Bye Bye Blogger

I have decided to say goodbye to my dear old blog. :( Blogger.. you have been good to me! It's just too much to deal with a job, starting a photography business, updating a website and keeping up two blogs. I will be posting all of my personal stuff over on my photography blog. Photography has just taken over my time and I can't say that I'm not thrilled! It's bittersweet. I will be updating my new blog,  littleyellowhousephotography.com/blog regularly! My newest post is coming shortly; so if you were wondering what ever happened to Wall-E after my last post, you can read it here.

well hello there..

Remember me? 

I know it's been well over a month. We've been, well.... busy to say the least. So I took a month off from blogging!

For starters, we ripped up our stinky old carpet and put in new flooring. We didn't want to go all out and spend tons of $$ on very nice flooring, since we don't know how long we'll be in our house, so we went with laminate. And we love love love it! Jordan had our living room finished in a week! Have I told you how talented he is? Jack of all trades, that man is. 

The guest bedroom was finished last night. I'll quit talking and just show you some pictures! 

Here's what our living room looked like back in the old carpet days:

blah!

And now we have this!:

Ahh, it looks, feels and SMELLS so much nicer!

The photography business is growing before our very eyes. Every day we wake up and are in awe of what God is doing. Glory be to God for it all, seriously! Sometimes we think back and are like, wow! How did this happen again? and so fast? Our God is an awesome God I tell ya! We've found our niche, I would say, when we least expected it. When we finally let God have complete control of our future and stopped trying to make things happen on our own, God led us into something that we truly love (and gave us the talent & means to do so). When we get all excited and try to take things into our own hands again, we have to remind ourselves not to limit God, he's taken us here and will continue to take us to places we've only dreamed of going! I could talk about this for hours but I'll stop for now. :)

Here's a little update on Wall-E. He's currently in the "dog house" (pun intended). In the past week he has ran away from home & eaten through a door (I'm not joking, I have pictures). 

We're on the fence about what to do with him. :-(

On a brighter note, Spring Break for me starts at 1:30 tomorrow! You will be seeing a lot more posts from me from now on! At least I think that's a good thing! :)

I've missed all of my blogger friends! I can't wait for some free time next week to catch up on all of your blogs & see what has gone on in your lives over the past month! I got a sweet "we miss you in the blog world" email from Megan. The sweet husband who used to give the me "when will you be finished?" eye when I spent so much time blogging, even told me I needed to blog again. haha!

So here I am and I am happy to be back!

Newlywed House Crash + Weekend in Pictures!

This weekend we had the opportunity to crash at the home of my BFF-since-10th-grade. This was such a special treat because when she got married in August, she moved off to Orlando and I haven't seen her since! I was SO happy when she told me that they were moving to Nashville, because it's only 3 hours away! Another BFF and her soon-to-be husband were there, which made it an Uh-mazing weekend. I didn't want it to end! :(

Need some inspiration for your home? My friend Lindsay has only been in their new apartment for a couple weeks, but she already has it looking cute!

Lindsay & Caleb

If you want to know how to make that awesome picture collage, visit Scarlett's blog to learn! You will LOVE her blog!

We had planned on having a big photoshoot, but the freeeezing cold weather put a damper on that! So we took a few quick shots outside!

We even got in some pretty good group shots!

Oh, and I guess I should introduce you to Paris, their adorable, feisty Yorkie!

This weekend I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have amazing, loving & supportive friends. We have literally gone through so much together; from high school, being college roommates, wanting to kill each other sometimes (HA!), to celebrating each others marriages and careers! 

I love these girls SO much!!

:)

Launch

This week has been a whirlwind! 

I am so sorry that I've left all my readers with a "I'm sick" post for 6 days straight. You must've thought something went terribly wrong!

I'm okay!

I had a small allergic reaction to one of those six medications I was put on, but I'm much better now!

A lot has happened this week! Including the launch of our OFFICIAL website,

littleyellowhousephotography.com

We've had two amazing photoshoots:

Avery

and my good friend Brett and her family.

We are having SO much fun!

I hope all of you have had a blessed week! I've missed all my blog friends!

heavily medicated.

I went to the doctor today after sleepless night #3 and feeling "flu-ish".

(I seem to be fine during the day but when it's time for bed, it kicks in).

The room felt like it was literally spinning when I woke up this morning.

The doctor's visit was interesting, to say the least. 

After telling the nurse my symptoms, she proceeded to tell me the various tests they were going to run...

flu test, chest x-ray, blood test...

BLOOD TEST?! (gasp!)

Yes, I'm the girl that faints after getting shots or "finger pricks"; esp. after having blood drawn.

It's never good.

Today was no exception.

Lets just say it took me a while to get on my feet. 

2 hours of dizziness, 1 cup of water spilled everywhere, 1 cup of Coke, a cookie, a nurse having to call my husband to the back, getting sick to my stomach in front of the nurses and having to use a trash can (embarrassing), a pregnancy scare (don't worry, we're not), my first wheelchair ride, and a couple X-rays later, I was walking out of that place with a diagnosis.

(mild) Bronchitis

&

Sinus Infection

Not cool.

Those poor people probably thought I was the most dramatic person to ever enter a doc in a box. 

I promise I'm not.... I just really really reallly hate to have my blood drawn.

And to think... I used to be a nursing major.

(It doesn't take genius to figure out how that could've gone).

Also, I had 6 prescriptions to get filled... SIX!! 

I feel like I'm 80! 

Someone buy me a pill box!

Wedding Photography

I pulled out my "wedding box"...

and my old wedding stuff is still photogenic!

:)

Did that even make sense?

It's late. I should be sleeping.

Tomorrow is Friday, y'all!

Can I get an Amen?

Goodnight everyone!

Overwhelmed with joy.

Wow! 

We just put our website up last night and I'm overwhelmed with the response!

I even got an email about shooting a wedding!!! 

I'm pretty sure the Lord is letting us know which path to take! 

With this though, comes insecurities.

Everyone has them. 

About different things, of course. 

I often second guess myself.

Putting myself out there with this blog and a photography site isn't typical of me. 

What I've learned by doing so, however; is the encouragement from friends, family and even people I don't know is far greater than those insecurities! I know who I am in Christ, and I will pursue anything He puts in my path to pursue! 

I'm so thankful for those who have encouraged me! 

You know who you are! :)

Love you guys SO much! 

I know not everything I do or say will be accepted by everyone. 

A wise man someone once said:

via

Sadly, this will always be true! 

Here are a few encouraging scriptures:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5)

“Cast all your cares on Him for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7)

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind” (1 Timothy 1:7)

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wing's as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."(Jeremiah 29:11)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

How comforting is that?! 


My security isn't in this world, it's in Christ!

Update

I wasn't feeling so great today (I hope I didn't catch something from the kids at school), so I came home and took a nap.

Look who was checking on me from the foot of the bed.

Yeah, it is a little creepy when his head pops up out of nowhere, but he means well!

(You can read his thoughts over in Wall-E's World)

Sorry I've been MIA here lately, our lives have been busy! 

Jordan and I created a photography website. 

We've decided to make it a "side" thing unless we're led differently!

Don't worry, we're not quitting our day jobs or going into debt..

We're taking what we have and allowing the Lord to completely to lead us! 

(More photos to come! esp. after this weekend :))

And yes, those pictures of me are to show off the wonderful work of my husband! 

I finally picked out my birthday present!

 I can't wait to get it in the mail so I can post about it! :)

You can now read my posts, as well as the posts of other amazing bloggers over at Sited and Blogged. 

I became a contributor this week! 

I can't believe it's Wednesday already! 

Who's ready for the weekend?!

Song of the Day

"Come near to God and He will come near to you."

James 4:8

Sunday Photo Album

Look at him...

Even as I am annoying him with the camera while he's trying to watch some sports thing on the tv....

He humors me with a smile.

I love him.

Today was a relaxing day. 

God is teaching us so much. 

We want to honor him first, in everything we do! 

It really is so so so important.

This afternoon we drove up to Noccalula Falls where I got some pictures of the falls...

and Jordan...

 ...got pictures of me.

I hope everyone has a blessed week, full of peace and love that can only come from He that created you.

:)

P.S. Our dog is so demanding, he demanded his own blog...so we gave him a page. It's called Wall-E's World... check it out on the tabs!

 FYI, he's a little bit of a whiner... and complains A LOT!

P.S.S. I have two Giveaways in mind that are coming up very soon! Get excited! :)

DIY Home Renovation Tip #1

Thinking about doing some DIY home renovation? 

It's quite the process if you are doing it yourself.  However, DIY can save you tons of $$$.

We are done with ours for now, but I thought I'd pass along our tips for all that goes into successfully renovating a home.

image credit

Every week I will be posting a tip, advice or a "how to" on home renovation. Trust me, I have tons of inspiration left from our home to post for several months. After that, who knows when we'll begin another project? :)

Tip #1

Before you begin, make sure you have a vision of what you want your home to look like. 

"Where there is no vision, the people parish"Psalm 29:18

(replace the word people with kitchen, living room, bathroom, house, relationship, etc. It applies to all of those, don't you think?)

This is extremely important if you and your spouse are remodeling together. 

Just make sure you are on the same wavelength with what you want.

A vision is where it all starts. 

Daydreaming about what our home would one day look like is what kept us going during those long, messy, and sometimes, floorless weeks.

It even helped to draw out our vision. 

Jordan did our kitchen here (scroll to the end), with paint. 

Since then, I have found floorplanner.com.  

This website is amazing, it lets you sketch your entire home or even just a room. You can move furniture around, add appliances... just about everything. This website could be great for rearranging as well!

 (You can check ours out here).

What is your vision?

Lens Hunting

My Birthday is in 18 days?!

Exciting.. I know!

Jordan asked me what I wanted..

Um... a new lens for my camera, of course!

but I can't decide which one! :/

So those of you camera savvy people, I need your help..I'm struggling with the decision! 

I either want the Nikkor AF-S 50mm 1.4

http://shop.nikonusa.com
(A little on the pricey side for my my budget...BUT might be worth it? I'll def. be looking for used or refurbished ones)

or...

Nikkor AF-S 35mm 1.8

http://www.adorama.com
(Still a prime lens...not as fast, or quite as good and the 50mm 1.4, but lower cost! )

I know the last time we were left with a decision, we went the more expensive item, our iMAC. This is different though... I'm not sure if the more expensive lens is a need?

Camera people... help!

Nikon people.. got any old lenses you want to sell? :)

The husband and I are off to see a movie. Which one, you ask? 

Um.. that's another decision we have to make. :)

(we're a little indecisive, if you can't tell)

Haaaapppy Friday everyone!

Breakfast Pie

Breakfast is my favorite meal...

so we had it for dinner! 

Just another peek into e-mealz:

we had..

Breakfast Pie

Hot Cinnamon Apples

Tea Biscuits

The breakfast pie consisted of hash browns, eggs and bacon.. with a few other yummy ingredients!

The cinnamon apples were absolutely delish!!

And my favorite part.. it only took about 30 min. to prepare and cook the whole meal!

I promise I'll stop posting about e-mealz soon, but right now I'm just so excited about these yummy, easy, low-cost recipes! 

P.S. The sick husband says he appreciates your prayers! It's just a sinus infection, but you girls who have had sick husbands before can understand! :)

WILW and Awards!

School is back in session and I feel like I've neglected my poor blog and readers! Sorry guys! 

I'm back! :)

It's time to play along with What I'm Loving Wednesday by Jamie.

I'm loving the versatile blogger award I received from Beth Ann. Thank you so much!!


Rules:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award
2. Answer 10 questions
3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award

The 10 Questions (and my answers, of course!)
1. Why did you create this blog?
I started this blog to keep family and friends updated on our newlywed life and home renovation. It is still that today, but has become kind of a "prayer journal" for me as well. Although there are things that are kept for my personal, intimate relationship with God, you will see a lot of my hallelujahs, trials and triumphs as I walk this Christian life I have happily chosen. As I have grown from 5 followers to 56, I've wondered if I should share the things I've been sharing, and the Lord has led me to be more open about my relationship with Him. Sure, there will be those who are offended, but if my personal testimony could help even just 1 person, then I know this blog has served it's true purpose.
 2. What kinds of blogs do you follow?
I follow A LOT of blogs! Mostly newlywed, Christian women. I'm also interested in blogs about fashion (cause I need all the help I can get) and photography. I enjoy reading new recipes as well!
3. Favorite make-up brand?
I seriously don't have one. Maybe I need one..
4. Favorite clothing brand?
Ann Taylor loft happens to be my favorite.. but I love any place where I can get a great deal!
5. Indispensable makeup product?
concealer and mascara!
6. Favorite color?
turquoise! :)
7. Favorite perfume?
I wear different scents from Victoria's Secret... I NEED a new perfume though. My friend wore some the other day that I absolutely loved. I forgot the name of it though!
What was it, Scarlett?
8. Favorite film?
I love comedies and can't chose just one. 
Some that I can watch over and over again and not get tired of are Dumb and Dumber and Christmas Vacation. 
9. What country would you like to visit and why?
I want to visit the French Polynesian islands! Tahiti, to be exact. Why?... because that place is AWESOME!10. Would you rather forget to put mascara on one eye or forget blush on one side of your face?
I would rather forget the blush!


And now to pass along this award, here are just a few of my new favorite blogs (in no particular order& I tried not to use blogs I've given awards to before):
1.Kristen at Just Thinking
2. Mallori at Aiukli- Because Life is Beautiful
3. Jenny at DIY Newlyweds
4. Miss J from The Smelly Life
5. Mara at Home Shabby Home
6. Alison at Life and times of Alison and Justin
7. The Fresh Cut

(now back to WILW...)
I'm loving these cute boots I got for just $6. Yes, I said only $6!! I love deals!

photography by: the husband :)

I'm loving Photoshop!
 I learned so much during my snow days week and I can't wait to take more photos so I can edit them!
FREE photoshoot anyone? I'm serious. Contact me at thelittleyellowhouseblog@gmail.com


and of course, I'm loving my husband!
He's sick right now. :(


There are a ton more things I'm loving right now.. but I have to go take care of my sick husband! :)

until next time...