Change

Although I've been MIA for quite some time - well, in the world of blogging, anyway - this little blog has not been out of my mind. I'm anxious to reboot this site. Yep. Changing the name, the look, the entire feel. ALL of it.

Just bear with me, please, until I make up my mind of what it is I want.

Happy Easter week!

Emily

Busy Bee

Pardon me for not blogging... I've been busy traveling across the country, hosting guests in our love nest, and working!

After a summer of doing absolutely nothing productive - going to the lake, sleeping in, visiting friends, going on vaycay, hosting visitors, celebrating holidays, etc. - I'm so thankful school has started back and I am busy! I've been subbing every day and LOVE it! The kids are SO much fun and always brighten my day.

The past few weeks have been crazy. I house-sat in Fort Smith all last week for a family I've babysat for for 15 years (that makes me sound old) WHOA. Then I came home, packed my bags and my entire family went to the Arkansas v Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. It was one of the greatest trips! My aunt, uncle, cousins, and their kids met us. Although the Hogs lost, seeing my family, experiencing the town of Tusc., and seeing the tradition of the Tide was an experience that was well-worth traveling 6.5 hours for.

This past weekend, Wade had some guy friends down for the Arkansas v A&M game. I cooked and cooked and cooked! And they ate and ate and ate. (: I love having my house full of people, cooking something fabulous, a beautiful fall day and the sounds of SEC football on a Saturday. It's almost as good as a holiday!

I'm working every day this week and we are going to Fort Smith for the weekend for the Arkansas v Auburn game. It'll be a BIG tailgate and I can't wait!

XOXO

Did you know... ?

My sister called me earlier this week to ask if I would make my almond pound cake for this weekend. I L.O.V.E. to cook, so with pleasure I said "of course!"

Well, I've slept since then and I worked this morning. When I got home from school and after packing, I realized I hadn't made the cake. Since Wade was still working and wouldn't be home for another 30 min., I had 30 minutes to prepare and bake the cake.

I also realized, as I was adding in each ingredient, I didn't have 5 eggs... I only had 3. So, with the time ticking quickly, I searched online to see what I could substitute for eggs. SO many different things popped up; I was shocked! Mayonnaise was one ingredient you can suffice for an egg. However, instead of using mayo - I've been dieting - I chose the cornstarch and water trick. You add 1 T. Cornstarch to 3 T. Water for each egg. I NEVER knew that! And guess what.... ?? It WORKED!!

And, I pulled it out of the oven as Wadey walked in. I put it in my to-go cake carrier while he loaded the car. It was still warm, but the warmth will help keep it moist! Yummmmmy!!

Happy Labor Day weekend, y'all! And Wooooooooooo Pig Sooooie!

Birthday Bliss

In the midst of celebrating my 25th Birthday with my family and friends, I realized how old twenty-five sounded. Maybe 'old' isn't quite the right term to use, but after talking with my dear friend who turns the same number as I do just three short days later (23rd), we determined we aren't necessarily old, we are having a mid, mid-life crisis. By this I mean dreading turing 26, 27, 28, etc. We used to dream in high school about where we would be and what we would be doing... at this age.

I, for one, am somewhat right now track... with my social life. And she agreed. However, I'm more worried about my career, motherhood, and gravity. (:

In high school, I aspired to be an event coordinator and to marry Wade. I wanted to be THE perfect wife and THE perfect coordinator; planning large corporate and social events while still being able to come home to my husband and prepare a delicious, satifying meal. I wanted to put my metabolism to use - run errands, meet with clients, order cakes, food, party rentals, etc., attend dress alteration appointments, get to know people through their ideas and create it for their reality.

The same friend who shares August with me as our Birthday month was with me the day my D.R.E.A.M. was B.U.S.T.E.D. My dad, always reminding me to be realistic and to research before you make any decision, had always told me, "Emily, you need to research the degree you get to be a coordinator. You will probably have to live in a big city to really be able to support yourself. And, think really think about the job. You will have to work every weekend." So, the job fair came to Southside High School and the University of Arkansas had a booth. Ashley, my friend, and I walked into the table-filled gym to explore our dreams. I stopped at the UofA booth and I, full of energy and excitement, asked the lady standing in front of the table, "I want to be a wedding coordinator or an event coordinator. What would I major in and does UofA provide that degree?" She looked at me and replied, "Why, yes we do. It's restaurant and hotel management." I looked at Ashley, looked back at the lady still standing behind the booth, and looked back at Ashley. Then I walked away. 'Restuarant and hotel management?, I thought. That's crazy.' And there, in my high school gymnaisium with my best friend, my dream was gone. over. done.

And so I went to college - and so did Ashley... to SMU - and I stayed in Fort Smith. I cheered and founded my soririty, Delta Gamma, and met so many amazing, wonderful friends. I worked three jobs, saved my money, and finished school with an education degree. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE kids, but I don't want to teach. In the back of my mind, I still dream about coordinating.

I did accomplish my dream of marrying my best friend, Wade, and we, thanks to my hard work in college, managed to buy a beautiful home after we graduated and married. BUT... my mid, mid-life crisis is here. I'm having it. Like, now.

I'm twenty-five; I have an undergrad degree in Secondary English Education; I don't have a steady job like many of my other friends; I'm a substitute; I don't want to teach; I'm stuck. Stuck in a 25 year 'old' rut. So, as Ashley and I were discussing this with a cup of coffee over the phone - she's in Manhatten (NYC), living her dream, and I'm in Greenbrier, AR - we conclude neither one of us are truly where we thought we would be; for me from a career standpoint, her, from a social, relationship standpoint.

I've talked to Wade, my parents, my sister, other friends who have law degrees and doctorate degrees, and they encourage me. Encourage me to be myself, encourage me to do what I truly WANT to do, and encourage me to believe in myself. So, for now, I'm praying about where God needs me. I'm praying he leads me to where I am suppose to be. I'm praying I will live His will and to be the woman He created me to be.

I did have the best day, though! All of my family came to my house and we had a yummy lunch, grilled kabobs and shrimp, shopped, and enjoyed each others' company. It was a fabulous day! I had some surprises, too.

1. Biggest surprise... the Louis Vuitton. Yep! I got it!!!!!

 2. My Aunt Jane and Uncle Dice drove down from Missiouri and surprised me!

 3. I got that BEAUTIFUL cake... and some sugar from my hubs!

4. We went to brunch on Sunday @ YaYa's Bistro in Little Rock.

5. My sister and Clay got my a chain bracelet Michael Kors watch!!

I really had an amazing Birthday. What more could a girl want? I am so blessed.

Back to Blogging

Dear Bloggers,

After over a year of not blogging, please forgive me, I am back and excited to blog again! So, I gave my blog a little 'face lift' and am ready to get back to writing and sharing my experiences with all of you.

In another post I will update you on what has been going on in the last year.

As for now, my 25th Birthday is right around the corner and I have mixed emotions about it. First, I'm getting 'older'. I know I'm not old, but the thought of never regressing in age is kind-of hitting me. Second, I am just 5 years away from turning 30. Third, I am halfway to 50... 5.0. YIKES. On the upside, I (hope) am becoming more wise, learning more everyday, and looking forward to what my future holds: a job, traveling, children, nieces/nephews, etc.

My favorite thing about Birthdays is my entire family gets together. My mom has always made a big deal about my Birthday and by the time my bday actually arrives, everyone, except for my mom and me, are sick of hearing about my Birthday. Everyone jokes that my Birthday lasts all month... I'm not complaining. (:

This is my 'lust list' for my Birthday this year!

1. Louis Vuitton Delightful Monogram MM bag (wishful thinking)














2. Tory Burch Large Logo Stud Earrings






3. David Yurman 5mm Cable Bracelet












4. Michael Kors Chainlink Watch













5. Brunch @ Yaya's Bistro with my Family








6. Vintage Pot Rack for my Cucina








7. Tennis Lessons









8. Birthday Brunch Dress













9. New Chunky Necklace








10. Pretty Pink Birthday Cake














Now, before you judge me and my list, my family always has me make a list for them and THEY choose what to get me. We usually have a fun family dinner and open gifts, but this year, since I live two hours away from all of my family, they are coming here! I'm SO excited - so it will sort-of be a Bday weekend - that my family will be here for 3 days! Love spending time with them.

Until next time,

Big Girl

Wedding Festivities

I know I keep saying this, but time is passing by so quickly. I can't believe the wedding is less than two months away - there is still SO much to do!

Remember how I said there are NO open weekends until the wedding?! Well, stick around for the ride. Here is the latest update, weekend-to-weekend.

February 27 I had a wedding shower. It was given by the sweet ladies at Cristy's office. We had champagne punch, a variety of delicious quiches, a divine hashbrown potato casserole, and beautiful decadent petit fours. These women have worked with Cristy since Wade was born; it was so special to celebrate with people who have known us since our beginning.

The next weekend (March 6) was our double church wedding shower. We are truly blessed by our wonderful church family. We had the largest spread of breakfast casseroles, desserts, coffee, and punch; you name it, we had it! It was lovely - Ellen and I each had our own 'special' chair to sit in and our own individual gift tables. It took us an hour to open all of our gifts. Some were handmade and some were off of our registry. I love each and every one in a very special way. The sixteen, yes, 16 hostesses are amazing women, each with so much love, hospitality, and generosity. We are fortunate to know them have then in our lives.

March 12-14 we headed to Dallas! Ellen, Kara (el's MOH), me, Jenni (my BOH), Susanna and Katy (el's bmaids) celebrated her BaChElOrEtTe PaRtY! We wined and dined ALL weekend at some of the most delicious, well-known restaurants in downtown Dallas. Friday night we checked in and got ready. We had dinner and drinks in the hotel and then went to Plush and Mantus, two bars downtown. It was so much fun and we danced all night! Saturday we arose

and had mimosas and brunch at Taverna, a little Italian bungalow. After brunch, we headed over to North Park for some shopping. We ordered in Patrizio's and went back to the hotel to eat and relax! After, we had Ellen's lingerie shower and then got ready to go out for round 2. Drinks and more dancing at the W's Ghost Bar and Fire Hose. Sunday afternoon, before heading out of town, we had lunch at one of my favs, Celebrity at Highland Park. The weekend was full of good laughs, great food, and the best of friends!

Up next, March 19-21 was my Bachelorette Weekend! Friday, 14 of my best friends traveled south of Fort Smith to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Oh.My.Gosh. What a weekend it was!?! After eating IHOP, hah, we left for the Spa City. Upon arrival we immediately had a toast to start the weekend off right! Next was Happy Hour downstairs in the Embassy and then we all headed up

the elevator to get ready for the night! Dinner was at Back Porch Grill - it was so good - and then headed back to the hotel for my lingerie shower. I received some of the prettiest, delicate 'pretties' anyone could ever want. Each outfit was named by my bridesmaids. My trousseau is going to be filled with the most beautiful ensembles. After a fashion show, we headed to Bogart's for some dancing and fun. Saturday morning we all met for a yummy breakfast downstairs. Made-to-order omelets, pancakes, french toast, fruit, oatmeal, grits, biscuits and gravy, breakfast potatoes, all kinds of juice, coffee were just a FEW of the options one could choose from to fill their tummy. The concierge called a ride for us to go to the Quapaw Spa. Each of us got into the warm, hot spring water and relaxed. Some got spa packages; I received, as a gift, what was called the Southern Comfort. It consisted of a 60 minute massage, a 60 minute facial, a foot scrub and wrap, and a drink. The SC was a slice of heaven! Oh my goodness, it was wonderful! After relaxing a few minutes longer, we headed back to the hotel to pick up the rest of the girls for the races!! One of my bridesmaids, Jenni, had the cutest tshirts made for us to wear. How fun it was for all of us to wear them out! A couple bloody marys and a reuben later, we were all having a blast! Some placed bets, most lost, some won! It was so much fun! Dinner Saturday night was at Belle Arti, a delicious Italian restaurant. They offer the most wonderful appetizers and homemade pastas... and tiramisu. YUM. Can you tell we all LOVE to eat? hah - for the last night out, we headed to Smiley's, a fun bar on Lake Hamilton. We again, danced all night! I have the BEST friends a girl could ask for. I am blessed to have each of them in my life and can not imagine this special time without them! LOVE them ALL.

In between, our menu was finalized, we finalized the song list for

the band, grooms' cakes have been ordered, and our A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. wedding invitations came in and were quickly mailed. I have to say, I would not be able to do everything without Ellen. I can't say enough how thrilled I am to be sharing this time/day with her. I can't imagine it any other way!

Wadey has been working, working, working. He, amidst all of the planning, is finishing school and keeping me sane! His heart and wit is what keeps me so happy. We are still trying to decided what to do about a home... build, rent, buy. Please pray we find something to call our home, even if it is temporary.

This weekend is our last Kamp family rendezvous. Dad, mom, El, me, and John are headed to one of our favorite cities, Saint Louis. Looking forward to spending time with them and making more memories.

Time is Flying

It has been a few months since my last blog post! Whew... time is passing so quickly! The wedding is just three short months away and next weekend kicks-off the showers. I officially don't have an open weekend until the day of the wedding.

After the Holidays, some of mine and Wade's very dear friends, Kellie and Jantzen, were married on January 2, 2010. We rang in the New Year with their wonderful wedding celebration. I absolutely love this couple and I know they will continue to be the greatest friends anyone could ask for.

Next was dad's Birthday in Fayetteville at Pesto Italian Cafe. It was Yumm-O!! Then Ellen's Birthday celebration, again in Northwest Arkansas at Copeland's. Delish! We surprised her with a David Yurman watch and boy was she ever surprised! It's beautiful. Mom's Birthday was just last week and we took her to a Hibachi grill. Another great meal with my wonderful family.

This past weekend was Valentine's weekend. Wade and I traveled the two hours to Conway, Arkansas and then took the country roads (the only roads) to Heber Springs, Arkansas. Unfortunately, we will be moving after the wedding to Heber... I'm sad to leave our family and sweet friends, but I am hopeful it has many blessings for us. We house hunted and ate yummy food all weekend. We found a house we really like with an awesome backyard for entertaining AND... a PoOl! I hope this is 'the house' and I can't wait to start decorating.

Valentine's Day Wade and I drove into Little Rock to eat lunch and shop around. He got me chocolate covered strawberries and a BEA-utiful sapphire ring. I'm going to wear it as my 'something blue' on our wedding day.

The wedding, aside from our wonderful wedding showers (I can't WAIT), is the next BIG celebration!! I'm more than ready for May 15 to get here, but I'm reminding myself to enjoy the last few months with my family and friends and take in all that God has blessed us with so far.