Strong Women

I love strong women. They are my heroes. Weak women make me wanna puke. But that is not what this post is about, so I won't dwell on that. 

Elisabeth Elliot is strong. Her book Passion and Purity made that very clear to me. She is my hero.

Bethany Hamilton is strong. Like, really strong. This girl is a HUGE inspiration to me. 

If you don't know her story you need to go read it. 

Debbie McDonald is just cool. 'Nuff said.

If you don't know who she is, you have no life. (Just kidding. Maybe.)

The lady on the right is my mom (who I will talk about in a second). The lady on the left is Candy.
She is kinda like another mother. I grew up about a one minute walk from her house.
If I had to use two words to describe Candy, I would pick joyful, and strong.
She has been battling cancer for 2 years. And by battling, I mean an all out war. Candy is my hero.



I personally come from a long line of strong women. They are all my heroes.

My mom's mom. Talk about a strong lady. She goes out and walks several miles on our dead end road like every day. And when I say walk, I mean like speed walk. I have to practically run to keep up with her!

My dad's mom. She married that guy on the left after knowing him for 3 weeks. And 50 years later, they are still married. If you know my Gramps, you know what an amazing feat that is.

My mom. I have no idea how she does all that she does. She is amazing. And incredibly strong. A weaker woman would have cracked a long time ago. But my mom? Uh huh. 

I have so many other women in my life who are strong. My sister. Ever single one of my girl cousins. My aunts. My two best friends. (I actually have 3 best friends, but one of them was already counted cause she is also my cousin.) I love all these women. They inspire me. They make me into a better person. They challenge me.
And someday, I hope to be just like them.

2012

I keep seeing people who do some sort of a "2012 recap" post, and it has made me want to do one. So here  ya go folks. Some of my favorite moments of 2012.

Snow+Sabrina=Fun

I had the privilege of taking care of this horse for 2 months 

while her owner finished up nursing school. 

Watching my oldest brother get married was cool. And slightly weird. 

The four of us kids.

 The day before Matt left for OCS (Officer Candidate School). 

Not exactly a happy memory, but I do like this picture. 

(l-r. Dad, Matt, and Gramps)

I worked on a grass seed farm for the 3rd summer in a row. 

It was actually really fun for the most part. 

And even with the seemingly endless hours that I spent at work, I still managed to 

spend some time with Sabrina down at our gravel bar. 

 I was beyond blessed to get to know this amazing little mare. 

 Yeah this may very well have been the best moment of the whole year. 

Dad, Mom, and I went back to Quantico, VA for Matt's graduation from OCS. 

About 10 seconds after this picture was taken, we got to hug Matt for the first time in 6 weeks. 

 Me with the best lookin guy on the whole base in the world. 

1,000 words

 My wonderful, crazy family.

This beautiful girl? She hadn't ridden in years, and the last time she rode, she ended up on crutches. 

I was honored to be able to help her get over her fear and back in the saddle.  

I love my twin (cousin). Photo Credit Leah Ringham Photography

 Photo Credit Leah Ringham Photography

My honorary nephew helpin me make Christmas cookies while his 

little sis watches from her swing thingy. 

 The 2 Bekahs. Watch out world!

Got to spend a week with my gorgeous cousin Gretchen. I love her so much. 

This guy knows me so well.

There are so many more wonderful memories, but there is neither time nor space to list them here. All I can say is that 2012 was a wonderful year. A growing year. A year that I will always look back on fondly. God did amazing things in my life during 2012, and I know that He is going to continue them in 2013.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and 
not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Sunshine+Me+My Dog=Lots of Pictures

They say that the best way to get good pictures is to know your subject. They must be right, cause this afternoon I got some really good ones of my best friend. Everybody, meet Sabrina Marie. The most gorgeous Golden Retriever on this side of the Mississippi. (Actually, she's the most gorgeous Golden Retriever in the whole world, I just like saying "on this side of the Mississippi".)

That, my dear friends, is true love. 

Some days she likes modeling, other days she doesn't. This was one of the does.

She told me to write that. (true story)

This is her "I-want-to-be-running-around-and-playing-instead-of-sitting-here" face.

I think it's kinda cute.

I'll take an extra long hug with a side of kisses. 

This shot didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, but oh well. It's still kinda cool.

See? I told you so.

Gotta take a break from this modeling business to play!

*melt*

Last time I checked, you don't even like hugs, Oreo. 

 The End.

Pictures at the Bridge

Yesterday my gorgeous cousin and I decided to go take pictures. Actually, I asked her if she wanted to be a model for me and then she took some of me, too. 

She is quite intimidating. 

Just kidding. She's not. 

Look at them eyes!! 

She was a perfect model.

So beautiful.

I love her smile so much!

Cousins!!

She is also a really good photographer.

I like this one.

I think I prefer to be the one
behind the camera instead of in front. 

No people were run over in the making of this picture.