OK SEE YOU.

It's been about a month since the BIG D stole one of my very best friends-who just so happens to be this guy:

This is Chad.  Specifically, this is Chad after successfully making his first Japati (while sunburned in Kenya- I did him a favor and red-muted the photo).  Chad loves to cook Kenyan food... and it's REALLY good.  I'm not one to get all mushy-gushy about my boyfriend, and I'm not going to do that today; however, being that I haven't seen him in quite some time, and that I get to see him this weekend, calls for a ChadBerry post. So, if you want to know get to know Chad, and you've never had the chance... here's a little intro:


*First of all, most people don't call him "Chad".... its "Chadberry." Not really sure why this is, but you may call him whichever you like... I go with Chad.
*Secondly, he is very FAST- in every literal meaning of the word. He's a very fast runner- he can run a 5K in 15:30 and a 1500 meter race in (I forgot his best time- oops- but it's pretty ridiculous).
He's a fast friend- once you meet him, you feel like you've known him for years and years....
He's fast "to-do"- the guy's never idle (unless you consider xbox idle, which I do), always fast to pick you up (which is a problem because I'm chronically late), fast to help, listen, advise, counsel, and love. Now don't squirm at the love... I mean love all people- he has a HUGE heart for people- for his friends whether they're in Little Rock, Oxford, or Africa, his little brothers, the guys he coaches on the OMS bball team, his family, and his ministry.  
*Chad is funny.  Around my family, his claim to fame is his impression of "Wave Connection"  It really is hillarious. If you didn't know, Wave Connection is my high school showchoir-and before you laugh, know (just like the THS Senior Jersey), that its a cool thing to do in High School...Tupelo takes it rather seriously.  What is so funny about him "imitating" us is that he KNOWS that if he was from Tupelo, he would have most definitely been a part of it.  He cannot resist it- therefore he feels the need to mock it. 
*Chad loves to dance.  If you want proof of this, just go re-watch the Jai Ho video.  He's the first guy that starts dancing... yep, the one that looks like he's about to explode with energy. HE. LOVES. IT.  Jai Ho isn't his favorite style, though... he prefers the more...ahem... well we'll call it body rolling/pop-lock-and-drop-it approach, but he's really good at the Hannah Montana HoeDown-ThrowDown, too!  (good thing he doesn't read my blog).
*Chad wants to be your friend. Period.  I don't care who you are... if you start talking to him, you'll be there longer than you had originally planned.  He wants to get to know YOU. 

So my suggestion? Get to know HIM. He's a great guy to know, and a wonderful friend to have.

Hooray for Holidays when accounting interns don't have to work!

In the words of ChadBerry...
OK SEE YOU,
HART

I. AM. DROOOLING.

I LOVE GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY.

Abigail Seymour is A-MA-ZING.  I really appreciate what she's about... She is a GREEN photographer... from using only rechargeable batteries and CFL compact fluorescent light bulbs to only shooting within a 60 mile radius of her home in North Carolina. She believes in local business.  I have been on her website for a good two hours now...

SOMEHOW Callie talked her into coming to Texas to photograph her wedding.. actually, I know how- Callie has this way with people... she's VERY persuasive.

Some of Callie and Cason's Wedding pictures are up... this girl is UN-REAL.  Please click the link below and scroll down to "Vintage Texas Wedding."  My mouth is STILL wide open. Just stunning... These are only a FEW. 

*BE sure to check out the photo of the Jai Ho... it just gets people every time :) 

Seriously....
CHECK THESE OUT!!!

INCREDIBLE.

Also, Callie's wedding was featured on STYLE ME PRETTY wedding website!  You can view the whole wedding through here, also!
STYLE ME PRETTY- VINTAGE TEXAS WEDDING- CALLIE

As MCK would say, COMPLETELY SWOON-WORTHY!

Big Girl?

Although I graduated in May, I continue with Pharmacy school this fall in Oxford.  I have 3 more years of school.  3 MORE YEARS.  I'm trying to stay positive at this and enjoy the fact that I get to live "the good life" of being independently dependent.  My parents tell me everyday to embrace not paying bills or having to work 8-5.  As much as I try to embrace that, I can't help but be envious of my friends who are living "the big girl life."  So many of my friends are starting new jobs and supporting themselves while others are doing the same thing and also getting married.  I don't know why I'm craving "the big girl life" so much, probably because I'm (almost) 22 and last time I checked, that's a big girl.  I think just being in the "in-between" phase of student and working woman is a hard place to be.  Oh how I long for the days to come home from work and no studying, no homework, no lab reports... just coming home and getting to "be." No more Saturdays of "Oh, I'd love to come, but I have two tests this week."  But you know what?  I have CHOSEN to be right where I am.  No one forced me to go to Pharmacy School... haha QUITE the contrary.  I had to work miiiiighty hard just to get here. 

So, I look at this situation and realize that it's NOTHING to complain about.. Actually, I should be rejoicing at my current place in life.  And I am grateful... I'm still a college student, but on a more independent level.... I'm now a Grad Student.  That sounds "big girl", right?  I'm living in a beautiful home thanks to a family friend and sharing it with two of my best friends. One of them will be sharing the challenges of pharmacy school with me, while the other will be working equally as hard in her grad school.  We'll be there to encourage each other and to share this phase of our lives together.  We will all be in the "in-between".  We will learn to be better time-managers, better students, better cooks, better house keepers, better encouragers, better listeners, better budgeters, better grocery shoppers, better entertainers, better long-distance girlfriends, better friends, and we'll embrace this time to LEARN.  We'll use this "in-between" time to grow as women of Christ.  For that, I am very grateful. 

So am I a "big girl"?  Absolutely.  I may have homework and study groups, but isn't there always some sort of responsibility in life?  I may be responsible for reading a 12 pound pathology book at this point, but I'll eventually be responsible for running an entire household (and who knows what else?  I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to the real world).  It's part of growing up.  We are all becoming "big girls" in some form or fashion... we are grad-students, new employees, wives, world travelers, job-hunters, fiancee's, crusade staffers, new home owners, interns, job-shadowers, missionaries, entrepreneurs, city slickers, home-town "honeys", blog writers, tweeters, phone-updaters, best friends, and most importantly, right where the LORD wants us to be.  Sounds like the good life to me :) 

Here's to the BIG GIRL LIFE.

HART

BICYCLE. This one's for Beef.

So I work at an outdoor/running/bicycle store this summer.  There have been many perks to this little job including becoming skilled in "bicycle talk".  All the triathletes and riders come in the store to get their bikes worked on so I've caught up on all the lingo.  I also sell bikes... mountain, cruisers, road, crosstrails, you name it.  My dear friend Beef (that's not her acutal name, but it kinda is), recently informed me that she was interested in a bike for her new adventures in St. Louis, so I'm going to let everyone in on my bicycle picks.... (just females).

If you're looking for something to ride around town, maybe to class, to the store around the corner, or just a joy ride in quaint areas of your new town... let me suggest an Electra Bike... My picks would be...
THE AMSTERDAM:

These come in all body colors, wheel colors, spokes colors, seat colors.... But i just love the classic white with the brown leather seat and handles.  The skirt guard (seen on the back wheel) can be removed to expose the entire bike wheel, but in the case you are wearing a skirt and don't want it tangled in the wheel... you're taken care of.  I love these Andrew Girard designs... he designed them especially for the Electra Bicycle Company and the Amsterdam... My favorite is the green "Sunshine", but also love the white "Tree of Life" Check out the variety in the spoke colors...

How cute are they?  Also for the "crusier" category, I'd recommend the Electra Townie (also available in every color imaginable):

Or the Specialized Carmel:

The best thing about the "cruiser" bike is that you can add cute baskets on the front or back to carry books, groceries (since we are all going green), or a gift to a new neighbor!  

Now, if you are a bit more adventurous, want to hit up some trails or take it off road a bit (like me), I'd have to recommend you get a mountain bike.  Now... there are many wonderful great mountain bikes out there... 

I ride a Trek... I love her.  She has done me wonderful for 2 1/2 years now.  Depending on how much trail riding versus "around campus" riding you're going to do, determines which model you need.  If you're a basic average trail rider, maybe ride a few times a week, you can get away with the 3700.  If you're going to beat your bike up a bit, ride a lot, I'd recommend atleast the 4300 or 4500.  You can get a women's specific Trek, but I just have the original model and like I said, LOVE HER. We rode Treks at camp (Kanakuk) and they held up so well for the kids all summer.. that's where I fell in love. The company so generously donated them- how kind is that? 

My bike:

Now, we don't carry Trek where I work... We only carry Specialized Mountain Bikes... for all you girls out there, I'd recommend the Myka... it's a women's specific, keeps you from leaning too far forward (keeping those shoulders up), has female specific body (aka the top bar slants instead of going straight across), and it rides very well... comes in several different color combinations.

Another popular mountain bike we carry is the Specialized Hard Rock  or Hard Rock Sport... comes in a variety of colors and is just a great quality bike for any gender.

If you are a bit more "hard core" and are planning on doing some more hazardous trails with rough roots and rocks, let me suggest the RockHopper.  It's awesome.  You feel so powerful on it... like you could take on the world.  It even gives the option for a "fatter" tire... basically more stability on the trails.  The one's we have in stock are this cool seafoam green color (naturally I love it). 

Now... if you want to be the Lance Armstrong type, ride roads ONLY, have something extremely light weight, and put the miles on, I would of course suggest a road bike.  Again, this is riding for extreme cardio, longer distances, and races.  If I get into road biking, this is my bike of choice:  The Specialized Dolce.  It has a wonderful price point (for a roadbike) and is great for anyone from a beginner to experienced rider.  May not be for someone who races for a living, but for most of us, the Dolce Triple would be quite the winner.  I would LOVE to have her one day...

Isn't she a beauty?  I know, I know.  I stare at her everyday.  Our bike mechanic let me ride her on Rollers (extremely difficult, I crashed the first 3 times), but she's awesome. 

Now, this was a very general rundown of bikes, and just my personal suggestions/opinons... But maybe, if you're thinking about going to the bike market, this will help you narrow down your choices.  If you are in my area... please come let me sell a bike to YOU! Promise we won't lead you wrong!  You can check out more bikes at:

www.electrabike.com

www.specialized.com

www.trekbikes.com

Everyone needs a bike! 

BABY LOVE.

I've been meaning to dedicate a post to Etta Catherine for some time now...  My discipler for the past four years of college was just blessed with a precious baby girl!  It's been such a blessing to watch Ellen's journey to this point over the past four years... It seems like just yesterday when she was telling my Discipleship group about beginning a relationship with Andrew.  Now, not only is she happily married to sweet Andrew, but they've also given me an opportunity to be an AUNT! (Ellen is not my sister, but her daughter is my niece by default... don't worry about it).

Isn't she beautiful?... Ellen said she and Etta Catherine have been reading my blog, so I wanted to give her a personal little shout out.  I'm so happy my favorite little family will be staying in Oxford again this year.... gives me plenty of bonding time to get my "aunt status" established before they make the big move.  Am I a little excited about the opportunity to buy sweet baby things?..... YES.

Speaking of babies, please look at this precious video.  The first blog I ever followed was Melissa at Stay Forever Sunday... I don't know her personally but her life (atleast in the blog world) is so fun and cheery.  She also recently had a little girl and blogged about her journey to motherhood at her Dear Baby blog. (All of these can be found under "My Blog List").  I clearly have no purpose in reading a parenting blog, however, I do check it from time to time just for a smile....  and a smile is exactly what I got tonight.

EVERLY JORDAN'S CHOREOGRAPHY TO INGRID.

Who doesn't love a precious baby in a big flower head band bouncing to Ingrid Michaelson?  I think it's adorable. 

I'm thankful to be exactly where I am in life... enjoying being "young, free and lovely" as my dear Em calls it.. I'm also thankful for the miracle of life and getting to see it first hand in the lives of those I love. 

Here's to Etta Catherine!  Can't wait to see her grow into a beautiful woman just like her mother.  A woman I am ever so grateful for.

Love you, El.

 Ha, I think that picture was taken at your Lingerie shower... Helping you get ready for Etta Catherine from Day 1. (Sorry, had to say that.)

HART

you want to try these!

Tonight I made Oatmeal-Banana-Chocolate-Chip cookies!  They are absolutely wonderful and absolutely HEALTHY!  Made with whole wheat flour, flax, and no sugar!  For tonight's batch I had a little help...

The one and only... Anne Daniel.  She poured in almost ALL the ingredients and help me put them on the pan...  I can't promise they are completely sanitary, but they taste delightful!

OATMEAL BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1/4 cup soy milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp canola oil 
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips 
• 1/4 cup walnuts (optional)

*Put all ingredients together in mixing bowl, mix until well blended, and bake for 10-14 minutes.  (Preheat oven  at 350).

(Sorry for the shadow... I was lazy.)
*Also, as I confession, I will say I replaced the walnuts with extra chocolate chips...  Anne-Daniel thought it was a good idea, too....

ENJOY!
HART

from way up there

This weekend I came to visit the Daddy-O for Father's Day.. Its a well-needed break from everything.  When I come here, all I do is lay around, eat, layout by the pool, and read.  The morning times are beautiful.. (IF I'm awake, its great to enjoy a big mug of French Vanilla coffee while sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch and enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains...

The evening normally consists of grilling out, WITH MUSIC (as anyone who has ever visited my Dad's with me knows... its a must), and hanging out on the back patio..

And watch the sunset...

The one bad thing about being up here is that lately, we've had a not-so-little friend visit at night...

That's right... a bear. (This isn't the actual one... he only comes out at night).  No worries.. Dad and I have been devising a plan.  We are thinking of some bear spray (like in Have You Seen the Morgans).   Needless to say, running at dusk hasn't happened this weekend..

Hope everyone loves on their Dad this weekend!

HART

Jack Johnson says it the best...

i need some of that sepia tone lovin'. 

back to the basement

Yesterday was another day in Chacha's basement... discoveries included, but were not limited to...

These cool Apothecary Canisters from the Drug Store

Mom's old Raggedy Ann doll... who we shall call HANNAH for obvious reasons...

... it appears that mom was a little rough on her hair...

My favorite mason jars from the Drug store...

Perhaps my favorite find of the day... this vintage Rexall "Hair Tonic" poster... (note: this wasn't printed in 1993, it's just the name)

and a few more treasures...

 Now to some of you, this may appear as a bunch of junk... for that I am sorry.  I, on the other hand, am super excited and can't wait to find a new home for it all!  The larger mason jars  look just perfect filled with sunflowers!  They also make great lamps- all you have to do screw a fixture to the top of the jar and find the perfect lamp shade!  

I'm thinking mom's doll might not make the display for the time being...
As for everything else, it looks like I can consult my fabulous find for today...

I finally caved and bought it in Anthro today.  Since the world has been robbed of its publication in magazine form (I have saved every issue ever received in my po box), I felt the need to buy it as a large book. 

Now... back to re-reading Redeeming Love.  It's just as good and emotional draining as the first time... If by some chance you have never run across it... do yourself a favor and read it. 

HART

white dress

*Note:  This post will be mainly photo's because my writing abilities CANNOT describe how beautiful and perfect this weekend was... including the bride- as you will see. 

I apologize for neglecting my blog for the past week... it's been a long, sweet, emotional, but incredible few days as my dearest Emmaline married her Prince Charming (aka the goofy, fun-loving Kurt).  The weekends festivities started with a BEAUTIFUL bridesmaid luncheon and the Beeman home.  Everything was perfect... and SO Emily.

That night was the rehearsal, of course.  Father Tom is my new favorite.  He's Irish and precious.  We then had the rehearsal dinner at my close family friends, the Hudsons.  Might at add that the flowers seen from here on out were done by Tracy Hudson herself.  I told her she should enter the Wedding Industry.. she's incredible.

these were my favorite...

and hers..

and then...... came the big day. 

the whole thing was just so her.  all the way to my personal favorites.... the "ballerina belles"...

we had old sisters..

and a new sister...

it was rather warm (perhaps an understatement).... so Kurt brought a fan...

the girls kept it classy with the parasols...

we were able to spend some quality time with the bride before the wedding...

help her with those finishing touches...

I wish I could describe the ceremony.  It was absolutely beautiful.... the wedding party, the music, the church, the Scripture, and the presence of the Holy Spirit that filled the Sanctuary.  It was truly beautiful and reflected so much of not only Emily's GOODNESS, but also the LORD's.  I am so blessed to have been part of such a day...

And after wonderful fellowship at the reception, we got to see her off...

with bubbles.... of course :)

The bride and groom are currently enjoying themselves in Napa Valley.  I'm expecting a full wine tasting course when they return.  I'm going to have to cut it here as I have been rather emotional for the past 24 hours.. didn't know I would be!  Just bittersweet... As my dear friend Carmen Rae told me, I'm not losing my best friend, I'm just gaining a big brother.  And Kurt, boy, you better lookout.  You have 1 year to have Emily to yourself and then I am moving down to Jackson... look forward to having dinner with yours truly atleast 6 times a week.

As for the photos, I apologize for so many, but those are only a few of 568.  I will be posting a full facebook album very soon.... Especially with the "ballerina belles".... as you could imagine, I went a bit snap crazy and could have a full album of just them! 

**also, to get the real deal, you can visit www.martypettit.com to see the ceremony and reception.  I'm sure he'll have them up pretty soon!

"... and the greatest of these is LOVE."

HART