my work-aholic attitude. I feel like I deserve it. I am almost caught up with my photo sessions! I have 2 weddings left to edit from this fall and a couple of portrait sessions I am waiting to hear back on as far as client edit choices but thats it! YAY! I have been staying extra focused and motivated to edit 2 or more sessions on normal work days and it has payed off. This week I have 2 senior girl shoots which I am so excited about! I love love love LOVEEEE working with seniors!

So yes...here I sit smiling. Because I am caught up, I am healthy, I feel loved, and I have a large cup of my current obsession sitting in front of me. A peppermint mocha. I am in love! And have probably had 15 of them in the last 3 weeks. I hope your day is as blissful as mine!

My friend Kandis of of Wish Photography took this photo of me last weekend and I edited it! We had all sorts of fun. Hadn't seen her in 3 months. We laughed a lot. I am so fortunate to have her as a friend!

2011-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

happy monday friends!! what a crazy week I had last week! my dad and a friend came in the thursday before last from my hometown in iowa to hunt elk and after they both had a success last sunday, they spent a majority of their time with me. they put me to work with packaging the meat, making arrangements to buy a freezer, picking apples and pears to take back to Iowa, going out for breakfasts, and visiting pawn shops. on top of that I have 5 shoots and a rummage sale to prepare for and carryout! it was the busiest week i've had in a long time to say the least but it was so nice to have my dad here. still crossing my fingers that he'll retire and move to utah one day! :) today I am trying to catch up on email and getting orders processed. i am behind because of last week and feeling so overwhelmed. i wanted to take a quick sec though and at least leave a small, more so, un-interesting post (ha) because i made a vow to get better at this. even if my life is boring and "un-interesting" i still want to record things here and there with hopes that once in a while i'll have more exciting things to talk about. :)

wanted to share this amazing artist i stumbled upon a few weeks ago. this song is so sassy and although it may not explain my life at the moment, i still love it for her beautiful voice and amazing skills on the piano. it makes me mad that i quit piano years back. maybe one day i'll pick it up again. i can still read music and play basics, just not as fast as i used to.

Love my job

2011-09-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

i loveee shooting and working with couples! is it apparent?? i'm not sure who reads this blog of mine but if you need some photos with your hubby or have a friend who does, please contact me! i'll travel anywhere in utah, go back to the midwest quite a bit, and would love to book your destination wedding!

Insanity

2011-09-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

so i recently jumped on the insanity train and holy hell....i am so sore! i am on my 5th day today as far as the workouts go. i wanted to start last week but was so sick and almost coughed up a lung doing the fit test so i decided to wait until this week. i did however start following the nutrition plan last week and am already noticing a difference in how much energy i have and how i feel. not a diet, a nutrition plan. its so easy. 5 meals a day that are around 300 calories. all very tasty and easy to make. lots of whole grains. i have thought for the last year that it was a gluten issue that i have but maybe not. i have felt fabulous for the last 2 weeks. i have eaten so many veggies and am so happy about it!

back to the sore part. so yeah! ouch! i hate my life during the workout but feel so good after. i haven't sweat this much since high school basketball. if you know me, you know that i'm not really a "sweater" but this workout proves different. as of now i would recommend it but only if you are serious. it's hard. you will want to quit. i dread doing it. but after 4 years of being miserable about my weight, its time. thankfully i have a hubby on board the fitness train as well. he and i bought a gym membership on july 3rd and have been going. has been working out like a mad man. in a little over 10 weeks he has lost 40lbs. i know. nuts! he looks so great and feels so good about himself. its so much easier when you have someone to help push you. i'm excited to see some changes and am looking forward to a continued "more healthy" lifestyle.

to find out more about the insanity workout, check out this link to for more info:

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity.do

i am the worlds most horrible blogger...

2011-09-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

...seriously! as much as i want to blog, i never have the time. i need to make myself find the time. i want to write down memories, or in this case blog them, so i can keep them forever and ever. time is flying. its been over a year since i've even posted. how stinkin sad is that?? i cannot believe how fast this year has flow! it feels like new years eve was just a few weeks ago when in reality it was more than 9 months ago! heres to (crossing my fingers) trying to get better!

today is my birthday. i am 28 today and i am happy. my life is so wonderful and so beautiful. i can't complain about a thing. except that i had more time in a day. but who doesn't wish that. i am healthy. i have amazing family and friends who i love. i have the worlds most incredible husband. i am busy with photography--very--. and i am seriously so so happy. i have a lot on my plate but my stress levels are a lot lower than they were last year...even though i have much more going on. i've grown so much since turning 27. i've embraced the fact that i am not a "business minded person" but i work on it every day. i push to improve artistically and try new things behind the lens.

here's to another year of a fabulous life. and working hard to keep up with this blog! happy friday and happy birthday to me!

xo- amy

I can't lie....

2010-09-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

I cheated...this last weekend. At my brother in laws surprise birthday party. I love love LOVE chips and salsa. A few of those turned into a hamburger--NO bun though, then a couple of bites of pasta salad, then a piece of cake. Shame on me I know!!! I paid for it too. I didn't lose over a period of 3 days. Ask me how disappointed I am in myself. VERY! Since Saturday I've had quite a few instances in the last couple of days that I've been surrounded my sweets and other tempting food. But I've said NO. I've been good. Shoot, I even made Tony crepes with brown sugar syrup for breakfast the other morning-one of my favs-and I didn't have one bite.

So just to check in, my weight today is at 167.4.

Also wanted to share a recipe that I made last night for dinner.

3.5 ounces of chicken breast
3.5 ounces of bell peppers-any color-I like red and yellow
McCormicks Southwest Seasoning
Franks Red Hot Sauce to Taste

Cut up the chicken and peppers into chunks, sprinkle with the seasoning, and cook on the grill. I just used the George Foreman. Then I put it in a bowl and dripped some Frank's over top of it. Delicious!!!

Happy Wednesday!

Day 5

2010-08-25T10:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was super easy! Except for when my hubby came home from work and made a chili dog. Never in my life have I had my mouth water over a chili dog...but yesterday felt like I had a water spout attached to the roof of my tongue. I cured the cravings though by making chicken with Frank's Red Hot Sauce on it. YUM!! Franks is great because there are no carbs, sugar, and 0 calories! Yes zero!!! I love spicy stuff and Franks is perfect because its not blistering hot!

Yesterdays lunch consisted of lemon peppered shrimp I grilled on the foreman and put over top of lettuce with balsamic vinegar. Delish! I have been pounding the coffee this morning to keep my stomach filled up.

I probably won't share my weight every day...but today I am down a bit.

Down is good right?

169.2

Whoopiee!!!

Ultimately I'd like to be at around 155. For my height and age, its a very healthy weight. Being 5'10'' doesn't mean I need to weigh 180.

Stay tuned as the battle to fight off chocolate m&m's and buttery carbs continues.

Ive gotten quite a bit of grief from people already in the last day, but again, its my body right? Not that I plan to stick to a 500 calorie diet forever, but I feel this is a great way to get into the habit of portion control.

My Battle With Vanity

2010-08-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Weight! Every girl has some problem with it. Mine being like most girls is the fact that I feel like I carry way too much of it! I want to lose about 15 lbs. Easier said then done right?

My senior year of college I lost 30lbs no prob. Healthy eating, switched to diet pop, and cut out beer. I barely even exercised! Well I gained it back after about a year. Tony and I moved to Ohio for my job. I was super sad, homesick, worked around 60 hrs a week, and large meals around 10 and 11 at night, and basically ate like a HOG! I lost around 12 of it for my wedding. Then gained it back! Seriously??

A couple of months ago I was introduced to the HCG diet. For those of you HCG hatters, don't even begin to lecture me on it. I'm sure that some day it will be linked back to cancer or something but what hasn't??? It's MY body right? And I know that if I exercised and ate right I could lose it the normal way. I though, am the type of person who craves instant gratification. If I don't see results right away I quit. And this diet produces results RIGHT away. I have a handful of friends and family members who have done it and have kept it off.

The first time I did the diet I lost 14lbs in 21 days...and gained 6 back. Mostly because I cheated during the maintenance stage. So here I am again. At a healthier weight but wanting to lose more. I want to fit into all of my old fall and winter clothes. Including jeans. This time I am DETERMINED. I am on day 4 and its been so much easier the 2nd time. But because I am determined and really really want to do this, I am going to hold myself accountable by blogging. By letting all of you follow me in the next couple of weeks to make sure I stay on track.

So day 1 and 2 consists of taking the drops and loading up. I did that this past weekend. Lots of naughty wedding cake, some beers, lots of cheese, and lots of corn casserole! For the next 14 days I'll follow a very STRICT 500 calorie per day diet. The diet consists of lean meats such as chicken, shrimp, and a steak here and there as well as fruits and vegetables. I can drink all of the black coffee, water, and tea that I want.

So here it goes...never thought I'd give out this info...my starting weight on the first day of drops was 173. Yikes!!! I know!!! As of this morning I am down to 170. Each day Ill continue to weigh myself and fill you in on whats for dinner! :) Wish me luck!

Train - Something More

2010-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have been loving all of the new music Train has been coming out with but in turn those songs have pushed me to go back and dig up some old goodies. I ♥ this song. Happy Wednesday!

If...

2010-06-24T14:16:00.001-07:00

If I was a season, I’d be fall.
If I was a piece of furniture, I'd be a vintage red couch
If I was a country, I'd be italy
If I was a food, I'd be a sugar cookie

If I was a flower, I'd be a ranunculus rose
If I was a song, I'd be Adele- "to make you feel my love"
If I was an instrument, I'd be an acoustic guitar
If I was a color, I'd be yellow
If I was a letter, I'd be a love letter
If I was a book, I'd be "firefly lane"
If I was a time of day, I'd be dusk-- warm and golden
If I was a drink, I'd be limeade

If I was a holiday, I'd be halloween

If I was a store, I'd be a consignment shop

If I was a word, I'd be passionate
If I was a person, I’d be me
If I could know the future, I'd want to see all of my dreams come true

I saw this darling idea on a friends blog .....
If you could be anything what would you be.

xoxo
{A}

Small Town USA

2010-06-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here listening to a country radio station on Padora and "Small Town USA" by Justin Moore comes on. I know its been on the radio for a while and I've always liked it, but this song just earned itself a new meaning in my heart.

How true, at least from my perspective. And after living in Omaha for years, I swore I'd never go back to a small town...like EVER! But now living in one again, my thoughts are different. Even as I sit here at my dad's dinning room table editing my heart out, back in my small HOMEtown, I am content. Their is a big bay window for me to watch the street. An older man has ridden by on his bicyle a couple of times per day for the last few days. He looks happy. Cars putz along rather than fly by. The Zahnley boys next door keep us entertained, mostly during meal times. Two typical young brothers. The younger one pesters the heck out of his big brother but it makes me smile because it totally reminds me of Katie and I when we were growing up. Growing up right here in this house.

And now I have made my own home, in a small town, that I swore I'd never live in. And I don't know if I could go back to a big city again. Maybe the outskirts of one, but not the heart of it. I can't wait to raise a family in a small town, like how Tony and I both grew up.

One of the lines from the song says "Give me a Saturday night my baby by my side, a little Hank Jr. and a six pack of light, an old dirt road, and I'll be just fine." This is my life now. With my baby by my side. So maybe not Hank Jr...we prefer Brooks & Dunn's classic hits CD. Usually IT IS light beer when we drink, and the dirt road is more of a campsite for us. I'm smiling as I type this, Internet, and I know that we'll be just fine. I love my life right now. I wouldn't change one single thing.

Recipe: Black Bean Brownies

2010-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am not lying when I tell you that this is the easiest pan of brownies you will make. But, if you are the type that likes the really crispy corners, ya know the type of person who bought that "all corners" pan from an infomercial, then you probably won't like these. They are the most moist, chocolatey heaven I have ever experienced!

What you need:

One box of brownie mix (any brand), I go with the low fat

One can of black beans

1 Cup of water

Directions:

Rinse and drain the black beans. Poor them in a blender with the cup of water and mash up until you've got a runny mixture.

Grease a regular baking dish (I think glass is easier clean up) and pour the mixture into the pan. Follow the directions on the brownie box for temperature and bake time.

THAT'S IT! No eggs, oil, etc!

Bet ya can't have just one! Enjoy!

Ashley's Bachelorette Party

2010-06-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

I had an amazing time a few weekends ago with the girls in KC. Another big reason I came back to the Midwest is because my friends Ashley and Drew got married! YAY! More on the wedding day to come. Until then here are some fun shots from KC. What a super fun night! Ashley wore a pretty purple dress and everyone else black. We went to the Power and Light District in downtown KC. It takes up at least 2 blocks if not more with bars surrounding the entire outside of the block(s) with a huge dance floor in the middle. Basically you walk out of the back door at any of the bars and there you are!

The BEAUTIFUL bride!

It was so good for me emotionally to surround myself with some of my bestests and grow closer to those who I didn't know as well. Love my girly friends. This little trip made me realize how much I miss them but how lucky I am being able to come back. Bliss!!!

OneRepublic

2010-06-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

I think I'm going to have to buy their new album. I heard this song yesterday, and I like all of the others too, and I feel in love. The lyrics are great and the orchestra music at the end melts my heart. I also adore the voice of the lead. So unique. Just wanted to share! I have a whirlwind of a weekend planned. 1 photoshoot tomorrow, 4 on Sunday, and one from last night. I am a busy girl! Happy Friday!!!

As Of Late

2010-06-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Oh sad day! I am so mad at myself for not keeping up with this. I am going to make an honest effort from now on to post at least once a week. Not that my life is super exciting, but I am looking at this as more of a fun little journal. A place to share my hopes and dreams with those who care and maybe a recipe or two in there. :)

So I've lived in Utah for 3 months now, except for the 3 weeks I've spent back in Omaha, and I can absolutely say that I really really love it! At least every other day I have someone asking me if I like it. Or am I surviving small town life. Yes, I love it. I adore it. I grew up in a small town. And no I am not going through some big culture shock! I feel like a kid again most days and I don't miss the city as much as I thought I would. There is so many fun (and cheap) things to do there. Most weekends we get together with friends and bbq, play games, ride 4wheelers, or have a cocktail. And now....CAMPING SEASON IS HERE!!!!! I did get lucky and got to make an outing into the wide open wilderness right before I came back to Omaha (I'm in Omaha now). Shoot, I even got sun burnt.

I can honestly say that as of right now, I am loving my new home and have no intentions of leaving. It is SO NICE being able to come back to the Midwest and see everyone, but I miss Utah when I'm gone...and my puppies...and my Tony. Bittersweet! Life is fabulous as of late and I couldn't be happier!

XO-Amy

I don't know...something about I "set his heart on fire" ;) First camping trip of the year and this is the only picture of us! I am horrible!

Vol. 25 & Maternal Lens Giveaway!

2010-05-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Check out the giveaway Vol. 25 has on the Maternal Lens' website! Awesome overlays for photoshop!! Click here to see all of this fantastic'ness'! :)

Chili/Biscuits/We Made It!

2010-03-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am officially in Utah! And so far I am loving it! I haven't quite gotten used to the fact that their is no Walmart or Target in our town but the beautiful scenery makes up for it! I have had a busy couple of weeks unpacking, cleaning, making friends, and just getting to know the area. I've had one photography gig out here but a few more are in the works. Life is good!

Ill be sure to post pictures of this beautiful place soon! In the mean time check out these two recipes I cooked up the other night. By popular demand, I have put them on the blog :)

"Dump" Chili (Because you dump it all in)

1-1.5 pounds of ground meat (I used pork)
1 clove of garlic minced

1 small onion chopped (I used a yellow onion and only half of it)

1 green pepper chopped

1 red pepper chopped

2 cups of diced red tomatoes (I used a large can from the store)
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed

1 can of corn

2-3 tbsp of chili powder

2 tbsp of salt

1 tbsp of pepper

1 tbsp of oregano

1 cup of chicken broth (I boiled a chicken breast in a little more than a cup of water because I was out of broth and then diced the chicken and threw that in too.

Brown the meat, garlic, and onion. When done dump the mixture into crock pot. In no particular order dumb all other ingredients into the crock pot as well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serves 4-6.

This chili even looked beautiful! I will definitely make it again in the fall!

"Even Better" Cheddar Bay Biscuits

2 C Bisquick

1/8 tsp garlic powder

2/3 C milk

2 tbsp butter

2 C shredded cheddar cheese (we didn't have cheddar so we used colby jack)

Mix all ingredients together and bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes on a greased cookie sheet.

Melt 1/4 C of margarine or butter and 1/4 tsp of garlic in the microwave and brush the top of the finished biscuits with the mixture. Makes 8-10 large biscuits.

I thought these were better than Red Lobster!!!

Our Wedding: First Look :)

2010-02-05T16:44:00.001-08:00

So we got our wedding photos back!!! YAY! Eventually I will post all of them but for now I wanted to post just a few. This series is from our "First Look". Tony and I decided to see each other before the ceremony and it was such a special moment. I'll never forget the look on his face when he turned around. He was smiling so big and he couldn't stop giggling. He kept telling me, "You look so beautiful, I can't believe how beautiful you look." He also complimented me on my hair and makeup too many times throughout the day. Most guys may mention their lady's hair or makeup from time to time but he brought it up a lot. He also, was the one who grabbed my hand and spun me around to get a full 360 degree view. I felt like a princess. I am so glad we decided to see each other ran than wait until the ceremony. I was a blubbering mess when I walked down the isle anyway. This moment will be burned in my mind forever as one of the most amazing in my life!

Goals for Twenty Ten

2010-01-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

So I'm a little late on posting my goals for this year but life has been topsy turvey and although I've had some ideas in my head, I have to be careful in setting un-achievable (is that a word) things because of how much things in life have changed and are about to change even more.

I have made some little goals though and as I conquer those or continue to maintain them, I'll set the bar higher and come up with some new ones. Nothin' wrong with setting more goals half way through the year right? :) Most of my little goals, are for more of my personal life. I do have a few I'll list here for photography but most of my photography goals will be determined once I get going full time in Utah. Here's what I have so far:

Beauty/Health
* Maintaining my fingernails-always a fresh coat of paint--color or clear--filed, a little bit longer, and NO picking, tearing, or biting at them. I'm not much of a biter but I do pick at them a lot!

* Exercise at least 3 days a week. Common' Amy...three days is NOT hard! I really want to get into a routine. I am excited about going running with my sister-in-law Austin once we move to Utah! She does marathons and triathlons and we have already talked about me joining her in her running!

* Lose 30 lbs. YES 3o! I want to fit into all of my jeans again. BAD!

Self Development
* Read a minimum of 1 book per month. It doesn't matter what kind! A classic, fun and easy, self help--something! I may bump this up to 2/month.

* Join a community organization. I have always wanted to be involved here in Omaha but have always felt so overwhelmed by all of the options and just felt like I've never had time. Once I move to Price I will have lots more time and I figured it would be a great way for me to network and meet new people.

* Volunteer my time. I'm not even sure what I'd like to do but I really like helping others and want to be able to make a difference in the life of others. Again, something I will figure out once I move.

* Travel!!!! Tony and I have talked a lot about taking a few trips before babies come a long. The list consists of
-Washington D.C.: Tony has never been there and it is one of my favorite places. I love the
history and learning about our great country. This is actually his choice.
- NYC: Neither of us have been there. Just one of those places everyone has to go and visit
- Ireland: Just because! It looks beautiful, we really want to see the castles, and just hang out
in the pubs with the locals. Tony is a little bit Irish too so that is also a perk.

We've also tossed around going to Mexico again! We had such a blast on our honeymoon! This
time with another couple.

Money management/setting up a budget
* A must!! Time for a house-babies-savings! We shall figure this out as we go!

Photography
* Attend 6 networking events. I'm not limiting myself to where but more than likely in Utah or NE. We shall see

* Attend 2 workshops. I crave wanting to learn more and advance my skills. I already have one in the works.

Help Us Find Alan

2010-01-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had someone in your life you really cared about that you lost touch with and are now struggling to find? Maybe your childhood friend, college roommate, an old co-worker? How about a sibling? How about your brother? Luckily I have everyone in my immediate family in my life and speak to/see them on a pretty regular basis. Until a year ago, this wasn't the case for my momma.

I have an uncle, Rodney, who like my mom, hadn't seen for 14 years. He and my mother were very close growing up and when I was in the 4th or 5th grade my they lost track of each other. She called past employers, hospitals, the VA, city halls where we thought he may be living, did a name search and contacted individuals with the same name, but nothing seemed to turn positive results. Until a year ago we had given up. One day as I sat there thinking of any other possible way to help my mom find her brother, it came to mind that I had a cousin who was around the age of 16. What 16 year old doesn't have a Facebook or Myspace, right? Facebook--struck out! Darn! Myspace--so I typed in his name and 3 different profiles popped up. OH MY GOSH!!! There he is! I had last seen him at the age of two but it was very very easy to tell which one he was. He looked the same, just an older version. I sent him a message and about a month of waiting to hear back (he didn't check his Myspace often) he replied and we got a phone number. My mom called her brother right away! He was so happy to hear from her and after months of chatting on the phone, they were finally re-united face to face! My mom is so happy! She feels complete again to have her brother back in her life. I am so happy for her. Thanks Myspace!!!

For the last couple of years, a dear friend of mine Lisa, has been searching for her brother Alan. She has had no success at all and I can only imagine her frustrations and how sad she is. We started a Facebook group about a year ago but there have been no results in the search for Alan. I wanted to take another step in helping Lisa find her brother and I figured this would be a good way. Please, if anyone is out there who knows how to find a missing person, we need your help! Lisa has tried everything she can think of, but so far and has nothing. If you could all pass this post on to your friends, family, everyone you know...maybe we can somehow find Alan. Below is a description of Alan and what Lisa knows of his last whereabouts and what she has done so far to look for him. I have also included some picture. Thank you in advance for all of your help!

"Hey Everyone!I cannot imagine there is not someone out there that can help me find my brother, I'm asking for anyones help...please share this note with anyone and everyone in hopes that my big brother can be found safe and sound and knows that his family is there for him no matter what his troubles are health or financial.Been a little of 2 years since anyone has seen or heard from him. I last saw him Thanksgiving day 2006. Here is the skinny on him and what the family and I have done to find him. All is a Vietnam Vet. He was in the Navy for 8 years 71-79, worked in electronics. Was a member of the Eagles Club Aerie 80 in Superior WI. Was a very good bowler, bowling several leagues. Alan had a son that was born in '76 with heart defects. His son died on Valentines Day '77. Was married once to Myron, had a step son named John. I want to give enough information, but don't want to give too much information. In Feb '07 Alan left a note with his Brother's and Sisters at the Eagles club. Stating that he had health issues and that he couldn't get local VA benefits. He stated that he found a facility in Texas that would cover 80% of the costs with his consent for further research. In this letter he listed a special thanks to 4 people. So far we have...listed him as a missing person in the state of WI ( that is where his last residence was)Called the VA hospitals in Texas...but with the new HIPPA laws of course stand in our way of finding out anything... was hoping one would slip up though. None did. Went through Governor Culver's office in Iowa. He suggested I send letters to Social Security Department and One other department that has to do with the service. I was to write a letter to Alan and they would forward on if they had his address. The armed services had his 1991 address as the last address. And the Social Security department, sent me the letter back. No information. I believe that mom said that the last time his social security number was used was in Dec of '07. (Correct me if I'm wrong mom.)I went to the Vietnam Veterans of America office in Des Moines also. They could not help me out either. We have talked to his friends from the Eagles Club and they are as concerned with finding him as we are. I cannot give up looking for him, but I'm afraid i have exhausted any of my leads, so I'm asking for any help anyone can give. If you know of someone that may be able to help me please forward my info or send me any info. Thanks!!!Signed Missing My Brother!!"

Become a member of the facebook group and suggest your friends to join. The more help we have, the better the chances of finding him! Join the facebook group here.

Neti Pot

2010-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

UGH!! I am a pretty positive person when it comes to...EVERYTHING! But, I am sick again, for the second time in less than a month. I had a horrible cold/sinus infection a couple of weeks before Christmas and the sinus infections (at least that's my diagnosis) is back. Plugged up nose/head, tired eyes, lots of ickiness draining into my tummy and making me feel sick. Sad face over here! :( My Neti Pot ( is a small pot used for irrigating the nasal passages-sinus cleanse) has been my way of curing allergies, the common cold, anything to do with the nose/head area. My plan is to use it 2 if not 3 times when I get home from work! What is a Neti Pot you might ask. It's actually very strange. When my momma first told me about it I thought she had gone bat crazy. But, I gave it a shot and truly believe in it now. A Neti Pot is a small, blue, teapot looking device. You pour a saline, grain like substance into the teapot and fill it up with warm water to a line that is imprinted on the top. Turn your head to the side over a sink, put the opening of the teapot up to your nostril and dump half of the mix in. When the teapot is half way empty switch sides and finish it off! I know what you are thinking... "Cup 'o tea for your nose?" Heehee! Hardly! But it really has worked for me in past instances. Neti Pot can be bought at your local drugstores for under 15 dollars and that included umpteen packets of the saline mix. I bought mine at Wal-mart. I dare you to try it out, especially if you struggle with allergies. Just read the directions on the box. I believe you are to use it 2 times per day for 2-3 weeks and you will notice a huge difference! Good luck my fellow sniffling, dripping, stuffy nosed friends! :)

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2009-12-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

I had to post this photo of my mom and I that my friend Lisa tagged me in on facebook. We had a girlie Christmas cookie decorating party on the 23rd and Lisa took this. My mom and I did NOT plan these faces. We just happened to have the same expression. I think we look a lot alike. So much fun!

Paying It Forward

2009-12-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

So, my friends Jodi and Ashley came up with this idea to go "Extreme Makeover-Bathroom Addition" on our friend Stef's bathroom. I had the opportunity to help them out and we had a blast. And what a great feeling it was to make an impact in the life of another. Impact? Re-doing someones bathroom? To some of you this may not seem like much of an impact, but to Stef, it meant more than we could ever know.Stef is the type of person who puts everyone before herself. EVERYONE! In the 2+ years that I have known her, I can't recall the amount of times she has done me a favor, given me advice, and invited me into her family with big loving arms. Oh and her family...AMAZING! Her husband Brian is the sweetest man I know next to Tony, I'd say they run together neck and neck in my eyes. She has three children, McKenna, Peyton, & Beckett that I love very dearly. The kids are involved in everything and anything. Stef & Brian are always on the go. And the kids are so smart. Stef and Brian are the type of people that if they had 1 dollar left to their name, they'd spend it to better the life of their children.In the 6 hours it took us to re-do the bathroom, Jodi mentioned that she felt like she was, "paying it forward." She wanted Stef and her family to have a nice new bathroom. Everything inside from the colors, to the blessings frame, the the fragrance was totally Stef! Ashley's fiance Drew had a voucher for a free nights stay at one of the Casino/Hotels in town and was nice enough to give it to Brian and Stef for a night away! The kiddos stayed at their Grandma's, and Jodi, Ashley, and I started on the bathroom at 8 p.m. and were finished by 2 a.m. We also had a late Walmart run thrown in there. I'd say we had stellar timing! I had my camera ready to go for the unveiling the next day but decided after her first peek that I didn't want to take any pictures. The moment she first looked inside was more touching than I had expected and I felt like this was a moment that was for Stef, and just for her. Below are pictures of the before and after.

One of my favorite parts! Still have to get pictures of their fam in the frames!Jodi and Ash- thanks so much for letting me be a part of this! I had a blast and your sweet gesture towards Stef & her family was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done in the history of presents and surprises! Love you guys!!

Happy Holidays- E-Card

2009-12-23T06:18:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a safe, warm, and Happy Holiday!

Calling All Angels

2009-12-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with this song all over again! I had to travel to Kansas City last week for work and whenever I go, my company books a room for me at the Embassy Suites. The hotel is SUPER NICE and near the Plaza. I always get a room with a king size bed and a huge flat screen. The bed...EXTREMELY comfortable. I sometimes want to take one of their mattresses and strap it to the top of my car on my drive back to Omaha. Needless to say, I always pass out when I sleep in their beds. Within seconds of my head hitting the pillow I am out...okay maybe minutes but last week it was within seconds because I fell asleep at 8:30 with the T.V. on. I woke up to some crime show on TV around 11 p.m. and this song was on in the background. I LOVED "Calling All Angels" when it first came out but it had been a while since I'd heard it. I can recall many times that I'll hear a song from a few years, even 5 or more years back, and I'll fall in love with it again, sometimes even more than I had when it first came out! That's definitely the case with this song! It makes my heart fill big! Enjoy!!!

http://www.mtv.com/videos/train/21712/calling-all-angels.jhtml

A Few Pro Pics

2009-12-20T14:41:00.000-08:00

I would give anything thing to go back to this day and do it all over again! Tony said he would too! Unlike myself though he would rather skip the year before of planning! ;)

Friday Phone Images!

2009-12-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

I thought this would be a little fun thing for Friday! I'll post 3-5 of the most recent pictures I've taken or received on my phones camera! Too fun! I have to go in order too! No skipping around!

A picture that I took on my computer that I had originally had taken with my camera. This is my friend Stef and her two daughters Payton and McKenna.

I went with my sister and momma to a bar in downtown Omaha last weekend called T-Henry's and they had a bucket of sidewalk chalk in the bathroom. The walls were painted with a chalkboard paint. I had to do it! :) And then text Tony the picture!

My Archiebear all snuggled up. He had a long day!

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

...is you!!!!!!!! Oh my beautiful little Nikon D300S!!!! :) I have been saving for you for a few weeks now! You will soon be mine!

All Tony wants is....

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2! Maybe if he's lucky! :)

Pumpkin Bliss!!!

2009-12-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I have made these pumpkin cookies twice now and bought the ingredients to make them again on Sunday! I think I'll probably throw them together again for the ugly sweater Christmas party next weekend! They are SO EASY! Make them! You won't regret it!

You will need:
1 large can of pumpkin PIE filling
2 boxes of spice cake
1 tub of cream cheese frosting

Directions:
Dump the pumpkin pie mix and and both boxes of spice cake into the mixer and mix until smooth. YOU DO NOT ADD the water, eggs, or oil that a normal spice cake recipe calls for. That's it...just the pumpkin mix and cake powder. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and drop tablespoon fulls of the mix onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-16 minutes or until the top of the cookie is spongy. Let cool on foil or a bakers rack and frost with the cream cheese frosting. I don't have a fancy schmancy frosting applicator so I just nipped the corner of a sandwich baggie and filled it with the frosting.

These cookies have been a hit among two different get-togethers I've been to. ENJOY!

You can share frosting with your puppy too if you want! ;)

Puppy Go Boom!

2009-11-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Our poor pup Archie had the worst day of his life (and one of mine) this past Saturday. You see he and his big bro Bojangles (Bo-the pom/chi mix) love to wrestle...like hard core UFC style minus the shin kicks! Saturday morning as I sat on my stairs opening mail, the two pups came barreling down the stairs and poor Archiebear decided to skip 4 in fear that Bo would capture him. He took a nose dive and ended up with a broken leg. The poor guy broke both main bones in his front left paw--the paw he shakes with :( He squealed so loud, ran to his kennel, and proceeded to go pee pee on himself. He was sooo scared! Luckily Aunt Katie was visiting and drove us to the doggy hospital. I was able to hold him like a baby while keeping his dangling arm as stable as I could. He had some xray's taken and sure as shoot he snapped 'er right in half! Little Archie had a splint and wrap put on that day but I was informed that he would have to go to a doggie surgeon specialist. We left the clinic with puppy painkillers and a very drugged up Archie. Saturday was a rough day for him but yesterday he was soooo HYPER! Same old Archie but with only 3 working legs! He is still super fast on 3 legs and continues to spin in circles when he gets excited. Must be a pom thing! Tomorrow he goes in to see the specialist and have surgery! Pray that Archie's surgery goes well and pray that hi mama's pocket book suddenly has boat loads of money falling out of it! :) Here are some pics of the little guy!

On the way home from the vet. He was a limp little noodle! Glossy eyes, wobbley head, tongue sticking out...felt so bad but was still so cute!

Yesterday morning! Yes we signed his cast!!! :) What a little trooper!

We Are Married

2009-11-20T06:50:00.000-08:00

Yes!!! We did it! In "honor" of our married life together I have decided to start a blog that's all about Tony & I! Maybe I'll "let him" post here once in a while too. The past three years together have been an adventure...I can't even begin to imagine what the future will hold. Okay I'm lying...I can imagine it. But in my heart I know that it will be even more beautiful than what my pretty little head had dreamed up. Just like our wedding day...so much more beautiful and happy that I ever could have dreamed!

So here we are...Mr & Mrs Tony & Amy McFarland. Amy McFarland...still sounds so crazy, but it makes me smile. I'll make this short and sweet for our first post but here are some pictures from the big day. Can't wait to get the professional ones back. Those will definitely go on here!