My Sweet Nanny

This past Sunday morning, my sweet Nanny went to be with the Lord.  

None of us really saw it coming.
Being devestated is an understatement.  

She was so much more than a grandmother to me.  

She was a best friend, a kindred spirit. 

She and I understood each other in a way that no one else did. 

She loved me and I loved her. 

Two peas in a pod.

Nanny was everything a grandmother should be.  

She was my biggest cheerleader. 

When I thought no one in the world cared, she did.  

When I felt hopeless and couldn't go any farther, she was always there.

If I ever made a mistake she would simply love me through it.  

She spoiled me and the other grandkids beyond belief.  

But I always felt like I was the only one in the room if she was around.  

That's the effect she had on people.

The way her eyes would light up, like only my Nanny's could, are forever burned in my memory. 

The way she would laugh was the purest form of joy I've seen.

Growing up with her sassy, mischievous self was almost magical.

Her house was a land where anything was possible, because she loved us so incredibly much.

It was also a land of endless potato sticks and "Hey Dude" episodes but that is a different story. 

My Nanny is irreplaceable.  

She had a sweet giving spirit like no one else I've known.

She loved not only with all of her heart, but her entire being.

The same heart that failed her, the same being that lives on.  

My sweet, sweet Nanny.

I can not believe that you are no longer here with me.  

I can't go pick you up to "munch" or take you to the mall.  

I can't just call you on the phone to ask how your day is. 

I'll never hear you re-tell the stories that you loved, but we've heard a million times.

I won't ever hear you dropping hints about me having some great-grandbabies for you.

I'll never hear you sing a bushel and a peck again.

I won't get a card that says "my little sweat pea" on the front. 

What will I ever do without my precious grandmother...

I know my feelings are only selfish because you are in a better place.

A place where you don't need a heart.

A place where you will not suffer.

I hope a place that is forever festively decorated and has lots and lots of bunnies for you.  

There is just no way to put into words what you meant to me.  

Thank you for teaching me forgiveness.  

Thank you for teaching me unconditional love.

Thank you for teaching me sass in all the right places.

I'll see you again someday.

I love you to the moon and back.

Olivia

back to school...

Twas the night before nursing school and all through the house....

I'm not gonna lie.  I'm nervous.  I've done everything I can possibly do to prepare but there is still that feeling in the pit of my stomach that I'm about to be hit by a ton of bricks.  Actually, it's not just a feeling, it's a fact.  I watched Daniel struggle for over two years trying to keep his head above water while holding down a full-time job and being a loving husband.  Not to mention trying to keep his sanity.  I fell in love with him even more for that sacrifice.

And now I am taking those same steps.  I truly don't know how I would do it without him.  He has been my BIGGEST supporter.  Every thing you could possibly think of to help me prepare, he has done.  It's just so nice to have someone in your corner rooting for you, especially when they know exactly what you are going through.  He's on the Livvy train, waving the Livvy flag, cowbell in hand, with a shirt that says, "Go Livvy."  I just love him.

It's a very different thing going to school as an adult.  I'm far more focused and determined than I ever was in my teens and early twenties.  This is business.  I know if I keep my head down and focus for two years the payoff will be so worth it.  I keep thinking back to Daniel's pinning in May.  Before the ceremony Daniel pointed out to the "shout out" portion in the program.  Beside his name was a heartfelt sentence thanking me for my supporting him throughout his nursing school career.  I can't stop thinking about how good it will feel to finally thank him, at the same ceremony, two years from now, for helping me realize my dream.  This is what I am meant to do with my life.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that God put Daniel in my life to help me get there.  

I guess I just wanted to gather my thoughts before tomorrow's roller coaster ride begins.  I guess I should quit singing "Lose Yourself" by Eminem and try to get some sleep.

Wish me luck!

Liv

I work ouuut.

Well, summer has been flying by and Daniel and I have been busy bees.  One thing I have been focused on this summer is working out.  I work out with a trainer once a week and try to go to a spin or a cardio dance class four times a week.  I believe everything is better in moderation and really feel like you should have at least one "off day" from the gym a week.  The fact is, I have never enjoyed working out or going to the gym until I figured out exactly what I enjoyed doing.  For me that is training, spinning and dancing. I (finally) noticed that I would be much more motivated if I went to a class with other people instead of getting on the treadmill by myself.  I am such a Perry in that way.  It has been much easier for me to keep up a healthy lifestyle by finding things that not only make me work, but that I enjoy as well. 

I am the same way with clothes.  As a matter of fact, Daniel will be the first to tell you that if I am feeling the least bit unmotivated, I have been known to purchase a new frock for the gym. Just gives you that extra motivation, ya know? Now that I've spent the summer in a steady weekly routine, I've noticed there are some things that I can't possibly live without.  Do you want to hear about them?  I knew you would. :)

1. The headband- This one I just love.  It is one I made from a t-shirt and I will be making more very soon.  I tend to have trouble with the way headbands fit.  They are always too big or stretch out too much and I end up just throwing them to the side in frustration.  But this I could make the perfect size for my head!  It's a simple 5-strand braid. If you don't know how to do one, this is the tutorial I used. 


2. The razorback tank- I'm in love with these from Victoria's Secret. They are the perfect super lightweight, super cute, not too tight, but not too loose shirt to wear doing anything at the gym.  They come in plenty of colors to choose from.  I have been tapping into my inner LMFAO to pull off some cute neon pinks and blues.  


3. The booty short- This one took me a while to get on board with, mostly because I was super self conscious, but it really is the best thing to wear to spin and dance.  I got mine at Target, and they were way on sale at the time.  Like, 9 dollars on sale.  If you are kind of embarrassed at first like I am, try getting a size up from what you normally wear.  This way you have a bit more length and room so you aren't so bootylicious. They're made to fit tight so you can get away with it with out loosing your pants half way through class.  


4.The best shoe ever- Nike Lunarfly.  For me these take the cake.  Since I've had mine, they've come out with newer "models" but these are very similar to the ones I have.   I loved these when I ran (for a few weeks).  I love these for dance and even spin before I got some special spin shoes. Mine are grey, white and pink. :)


5. Dry shampoo- weird, I know, but highly effective.  When I have to go out to lunch after a workout, or need to run by the mall and don't want to look like a wet rat, this is what I use.  I get oh so sweaty, and the minimal makeup is enough to scare anyone, so I need all the help I can get.  If I put on the dry shampoo before a workout, it absorbs the sweat from my head and makes me look a lot less "oh my stars, I'm about to die" when I go into public. I use this kind.


These are my absolute must-haves for summer workouts.  It's crazy how much easier it is for me to get up and work out now that I enjoy what I'm wearing.  I'm sure it might change soon!


Happy workouts!


Liv

Carlee and Bailee

For the past three years I have been driving past the beautiful fields in Soddy Daisy, longing to take pictures.  I have been wanting to stop every time they baled the hay but never had anyone to photograph.  My sweet neighbor Jacky knows I'm trying to improve my photography and offered to go out with me to teach me a few things.  She brought her kids along and they were such great little models! It was a lot of fun and I really learned some great tips. Here are some that I just loved!

Carlee was such a good sport! 

Bailee wasn't so sure about the pokey grass.

I love her expressions! :)

Farm girl feet.

Growing up so fast! Big Kindergartener next year!

It looks like she's rapping Beastie Boys style.  Love it!

Not pictured: Bailee flipping out. Haha

Beautiful Carlee!

This girl is always picking wildflowers.

Such a sweetheart!

What I learned:

1. Get to a location early so you can really play with the settings on your camera.

2. How to make shadows with the sun.

3. Take lots of shots of one "pose."  Why not?

4. Wear boots or closed toe shoes to take pictures with the hay bales.

5. Snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. (You sure about that, David?)

6. Ticks are flippin' everywhere. Plan accordingly.  

I can't thank Jacky enough for taking time out of her day to help me.  You should go on over to her blog to see the awesome photos she took!

Liv

Mr. Manning

Happy Weekend!  I'm on call but I wanted to show everyone some photos I got of Manning and his mommy, April.  April let me practice on Manning the other night and he is just the cutest thing!  I can tell she feels exactly like I do when it comes to her furbaby, since we don't have real ones yet.  Our dogs are our children.  Manning was a whopping 3 months old yesterday and it was his first time to the Greenway in Hixson...it was a big day.  The sun was so great and it made for beautiful pictures.  I'm really pleased with them and I can really see a difference with my images in just a week! I can't believe it but I am much more confident and comfortable with the camera functions already.  I know... crazy.  

Meet Mr. Manning.

  

He is just so much fun and full of life!  Thanks for letting me practice on you guys, April! I hope we get to do it again soon!

I have taken other pictures during the week but probably won't post everything, as they aren't always so interesting.  Next week I am teaming up with my neighbor Jacky, who is a photographer, and we are taking pictures of her little girls.  Hopefully I can score a few pointers. :)

Have a great weekend!

Liv

Photo(s) of the Day

Hey everyone!  So, this summer before I get extra busy I told myself I MUST pick up my camera every day until August.  I love taking pictures and have spent lots of money on a nice camera, lenses, flash, a basic class, and editing software.  A good eye and (let's face it) luck can only take you so far when you don't even know how to use your equipment to it's full potential.  That's why I'm resolving to take a picture every day.  I really hope this will really boost my experience and that I will be able to see improvement soon(ish).  Nothing is more frustrating than thinking you got a lovely shot only to find out its underexposed, noisy and un-fixable.

Today I took my model out in the front yard.

Kiwi had just barked at a dotson that comes in our yard. She's ready to get him!

Enjoying the sun in mommy's lap.

What I learned:

1. I got much nicer photos on Kiwi's level.

2. Manual focus is hard to use but worth it sometimes.  

3. You can set what part of the frame your camera auto focuses!  Who knew! I wish I had changed the position for the second image to focus on her nose.

4. My little Kiwi has a face only a mother could love, but boy do I love that little chi chi.

Any model volunteers?

Love, 

Liv

Weston's Wedding

 There has been so much going on lately I just now got around to putting the pictures of the wedding on my computer! This was such a special day for so many reasons.  My little brother has become such a wonderful man and he has chosen a wonderful woman to be his wife.  Daley matches Weston so perfectly and their wedding was a perfect reflection of their sweet love for each other.  It was held in Crossville at the farm that my Granna was born and raised on.  It was the perfect weather (thank goodness!) and the atmosphere was so laid back and enjoyable.

Enjoy!

Nanny and I at the rehearsal dinner

Granna and I

My Family

Mom and Dad's handy work

Me with the beautiful bride

Noisemakers to celebrate!

Granna, Uncle Boodie, Aunt Joan, Uncle L.A-the siblings

My lovey

My beautiful Mama!

Weston throwing the garter...on a football! How smart!

Granna with some of the granddaughters

Have fun in Maui!

I just had to add one more of us :)

We are so glad that our family has grown and I am so glad to have a sister! What a happy day!


I almost forgot to mention! If you want to check out the REAL photos from the wedding, they are at the very talented Justin Wright's website.

Liv

Catie Grace-Spring!

Hey everyone!  We've been busy busy lately but I just wanted to pop in and put up some of my favorite shots of Catie Grace that I took of her for Spring.  It was rainy the morning we chose to take pictures but CG had the cutest rain gear! It got sunny toward the end of our time together so we got a variety of different lighting.  Love that sweet little smile!

Jananna is such a wonderful mommy as you can see in that last image.  So much fun!
I absolutely love taking pictures of Catie Grace and I am so thankful that her parents put up with me practicing on her. :)


Have a great week!
Liv

Computer Issues

Computers.  You can't live with 'em.  You can't live without 'em.  As I said before my computer has been on the fritz lately.  Actually, it died a sad slow death.  Luckily, Daniel and I got a iPad for Christmas.  So I have been using that for most of my, eh hem, research. :) Unfortunately iPad doesn't like blogger. :( 

About a month ago, Daniel tried to "update" my Macbook Pro.  It crashed.  Just wouldn't boot up.  When it did boot up, it didn't work.  Luckily I had most everything backed up on an external hard drive, which I highly recommend doing if you have not.  Getting into nursing school this Fall means I absolutely NEED a computer.  Also my photo editing software has to be on a computer, so it was inevitable...the computer had to be fixed.  The quote to fix it was around $700 (YIKES!) and after thinking about it for a while we decided just to go ahead and get a new one (DOUBLE YIKES!).  In computer years, it was just too old to fix for that much money, so we ordered a new one.  

Well, it came yesterday!  Thanks to my neighbor Jacky who said I could have it delivered to her house and graciously held it there until I got home from work.  Great neighbors are such a blessing!  Macbook Pro's have come a long way since I got my first one.  It's so cute and lightweight.  My old one was a 17in.  This one is a 15in., which is the perfect size!  And after we figured out how to get all my files off my external hard drive, I was back in business!  I can't wait to get my editing software on here so that I can edit some pictures that have been sitting on my camera for weeks! After I do that, I will put lots of pictures on here and update everyone on whats been going on with us. 

Here it is! So exciting!

Oh guess what, my old computer started working again last night.  It only working about 50% of the time, but still, how frustrating is that?!? 

I never thought I'd see the day that Daniel and I were both on Macs at the same time.  He's a PC guy, but I still love him. 

Have a wonderful week!  I'll be back after the little's brother's BIG wedding weekend!

Liv

My Turn

You'll have to forgive me for not writing sooner. My computer is on the fritz...again.
I'm sure by now everyone has heard my big news but I felt the need to update the blog about it.

On Wednesday, April 4 I was accepted into the nursing program at Chattanooga State!

It's been a long time coming; an answered prayer.
I have known I wanted to go into the nursing field for many, many years now. I've just never really been able to get myself there. Through the process of getting serious about going back to school to make this happen, many things have happened in my life. All of which have pushed me forward toward my goal. But, last year when a fluke mistake made the difference between acceptance and denial I truly had to re-evaluate things. You see, at that moment I couldn't dream of having to wait an entire year longer to get in. What was I possibly supposed to do with my life? Is this truly what I'm supposed to be doing?? Waiting for another year to what, be rejected again? Is this the path God wants for me? I've worked so hard to get to this point. What is He trying to tell me, anyway?

To wait, Olivia. It's not time yet.

Easy to see now, right? I was so blinded by the numbness of even thinking I'd have to give up this dream, that's all I could do. Wait. Sure, I knew God has a plan for me. I've been hearing people say it all my life, but that theory has never been tested like it was in 2011.

Fast forward 1 year and 2 days. Mail watch 2012 had begun. I called the nursing department to make sure they had received my re-application and that they had my correct testing scores recorded in their system, as I would not make a terrible mistake twice. I may have stalked our mail lady, had neighbors constantly checking for any signs of flag raising or lowering, and otherwise was a complete wreck as I impatiently waited.
Wednesday I had gone to the gym, and then met Daniel for lunch. He had taken the day off work to study for his final exam. I knew I would miss the mail lady by at least 15 minutes (yes I had it timed that well) and practically flew home in June Carter Cash the Jeep, leaving Daniel in the dust. I couldn't even wait to pull in the garage and walk to the mailbox so I pulled over and jumped out of the car to fling the little door open. There. It. Was. All by itself sitting there as if the Lord placed it there himself. You know in cartoons when the angels sing and some crazy holy light starts shining? That's totally what happened. In my mind. By this time Daniel had caught up with my far superior driving and pulled up beside me. I tore open the envelope, threw it in his face and tried to wrap my mind around what I was seeing on the page. It looked so different from my past letters. What did it say? Read the first line, I told myself...I GOT IN! I just started jumping up and down as Daniel got out of the car and when he hugged me and said, "You so deserve this," that's when the tears came. Tears of joy, of sheer relief. This is what I'm supposed to do. Then my sweet husband took me into the garage where he had been saving a special package that had come a little over a year ago when we were both so sure I was getting in. I opened the sweetest and most thoughtful gift, a lavender purple stethoscope with my name engraved on it. Perfection.

My God has a plan for me. It was a hard lesson to learn but I'm truly better for it. I never thought I would be this excited to go to school. I know I have a long way to go. I know that there will be days that I might hate it, but I can't wait to start the process of furthering my life though the abilities that He's given me.

Psalm 13: 5-6
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord's praise, for He has been good to me.

Here I am teary-eyed and just purely full of joy with my purple stethoscope.

Liv

Throwback Thursday

I've got to blog more...

To get my writing juices flowing again, I'm putting up a REALLY old picture.

Possibly the funniest picture ever. This is my Nanny, Papa, me, Weston, and my cousin, Julia on Easter (1992-93?). Three kids, in the bright sun, trying to look at the camera at the same time, after sitting in Sunday church...need I explain more? I found this picture at my Papa's 75th birthday party hanging with a picture collage. I thought it was hilarious that this beauty was chosen to chronicle my grandfather's life. By the looks on our faces, this was the last shot of a 24 exposure roll of film.

Happy Thursday!

Liv

lovely petals

Here in the Tennessee valley spring feels like it is quickly approaching. We've had an extremely mild winter, and no snow has left most of us with an excitement to press ahead toward the warm sunny months. I don't know about you but during the "not yet spring" months I like to decorate our home with soft, lovely flowers. I'm not quite ready for the bright pops of spring color, but something more transitional to push me out of the winter blues is just what the doctor ordered. I pulled a few inspiration photos to let my imagination go.

Have a wonderful week!

Liv