Mike and Amy

3 days.....

2010-05-17T19:02:00.002-05:00

Today is the 3rd day that I have not had to take a painkiller. I cannot say that I have not had a slight headache at all during these past three days but it has definitely not been bad at all! I feel like the Topamax is beginning to work and I am on the mend. I actually went to the mall and to church on Sunday. It was so nice to get out of the house for things other than work. I hate to say all this and then relapse but I am grateful for the past few good days! What an answer to prayer! I know that God will sustain me through this and that everything will work out. Dr. Skinner was sooo nice and I know that if I do develop some of the horrible side effects that can come with this medicine that he will help us find the right meds for me! What a comfort to know that I am ultimately in God's mighty hands but also in the hands of good doctors. God gave that Dr. the power to heal and I know that he will heal me.

In fertility news, the Clomid 150 worked!!! I ovulated!!! We won't know if I am pregnant for another week. I doubt I am because I have been soooo sick, Im pretty sure there was very little "trying" around ovulation, if you know what I mean....BUT this was ANOTHER answer to prayer. After much discussion this weekend, Mike and I decided to take the summer off from the Clomid for me to get well and relax. I really think that Clomid may be the source of the really bad migraines. I am sad that baby making is taking a back seat but I know that it is best for my health. I believe that God has a plan for our family and will add to it when it is time.

Family News....Mike's cousin, Orlie and Cerisa Martinez welcomed a new baby girl last Wednesday. Her name is Kendell and she was adopted. I know that her parents have prayed for her for soooo long and are so blessed right now!! We can't wait to meet her! My cousin, Lauren had her baby girl today and named her Isabella. Mike's sister, Monica is also expecting her 4th baby this fall!! Our family is growing and God is good!

Mike and I wish everyone a great week.......

Oh, and 6 full and 2 half days of school left!! Im counting down.

Doctors and Such.....

2010-05-08T11:33:00.003-05:00

I am a terrible blogger!!!! Oh well, today I have a heavy heart and maybe this will help. Mike and I have had a rough start to 2010. First, I have had a headache everyday for about 3 months now. I have always suffered from migraines but lately they are daily and really interfering with our everyday lives. Its sooo frustrating. I feel like everytime I go to my doctor he gives me a shot, makes sure I feel better and sends me on my way. This last week, I went and he put me on a daily prevenative drug and gave me Relpax for when I get a headache. I really thought we were getting somewhere but then I found out I can only get 10 Relpax per month. WOWZA! Lets do the math...everyday headache equals 30 headaches a month. Im totally screwed. So, per my sweet Moms advice, I cut every single one of those pills in half in hopes to ration and not run out!! They seem to work at half the dose so hopefully Im good on Relpax. On the other hand, the everyday medicine has done NOTHING to prevent these headaches. I wake up everyday thinking I don't have a headache and then it hits....full force and then Im medicated for the rest of the day. And poor Mike. I can't imagine knowing that there is nothing you can do for your wife in pain everyday. Not only that, but Im not much fun anymore! So...I am changing doctors. I have done a lot of research and it seems that Topamax is the ticket for daily prevention. I have a few friends on it and they swear by it. So, Im gonna buck up and ask the dr specifically for this drug. Im done letting doctors look at me like I have 2 heads when I say nothing works. Im gonna be proactive so that we can return to our happy healthy life...headache free! Wish me luck and say prayers. My next appt. is Tuesday afternoon! (I have plenty of Relpax to get through!)

Next, fertility. Ugh. I hate that word. It really is getting to me. For those of you who read this and don't know, Mike and I have been struggling to get pregnant since the day we got married. I have a condition called PCOS that prevents me from ovulating. We have been on Clomid every month since September (with a short break). In January we learned that we were pregnant and also were informed that same day that I was in the process of miscarrying naturally. I was devastated but hopeful. I had gotten pregnant which was good news! That meant it could happen again. Well...needless to say, it hasn't. We have done 3 more rounds of Clomid (which I think has contributed to my chronic headache) at higher dosages but I have not ovulated since the miscarriage. Last week, my doctor (who I love) told me that I had become Clomid resistant and that if this round didn't work, that we were going to stop the Clomid and take a few months off. He is going to refer us to a fertility specialist after this round. Wow. I really wasn't expecting that but I think it is a good step for us. Im excited to get on with it and do more aggressive treatments! Who knows?? Maybe 2010 is our year! I know that some people struggle with this for longer than we have and have much more horrifying stories but this is my truth right now.

Im sooo sorry to be a Debby Downer, it is just all coming down around me today! If you feel the need, please pray for us. Pray that my headaches will subside and that we will be blessed with a baby in God's time and not ours! Oh, and that Mike can deal with me. Im kind of a pain. LOL!

THE LIST

2010-03-16T10:10:00.002-05:00

Okay, so Mike has made the occasional joke about my obsession with lists and I am here today to admit it. I am 100% obsessed with lists. The list is an amazing thing. You can make a list for everything. There is the Target list, the Wal-Mart list, the Hobby Lobby list, the Christmas list, the Birthday list, the chore list, the check register list, the grocery list, the class list, the student expectation list, the todo list, and the LIST goes on and on........

So, in honor of the list....

House Projects for 2010

Bedroom

paint
window treatments
hang bird prints
desk organization (this could be a list all its own)
window treatment for Bath window

Entry

Paint
Hang something on left wall

Laundry

Paint
Shelves/Baskets for Organizing

Kitchen

Paint
Window Treatment

Dining Room

Paint
Cover Lamp Shades
Wall Art

Extra Room

Paint ????
Organize
HAVE GARAGE SALE

Guest Room

Paint
New Bedding

The wonderful thing about this list is that I can accomplish all of these things myself. It's just a matter of time and money!! Isn't everything a matter of time and money? Story of my life. So today, I challenge you to write a list. For anything!

Im off to Target and Hobby Lobby with my trusty list!

2010-03-14T15:34:00.004-05:00

Our home (and life) has undergone a few changes in the last few months. We painted our living room blue, I painted an old trunk, repurposed dining table into an island, got a new dining room table, painted it white and did some other little projects that are still under way! I have always liked to paint but after these projects I am taking a little break...until Wednesday! When Im done, every room in the house will be painted.

Up next...laundry room, apple green! Blogger put all my pictures out of order so I will write a little under each one! Sorry.

Our new Tahoe (and my sad winter lawn)

Red Trunk...in process

Dining Room Table...in process

LOVE.

We have had SO much snow this year. This is just 1 of the many snowstorms we have had!

Mike doesn't like to get dirty so this picture is A DREAM.

LOVE.

Old Dining Table as Island

Oh, and my pretty black door. That was the worst project ever and still needs to be sealed!

9 months

2010-03-14T15:05:00.002-05:00

Im back! It's been 9 months since I last posted on this blog but I'm back! I got sucked into the facebook world and haven't had internet time to devote to this blog. But...I have been diving into decorating my new home and have realized that I spend A LOT of time reading other decorating blogs and feel I could contribute! So, stay tuned for some of my decorating projects!

Don't worry Mom, I will be blogging about personal things too! At least, I'll try!

Blessings!

I married him.......

2009-06-21T21:32:00.003-05:00

This is Mike helping me test the light today on our photoshoot! What a ham!

Summer Projects!

2009-06-10T19:44:00.005-05:00

So..this is a post that is NOT about houses...sort of.

I just got back from Ft. Worth and wanted to tell all about the great things we accomplished in Cullen's nursery. First of all, his bedding came in the 2nd day I was there so that was perfect. We quickly made a trip to Home Depot to find all the paint we needed to match. We painted the walls, khaki, the dresser to match the bedding, and the crib, red. Here are some hodge podge pictures. Erin will post a "finished product" pic on facebook as soon as the entire room is done. She doesn't want me to ruin the effect so I can only show a few things!

the dresser I painted

one side of the crib

the bedding

This nursery is going to be seriously adorable.

So now Im home, and have a ton of my own projects to do. I have a couple of pieces of wood stained furniture that are going to be painted white, and a few lamps that are getting a facelift. I have around 5 workshops scheduled for Summer and lots of photo shoots! It is a busy but totally exciting time! Before you know it, it will be August and time for school. Oh, and time for me to move into our new house!

Under Contract....Again

2009-06-08T18:11:00.004-05:00

5713 107th St.

We are under contract on this home to close on Aug 28. It is a brand new home so I dont think we will have an appraisal or inspection problem. Thank God. Hopefully, this is the last contract we have to be under.

Don't Hold Your Breath

2009-06-03T20:07:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I am a BAD BLOGGER. Long story short....

We lost the house on 103rd because of a low appraisal. I cried and cried and then decided to move on and find another house. Tomorrow, Mike is meeting with a builder who owns several homes that we really like. We will see what comes out of that meeting but I am not holding my breath. We have until Aug 1 to move out of the Magallanes house so that my sis in law and her family can move in while their house is being built. Needless to say, the house hunt is really frustrating and I am just ready to have a solid contract on a home. Mike and I both feel out of sorts not having a real place to call home and have really come to realize that walls do not make a home. Home is wherever we are together. (or at least I keep telling myself that)

I am in Ft Worth visiting my sister's family. We are having fun hanging out and doing a bunch of shopping for Cullen (my soon to be nephew). Tomorrow we will move all the guest furniture out of his room and paint it. I also promised my sister a custom paint job on a dresser for the nursery. Hopefully, I will have all those projects finished by Friday so that we can chill and enjoy the rest of my visit! I will head back to Stratford Wednesday. After that, I have several photo shoots and workshops to fill up the rest of my Summer!

HOPEFULLY (no promises), I will be a better blogger and keep my readers updated more often!

Under Contract

2009-05-19T19:06:00.005-05:00

I am reluctant to say that we "got a house" because I know from experience that contracts fall through. For now though, we are under contract to close on this house Aug 3. That gives us the perfect amount of time to save our down payment money and relax for the summer. This house is 3 bedrooms/2 baths, corner lot, fairly new, and in Lubbock Cooper ISD.

There you have it. Wish us luck! Basically the only concern we have is the appraisal. Apparently appraisals all over town have been coming in low and that would just be awful considering what happened on our own home appraisal. Prayers are requested!

TOO much going on!

2009-05-18T17:50:00.002-05:00

I have not blogged in sooo long for a couple of reasons...

1. No time

2. too much to blog about

This is going to be pretty long so I will try to break it up and tell a long story short.

Houses:

After the heartbreak that happened with the first house we had a contract on, we decided to put off the house hunt for a little while and just see what happened. I knew that wouldn't last long. Last week, Mike emailed me a list of houses he really wanted to see. So, last night we looked at a bunch of houses and narrowed the search down to two. We are putting an offer on one but know that if it doesn't work out we can still put an offer on the other one. I am making concessions for Mike in that we are trying the one he loves more first. It costs more but Mike REALLY loves it. I would be happy in both houses so I'm hoping that will ease the pain if this offer doesn't work out. Hopefully, we will have a house to move into by the end of Summer and all this will be behind us.

School:

As most of you know, I have wanted to get out of Kindergarten for awhile. Last week, several positions opened up at my school. To be honest, I would have loved to get to teach 3rd or 4th grade again but that is not how the cards fell. I found out today that I will be teaching 1st grade next year. It is bittersweet. I am glad to be moving out of Kinder but not so excited about having the same kids next year. I am going to make the best of it and try to have a positive attitude about it. I'm praying for a good year next year. (maybe a bigger and prettier house will make up for it)

AM Photography:

This part is going GREAT. I have been creating beautiful images and truly enjoying every second of it. One of my school friends, Valerie gave me the honor of shooting her engagement pictures which turned out amazing. Because of that, I am now going to get to shoot her bridal portraits. I am so elated and excited to get some rockin pictures! (she is gorgeous) Last weekend, I was supposed to shoot some of the Post little league teams but that got postponed because of weather. So, on May 30, I will be shooting individual and team pictures for 17 teams. WOW! That will be a crazy day..but hopefully a big PAYDAY!

The Big Move:

This weekend, Mike and I will be moving all of our belongings into storage and moving in with my in-laws. I am glad to be getting out of this tiny house but sad that we don't have our own place to call home. We are so grateful to Mike's parents for taking us in and are looking forward to living mortgage free for a few months. It is definitely going to help the down payment situation!

Babies:

Monica (sis in law) is expecting a baby boy in September! She won't tell us the name but we are really excited that they will be living here so we can see the kids all the time!

Erin (my sis) is expecting a baby boy in October! YAY! This is the first boy in our family and we could not be any happier. His name is Cullen Howard Shanks. I can't wait! I get to go to Ft. Worth in June to help Erin decorate his nursery. It will be different but way fun to buy BOY stuff! If anything...It will be a new adventure for both of us! Oh, and Cullen will have the best BIG SISTER ever!!!

US: We have put off trying until we have a house to live in. I really don't want to be pregnant and living with my in laws and they dont want that either, Im sure! We are not trying not to get pregnant but not trying to either! (if that makes sense).

So all in all...life is CRAZY. But what a blessing to have a healthy and happy family! We know that whatever comes our way, our love for each other and for the Lord will see us through! Now, all I have to do is update this blog more and all will be well. Until next time........

New Am Photog Blog

2009-05-03T16:53:00.001-05:00

The AM Photography Blog has changed to ....

www.amagphoto.wordpress.com

Stress

2009-05-02T18:19:00.003-05:00

Ok, so the past few days have really sucked. We are trying to look on the bright side but I can't help be disappointed. The appraisal on our current home came back well under what we were expecting. We still want to sell our home so have decided to lower the sales price on the current contract. With that, we are not making the amount of money expected so we had to terminate the contract we had on the big house. So...in a few weeks, we will be moving in with my gracious in laws until we can make up the financial loss on our home. Hopefully, in a few months we will find a great house we can call home. Until then, we will be on 27th St.

Boooo.

Home Sweet Home

2009-04-27T20:08:00.002-05:00

We got it!

Decisions...Decisions....

2009-04-26T18:24:00.004-05:00

Mike and I are trying to decide between 2 great houses. One is the one I blogged about. Both houses are the same price. We will call them small house and big house.

Small House:

1733 sq. ft

4 BR, 2 Baths

updated everything

built in 2006

Cooper Schools

Big House:

2109 sq. ft

3 BR, 3 Baths, with upstairs (400 sq ft.) bonus room , we would use it for a media room/office/play room when we have little ones

plain, white, no hardware on cabinets...builder standard everything

SAME PRICE.

We love both houses. I am a decorator at heart so the task of painting every wall in the house doesn't phase me but Im not sure Mike is on board. Here are some pics of Big House.

New Hair

2009-04-26T14:27:00.002-05:00

Yesterday..amist all the house shopping, I took time out to get my SUPER long hair cut SHORT. Excuse the picture. It was taken with Mike's phone.

SOLD

2009-04-21T19:39:00.001-05:00

Yup..thats right. Now we need a place to live.

Offers....Offers.....Offers

2009-04-20T12:05:00.006-05:00

So, apparently this afternoon we will have 2 offers on the table for our house (above). Hopefully they will be good enough to entertain. Wish us luck!

If we accept one of those offers...I think we will be making an offer on this house! It is 4 bedrooms and we love it. Here are some pics.

If something happens and we dont sell our house or lose this one...back to square one. Real estate is TOUGH!

2009-04-18T22:07:00.001-05:00

Here is one I already worked on! I am posting it because my sweet Mother In Law, Liz is home from her cancer treatment and doing well. This picture shows just how wonderful her relationship is with her son! Get Well Soon Liz. We love you!

Wedding Pictures!

2009-04-18T21:39:00.002-05:00

My Mom and I ordered the while CD of my wedding with a copyright release and I AM SO EXCITED! They are all posted on Facebook so if you arent on there, What is wrong with you????

New Blog Header

2009-04-09T13:07:00.002-05:00

A few people have asked me how I make my blog headers!!! YAY! It's http://www.scrapblog.com/. I love it; its so easy and best of all...FREE. There are some things you can pay for but I don't. I still don't know how to make buttons or signatures so I still have a lot to learn!!! M'chelle???? How do you do it????

This weekend, Mike and I are headed to Stratford for Easter. I hate to admit it but I am kinda excited. We get to sleep, eat, shop (one stop) and take pictures!!! What more could we ask for??

So, Happy Easter!

Give Away Today

2009-04-07T12:01:00.002-05:00

Check out Give Away Today! I love this blog and I have won before so it is totally worth your time! If anything....I get to see what is going on over at ETSY! (another place I LOVE)! Check it out!

http://www.giveawaytoday.blogspot.com/.

Oh, and check out www.photographyam.blogspot.com for a FREEtastic offer!

REALLY for Sale!

2009-03-23T15:36:00.002-05:00

Here is the link to our realtors blog!!!!

http://www.shannonhcole.blogspot.com/

408 N. Dover Ave.Lubbock, TX 79416$112,000Awesome 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage with rear entry in Northwest Lubbock! Stained concrete floors in living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Isolated master with 2 walk-in closets. This home has a sprinkler system, covered back patio, and a concrete alley. The kitchen has black appliances and oak cabinets. There is a separate laundry room off of the garage with cabinets and room for a freezer. Open floor plan with designer colors. Wired for an alarm system.Call 806.441.9537 to view this home!

Funny Marriage Jokes (mostly clean)

2009-03-21T16:51:00.001-05:00

I saw this on another blog and thought these jokes were hilarious!

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, "What’s on TV?"
I said, "Dust."
And then the fight started....
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.
She said, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds."
I bought her a scale.
And then the fight started...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive...
so, I took her to a gas station.
And then the fight started...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security.
The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver’s license to verify my age.
I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home.
I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.
The woman said, “Unbutton your shirt”.
So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.
She said, that silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me” and she processed my Social Security application.
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.
She said, “You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.”
And then the fight started...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.
My wife asked, "Do you know her?"
"Yes", I sighed,
"She’s my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn’t been sober since."
"My God!" says my wife, "who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"
And then the fight started....
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
I took my wife to a restaurant.
The waiter, for some reason, took my order first.
"I’ll have the strip steak, medium rare, please."
He said, "Aren’t you worried about the mad cow?"
"Nah, she can order for herself."
And then the fight started...
------------ --------- --------- ---

A woman was standing nude, looking in the bedroom mirror.
She is not happy with what she sees and says to her husband,
“I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly.I really need you to pay me a compliment.”
The husband replies, your eyesight’s damn near perfect.”
And then the fight started.....
------------ --------- --------- ------

I tried to talk my wife into buying a case of Miller Light for $14.95.
Instead, she bought a jar of cold cream for $7.95.
I told her the beer would make her look better at night than the cold cream.
And then the fight started....
------------ --------- --------- --------- -----

My wife asked me if a certain dress made her butt look big.
I told her not as much as the dress she wore yesterday
and then the fight started.....
------------ --------- --------- --------- ------

A man and a woman were asleep like two innocent babies.
Suddenly, at 3 o’clock in the morning, a loud noise came from outside.
The woman, bewildered, jumped up from the bed and yelled at the man
“Holy crap. That must be my husband!”
So the man jumped out of the bed; scared and naked jumped out the window.
He smashed himself on the ground, ran through a thorn bush and to his car as fast as he could go.
A few minutes later he returned and went up to the bedroom and screamed at the woman,
“I AM your husband!”
The woman yelled back, “Yeah, then why were you running?”
And then the fight started.....
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, grabbed the dog, and slipped quietly into the garage.
I hooked up the boat up to the truck, and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour.
The windwas blowing 50 mph, so I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day.
I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed.
I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible.”
My loving wife of 10 years replied, “Can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?”
And then the fight started...
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ----

I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary? "
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
"Somewhere I haven’t been in a long time!" She said.
So I suggested, "How about the kitchen?"
And that’s when the fight started....
---------------------------------------------------

My wife and I are watching “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” while we were in bed.
I turned to her and said, "Do you want to have sex?"
"No," she answered.
I then said, "Is that your final answer?"
She didn’t even look at me this time, simply saying "Yes."
So I said, "Then I’d like to phone a friend."
And that’s when the fight started....

For Sale

2009-03-19T17:30:00.001-05:00

Our first home is for sale. Tear.

Dream

2009-03-13T16:22:00.002-05:00

If you didnt already know...I want a baby. Soon. Pray for us.

My Pet

2009-03-11T19:41:00.002-05:00

This week at school, we have been teaching our pet unit which is always so much fun. I took this picture of Jax to share with my class. Isn't he the sweetest!

I love my Mama!

2009-03-07T16:12:00.003-06:00

I have been working on this image in Photoshop and everyone should know how much a adore my Mom!!!!

Wonderful Savior...

2009-03-06T11:52:00.002-06:00

On my way to work this morning, I changed the radio station to K Love and heard the most beautiful song. It is a Jeremy Camp song; I am not big on Christian music (not because of the message but because of the type of music) but this song had the perfect message for my life right now. I think sometimes, Mike and I get so caught up in the tough stuff that we forget how blessed we really are and need to take time out to thank God for everything he has done in our lives. We are blessed beyond measure!!!!

Wonderful Maker lyrics

You spread out the skies over empty space
Said, let there be light
To a dark and formless world
Your light was born
You spread out Your arms over empty
, let there be light
To a dark and hopeless world
Your son was born
You made the world
and saw that it was good
You sent Your only son, for You are good

What a wonderful maker,
What a wonderful savior
How majestic Your whispers
And how humble Your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic Your whispers
What a wonderful God

No eye has fully seen how beautiful the cross
And we have only heard the faintest whispers
Of how great You are
You made the world and saw that it was good.
You sent Your only son, for You are good.

What a wonderful maker
What a wonderful savior
How majestic Your whispers
And how humble Your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic Your whispers
What a wonderful God

You made the world and saw that it was good
You sent Your only son, for You are good

What a wonderful maker
What a wonderful savior
How majestic Your whispers
And how humble Your love
With a strength like no other
And the heart of a father
How majestic Your whispers
What a wonderful God
How majestic Your whispers
What a wonderful God

Look!!!

2009-03-02T12:27:00.004-06:00

What Im Getting.........

Apple MacBook Pro.....Im so excited. We got a really sweet deal from a friend and the tax man!!! This will totally help me be more productive with my photography!!

BTW: Both of our sisters are expecting. Monica in September and Erin in October.
Maybe we will be next!

AM Blog

2009-02-25T16:17:00.001-06:00

The AM Photography blog has a new header! Check it out and tell me what you think. Its a little more kid friendly!!! (but I think its fun)

Spring is in the air!!

2009-02-18T12:27:00.001-06:00

There is a SWEET SPRING SPECIAL happening at AM Photography! Go to www.photographyam.blogspot.com to check it out!

This too shall pass.

2009-02-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

I am only living because of this.

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-09T20:54:00.003-06:00

Sara Jane is 4! This weekend Mike and I traveled to Ft. Worth to celebrate my niece's birthday! Erin planned an awesome party at a bounce house; it was a blast and I am sure that SJ loved every second of it! I love you Sara Jane!

I WON!

2009-02-03T20:23:00.001-06:00

I finally won something from Give Away Today! Click on the button on the left so see some great giveaways and enter to win some great stuff!

Valentine's Day Special

2009-02-02T15:37:00.000-06:00

@ www.photographyam.blogspot.com

Speaking of

2009-01-31T20:34:00.000-06:00

wanting to be Beyonce....check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmlKcMx3NBk

Halo

2009-01-31T20:00:00.002-06:00

No, not the video game. Halo is Beyonce's new song and it is no big secret that I want to be her. This song is amazing and sums up the way I feel about my husband...perfectly. I had to share. Just read the lyrics. They might make you tear up!

Remember those walls I built
Well baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make a sound
I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt

Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now
It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace

Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo

Woah...Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light
I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling
Gravity can't forget
To pull me back to the ground again
Feels like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
The risk that I'm takin'
I'm never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo

Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your faceBaby
I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo

New Website

2009-01-30T16:28:00.000-06:00

Check out the new AM Photography website!

www.amagphoto.com

New Website

2009-01-28T21:05:00.003-06:00

I have a new photography website! Check it out. The link is on the left.

The Trook Family

2009-01-18T21:08:00.001-06:00

www.photographyam.blogspot.com

Ben and Amie

2009-01-17T17:31:00.000-06:00

www.photographyam.blogspot.com

Props

2009-01-14T21:22:00.004-06:00

to my sister for making this SUPER cute dress for my niece! Can you believe how adorable she is???

Anywho....Mike found a puppy in the ally tonight and if you know my husband, you know he has a heart for a sweet dog! This dog is a puppy and is pretty cute. She doesn't have any tags. So, if we don't get a call from the owner soon, she will go to the pound. If you are interested in giving this sweet puppy a good home, please email me @ ammagallanes@att.net!

Stay tuned for posts about grad school and the awesome new office my husband put together for AM Photography!

Emily and Shane: Married!

2009-01-12T19:04:00.000-06:00

Check out my business blog for pics!
www.photographyam.blogspot.com

Delong Digital

2009-01-02T11:04:00.002-06:00

Courtesy of Kelly Delong with Delong Digital!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T16:16:00.001-06:00

This is how I have spent the last day of 2008! See you in 2009!

Our Christmas Vacation

2008-12-30T12:27:00.005-06:00

This is going to be a long one so bear with me! Oh, and none of the images are edited.

Last weekend, we headed to Dallas to see Crockett show us his karate moves and to celebrate Parker's 3rd birthday! Needless to say, Liz and I did a lot of shopping and the kids were too adorable for words.

We spent Christmas Eve with Mike's family! We had a great time eating, visiting, and opening gifts! Jax had a GREAT (those of you who were there know what Im talking about.....Chewy!) time as well. I went to Stratford with Erin and SJ this past weekend and had a very relaxing time! Too bad, I forgot my camera on that trip!

Mike and I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

2008 Survey

2008-12-17T19:49:00.002-06:00

Where did you begin 2008?
Lubbock, TX with Mike and the Gryders at Melt
What was your status by Valentine's Day?engaged
Did you have to go to the hospital?I did - Emergency Room-migraine
Did you have any encounters with the police?just the Tech police for my headlight
Where did you go on vacation?Costa Rican Honeymoon
What did you purchase that was over $500?Canon XSi Rebel, Costa Rican Honeymoon
Did you know anybody who got married?Yes - ME
Wheredo you live now?Lubbock, TX
Describe your birthday.I went out with my best friends like I always do!
What's the one thingyou thought you would never do but did in2008? marry my best friend
What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?my wedding ceremony, lots in Costa Rica!
Any new additions to your family?a husband, Landry Martinez, Amelia Martinez
What was your best month?November
Who has been your best drinking buddy?Lesli and Emily
Any regrets?nope
What do you want to change in 2009?I want to stress less and get pregnant!
Overall, how would you rate this year? 10
Have any life changes in 2008?I got married.
Change your hairstyle? yes, its LONG!
Get a new job? NO, added one...AM Photography
Do you have a New Year's resolution? I just want to be more healthy and focus more on my relationship wiht Christ.
Did anything embarrassing?Too many things
Get married or divorced? YES, married
Be honest - did you watch American Idol?A little
Start a new hobby? photography
Are you happy to see 2008 go? I am excited to see what 2009 holds for Mike and I!
Drank Starbucks in 2008?Si
Been naughty or nice?nice most of the time - a little naughty
What are you wishing for in 2009?To have a happy and healthy family.....

Free Session

2008-12-17T12:41:00.001-06:00

I am giving away a few free sessions to get this business off the ground! I will do families, newborns, children, and couples. If you are interested email me @ ammagallanes@att.net!

Bridals

2008-12-16T20:58:00.006-06:00

Here are a few of my bridal portraits taken by Pamra Culp @ www. rollsoffun.blogspot.com!

AM Photography

2008-12-16T20:01:00.001-06:00

The adventure has begun! Check it out!

http://photographyam.blogspot.com/

Weekly Ten

2008-12-12T12:06:00.003-06:00

Here it is. (better late than never)

1. We are married!!!
2. Our honeymoon was amazing...pics to come later.
3. Our home is now OURS, for real and it feels so good.
4. Molly and Jax are nuts! If we ever have a child, I don't know how Jax is going to deal.
5. I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. One more gift to go but it will have to wait until payday.
6. Stratford High School plays tomorrow at Lowrey Field in Lubbock, 2 pm. GO BIG BLUE!
7. My husband is coming home today from being gone ALL WEEK. I can't wait to hug his neck!
8. We get to go to Dallas next weekend for our niece, Parker's birthday and to have Christmas with Monica and Dave! We can't wait! North Park here I come!
9. Where is my sister? I have not talked to her since my wedding night! If you are out there, I love you.
10. I think the worst chore in my house is folding clothes. We did laundry on Sunday and all the clean clothes are still on top of the washer. I am gonna have to work on this wife gig. I am lucky my husband so laid back!

More Wedding Pics

2008-12-11T11:57:00.005-06:00

Thanks to our friends Seth and Ashley, we have more pictures to share! I know I need to upload the honeymoon pictures but I haven't gotten that far yet! Oh, and they are all out of order...sorry.

nu=3236>344>297>WSNRCG=32336857;2;37nu0mrj.jpg">

newleyweds at the piano bar

Jon and Mike

groomsmen and ushers

Me, Dad, Erin

We are back....

2008-12-05T19:48:00.006-06:00

and tired. I will get on the rest of the pictures this week after I write a paper that I forgot about. Ahhh...reality.

This time next week....

2008-11-23T09:30:00.001-06:00

I will be Mrs. Magallanes and on a plane to Costa Rica with my husband!!!!!!

Mike,
I can't wait to be your wife! I love you!
Amy

Time To Go To Work Boys........

2008-11-22T12:35:00.002-06:00

"I had a dream..............we won! Wreck 'Em"

One (or so) Word

2008-11-18T11:45:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Maggie for the one word quiz!

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair? long
4. Your mother? Work
5. Your father? Work
6. Your favorite thing? my camera
7. Your dream last night? chocolate brown napkins
8. Your favorite drink? Diet Coke
9.. Your dream/goal? children
10. The room you're in? classroom
11. Your fear? infertility
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where were you last night? Hobby Lobby
14. What you're not? skinny
15. Muffins? Blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? Red Northface
17. Where did you grow up? Stratford
18. The last thing you did? put children down for a nap
19. What are you wearing? black dress
20. Your TV? big
21. Your pet? sweet
22. Your computer? old
23. Your life? wedding
24. Your mood? sleepy
25. Missing someone? not really
26. Your car? LandRover
27. Something you're not wearing? hat
28. Favorite Store? Dillards
29. Your summer? school
30. Favorite Color? red
31. Describe you? nuts
32. Last time you cried? dont know
33. Who will/would re-post this? unknown
34. Four places I go over and over? School, Sonic, Target, Hobby Lobby
35. Two people who e-mail me (regularly)? Mom, Liz
36. Four of my favorite foods? ice cream, mac and cheese, cheese fries, bread, see #14
37. Four places I would rather be right now? Home, Car, Costa Rica, Bed

Amy's Christmas List

2008-11-17T14:37:00.009-06:00

In no particular order....FYI.

Weekly Ten

2008-11-17T11:58:00.002-06:00

1. The Real Wedding Countdown begins....12 days.

2. Mike had his bachelor party on Saturday night and survived.

3. On Saturday morning, I went to the golf course to practice my photography skills.

4. We have decided on a name for our business. AM Photography.

5. I have a lot of work to do at school to get ready to be gone.

6. We can't wait for Costa Rica.

7. We already purchased our movie tickets for Twilight on Friday!

8. Mike's sister, Monica, (Wilsons at right) is expecting Baby #3.

9. My office looks like a wedding exploded.

10. We are so blessed and can't wait until we get to spend our wedding weekend with everyone we love!

Bachelor Golf

2008-11-15T16:37:00.004-06:00

I went with Mike to the golf course for a little while this morning to shoot some pics. Here is a teaser.

The Weekly 10

2008-11-10T14:27:00.002-06:00

I am going to attempt to write an update on our lives every Monday! Like the Daily 10 on E! but I dont have time for that so here you have it....

The Weekly 10

1. We are getting married in 19 days.

2. I took a camera class on Saturday. I wasn't impressed...I am going to be self taught.

3. We are getting our marriage license today.

4. I put up my Christmas tree yesterday.

5. This week is Assessment Craziness week at school.

6. Mike FINALLY got his iPhone. Merry Christmas honey.

7. I tried on a red North Face fleece this weekend. I WANT IT.

8. We might actually get to go to Starbucks with our Sunday school class on Thursday night. We haven't been in 2 months.

9. Jax has decided that is cool to lift his leg on EVERYTHING. Gross.

10. Sara Jane has strep throat. Poor Baby.

I miss Mike.

2008-11-04T20:15:00.001-06:00

25 more days, Thank God.

Now I Need.....

2008-10-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

iMAC

Playing with my Camera! Oh, and Jax can wink!

2008-10-28T18:14:00.010-05:00

I love this picture of Mike! I am having so much fun taking pictures!

Christmas Came Early for Amy

2008-10-26T17:23:00.003-05:00

Ok, so some of you know that I have decided to really get into photography. Mike and I have been discussing and praying about this dream that I have for a little while now and today we took the first step. We purchased this Canon Rebel XSi. I am so ready and excited to get started learning all the ins and outs of this complicated contraption. If you know me, you know that I give 100% in everything I take on and I know that this will be a long and rewarding adventure for both of us. So, if you want some pictures and are willing to take a chance, I would love to practice on you.

I know I am dreaming big considering I teach Kindergarten, am a grad student, and am getting married in 34 days, but I know that this is one thing I want to do and do well! Plus, I have the most supportive fiance who wants me to do what I want and be successful. This is for our family's future and my sanity. Stay tuned for updates on our adventure into the world of photography!

Stratford Shower

2008-10-20T16:47:00.002-05:00

This weekend, Mike and I headed to Strat for my bridal shower. Liz and Rudy made the trip too! It was so great to see me family and so many friends from Stratford! We had a great time! Here is a picture from the shower.

Liz, Aunt Sharon, Granny, me, Mom, Grandma Violet, Aunt Phyllis, Diana, Aunt Carlene

Bridals

2008-10-15T12:06:00.002-05:00

So I got my bridal portraits made yesterday. I think they are really going to be good! I'm not going to let very many people see them but if you think you NEED to see them, email me and I will give you the link and the password.

44 Days to go.

Oh, and the photographer who did them is Pamra Culp from Rolls of Fun Photography and she was amazing!

Next Month

2008-10-09T11:48:00.002-05:00

Mike and I are getting married NEXT MONTH! We are both so ready and so excited. My parents are coming to Lubbock this weekend to bring my dress and the bridesmaids dresses to me! I absolutely cannot wait for that thing to be hanging in my closet. My portraits are Tuesday evening and I am thrilled to see how that turns out! This weekend is also for finalizing all plans. Oh, and I am glad I get to spend a few days with my parents too!

Time Management

2008-10-02T13:57:00.002-05:00

I know everyone has a busy life and all the Moms that read this will laugh their head off but I feel like my schedule is so full. I am running myself ragged. No Mom, I am not going to make myself sick and I'm coping fine. I will just be glad wen Dec 1 rolls around and I am laying on the beach with my husband and my friend, Mr. Margarita. Here is a little perspective, mainly for my own peace of mind

Tonight- Dupre Night at McDonald's
Tomorrow- try to meet Mike at the courthouse between his two jobs to get our marriage license!
Saturday- Dillard's- Make up appointment, run around and buy gifts for all the showers I need to go to!

Monday- Enough said
Tuesday- Write papers and responses for class on Wednesday
Wednesday- hair appointment and run through for wedding, Papers Due, Responses Due
Thursday-get caught up at school
Friday- Clean my house/ get nails done
Saturday- Mom and Dad bring wedding dress, pay all vendors, confirm with all vendors, etc.
Sunday- Repeat Saturday
Monday- Baby Shower
Tuesday- Hair, Bridal Portraits, Honeymoon Payment Due
Wednesday- Breathe
Thursday- Project Vote at School ( I'm in charge.), United Way Mid Campaign Report
Friday- head to Stratford
Saturday- Bridal Shower in Stratford
Sunday- back to Lubbock

The next week is pretty clear so far....I'm sure that will not last long.
Friday- Couples Shower with Sunday School Class

And, I don't even want to look at November yet!

Mom, I hope I don't get sick. Don't I have a tendency to be ill around holidays and anniversaries??? KNOCK ON WOOD!!!!!!

Good News and Bad News

2008-09-29T20:20:00.002-05:00

The Bad News..... On Saturday I woke up to the sound of my dogs chewing on something. This is not unusual so I didn't think much of it. When I rolled out of bed, I was shocked to see one of my favorite black heels ripped to shreds. They were Franco Sartos that I got in May and they were perfect. I shook it off and decided to look at it as an opportunity to shop for new black heels. So, on Sunday, I went to DSW and purchased the 2ND pair of perfect black heels. I went to put them on this morning, and behold, I have one 71/2 and one 8. Not going to work. I quickly changed my outfit, put the shoes in the bag, found the receipt, and headed out the door for work. 10 minutes later, I see flashing red and blue lights flashing behind me. One of my headlights is out and that caught the attention of the Tech Police (not even the real cops). He gave me a warning but totally wasted my time and added one more notch on the not so perfect morning. I knew the day had to get better.

The Good News....I am stenciling a damask pattern in my bathroom and it looks great. I still have to do the tops of the walls but I need Mike to be here in case I fall on my head. I am super busy at work which is good cause it keeps my mind off the fact that Mike and I will be married 2 months from today!!!! I'm excited but beginning to feel nervous. So, things with school and home are good.

Prayer Request....My friend, Gina, is pregnant and had her first ultrasound today. They did not see a heartbeat. They decided to let nature take its course and go back to the doctor next Monday. Pray that they will heal from this and not lose heart. Jeff and Gina will be amazing parents someday!

Have a great week everyone!

New Look

2008-09-25T11:27:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my friend, Sharon (www.sharonthefun.blogspot.com), I now have a beautiful header! She is so talented and is going to start her own business so leave her a comment and maybe she will make your blog beautiful too! Thanks Sharon!

Twilight

2008-09-21T11:23:00.003-05:00

This weekend I have been in Ft. Worth babysitting my niece. We have had a blast. On Friday, we went to Target (her favorite store) and made cupcakes. While at Target, I purchased a book to read in the evenings and during her nap times. Yesterday, we went to Hulen Mall and to the Container Store,which I love. It was fun and then we settled in for a quiet afternoon at home. We have watched The Aristocats and 101 Dalmations too many times to count but I love how excited she gets about Pongo and how afraid she gets when Cruella Deville is on. I remember having those same feelings as a child. Back to the real subject of this post. Twilight is close to 500 pages and I really haven't been susceptible to all the hype surrounding this book due to the fact that it involves vampires. I HATE VAMPIRES. I saw one vampire movie when I was little and have had nightmares ever since. To my surprise or demise, I'm not sure which, I could not put this book down. I read it from cover to cover in less than 48 hours and cannot wait to go buy the sequel, New Moon. By the way, the movie comes out November 21 and although that is 8 days before my wedding, you know I will be in line at the theater for tickets. I cannot say enough about this book. I know it is technically for teenagers but Harry Potter was for kids too. I think this saga is going to be so much better than Harry Potter and I am willing to put my money where my mouth is. Read it and you will understand.

sorry

2008-09-15T19:39:00.001-05:00

I know it has been forever but I have been busy with wedding stuff. I think there are 73 days left. The countdown is on!

Check out this awesome photographer/cinematographer I found while "researching". Their videos are to die for.

http://stillmotion.ca/

Slacker

2008-08-20T19:15:00.002-05:00

I know, I know. I have not been doing a very good job of updating. Are you ready? Here goes nothing.

School: This is basically all I have been doing lately. I have been busy getting my classroom ready since Aug 4 and have been in meetings and such since the 14th. Needless to say, I am already tired. Tomorrow is Meet the Teacher Night at my school and guess who is in charge? You guessed it, me! It has been pretty easy to plan and I am so blessed to work with such wonderful people that make it easy. I really am excited about this year. I have some new tricks up my sleeve and I am curious to see how well my students respond! It will be interesting. The other interesting thing that is happening this year is my name change. I am starting the year out (only at school) as Mrs. Magallanes to avoid the confusion it could cause right before Christmas. Plus, one of the other K teachers is Mrs. Smith and I want to eliminate as many mix-ups as possible. So, I have been busy changing my name on everything, plus people are calling me that and my students will too. I guess it will give me time to get used to it before the nuptuals. Strange, none the less.

Wedding: Not much to say here. We are just tying up loose ends and getting things ready for the big day. Dresses are ordered. We need boys to get tuxes. We need wedding pics from our family and friends, PLEASE. I have a shower next Saturday. I am so grateful to the amazing ladies that are throwing it for me. I am so ready to get the ball rolling and just get married. The countdown is on.

Mike: Mike has started working at Double Nickel to help pay for our honeymoon (and his green fee fund and his speeding ticket). I know that he did not necessarily want to work more but I am so grateful that he chose to do what is best for our (almost) family. He is a fantastic fiance and I can't wait for him to be my husband.

Grad School: The reason I am not the one getting a second job. I chose to take only one class this semester to offset the wedding plans. So, if I snap at you, sorry. I am getting married, teaching school, and going to school. Granted, I'm sure having my own kids would make my life crazier but this is pretty crazy for me. Bear with me. So, I'm off to read the syllabus.

Maybe, Ill post more in my spare time..............

WebSite

2008-08-07T21:19:00.001-05:00

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/pws.asp?id=MichaelandAmelia4606930

I was bored tonight.

Bad Day

2008-08-07T18:00:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning excited and motivated to get some things done that I have been putting off. Here is my list.

1. Go to T-shirt place and design the new staff and kid shirts for Dupre 08-09.
2. Pick up groomsmen gifts.
3. Eat lunch with future mother in law and Mike.
4. Apply for passports.
5. Rest in my clean house. (I cleaned it yesterday)

Everything went fine until #4 and 5.

4. Apparently, the birth certificate that my Mom sent me (not her fault) is not the original one and I'm not sure she has it. So, if she doesn't, I will have to request it from Jefferson County in Colorado. Who knows how long that will take? Then, I will apply for my passport. In other words, as of right now, Mike is going to Costa Rica alone.

5. Refer to #2. I (stupid) did not check the grooms gifts when I picked them up and the monograms on 3 of them (I can't tell what they are cause some groomsman might read this.) are messed up. John Harkrider is not John Harkriden, etc. So, the resting at my house has not happened because I'm mad and my dog is running around like a crazy person!

Pray for me. Pray for Mike. I sent him to the driving range.
Tomorrow will be better.

1980 something.........

2008-07-19T21:34:00.003-05:00

While scanning pictures for our rehearsal dinner video tonight, I came upon these 2 pictures. One is from Christmas 198? and the other is from Christmas 2007. These are my cousins on my Dad's side. I just thought they were interesting.

Amy (me), Blair, Carrie, Erin, Chan

Chandler, Amy (me), Blair, Carrie, Erin, and our Granny

I'm Back!!

2008-07-19T16:29:00.002-05:00

Well, back to Stratford at least. I spent last week with my family in Ft. Worth and had a blast. My niece is the cutest, no matter what Mike says. We shopped and ate and shopped some more. It was the perfect trip. Now, I will be here for about a week working on wedding stuff. Today we have ordered invitations, tied ribbons on bubbles, decided what kind of candy to serve, started my veil, chose pictures for the video, and completed kissing balls. 7 down, a million to go. Hopefully, we will get things done so I can go home soon. I miss my home. I have never been one to get homesick but I know there are things and people in Lubbock that need me back. A few more days........

Prayer Request

2008-07-19T00:40:00.002-05:00

Nothing new tonight, just that I (Mike) am really worried about the health of a couple of people in my life and could really use some prayer...

"Test me, O Lord and try me, examine my heart and my mind, for your love is ever before me and I walk continually in your truth."
-Psalm 26:2-3

A Few More Months Left.......

2008-07-16T18:43:00.004-05:00

Hey all! Amy and I are still out of town. (She is Ft.Worth, I somewhere in West Texas) Just wanted to update everyone on wedding plans.

Dress........check!
Church............double check!
Cakes...............check!
Tuxedo......check
Honeymoon.......um.....downpayment.....check!
Invites...............coming soon!

We're so excited about getting married but are soooooo ready to get it done with and start our life together! We should be sending out invitations soon. And if youre in the wedding party, please get sizing and deposits and hotel reservations (if needed) ASAP for your sake and for Amy's. :) Once again, there will be showers in a few weeks and I hope everyone can attended. Oh, and were registered at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Pottery Barn. Thanks again for all the support and warm wishes! See ya'll soon.....

Gone, baby. Gone.

2008-07-15T18:54:00.002-05:00

Amy is gone for 3 weeks so Ive decided to fill in for her. Sara Jane (her neice) is the cutest thing...next to my neice and nephew....ok, a 3-way tie. She is off to Ft.Worth for a week (she attended a wedding this past weekend that I hear was FABULOUS) and then she is headed to the wonderful town of Stratford, TX! Home of the Elks! I have been to quite a few football games there and nothing, I mean, nothing is better than going to a small town and having pretty much the whole town in the stadium. Its something about that environment that I get excited about. I grew up in Lubbock where we were 5A football and it wasnt quite like that small town feel. I mean, we were like 2-10 in district all my three years and you didnt really go to the games to watch it.....nowwhatimean?!? But I digress.........

I just wanted to start blogging on here because although Amy has asked me before to contribute, I didnt get the whole idea of why. (I have my own), but like I said on my blog this week, it isnt about me anymore....its about US. And so thats what I intend to do. Contribute as much as I can to my new family and be there when they/she need me. Superman?? No. More like Wonderdog...but without those red tighty whiteys. Yeah, you know.

Fourth Of July

2008-07-07T20:00:00.004-05:00

Whew! What a weekend. On Friday, we got up early and drove to Fredericksburg with Mike's parents to meet Monica, Dave, and Parker. We had a great afternoon of shopping and then spent some time at the pool. The next day, we girls did more shopping while the boys played golf. Then we drove to Mason, Texas to participate in Rudy's family reunion. I met a lot of Mike's family that I had been hearing so much about. We had a good time and then had more pool time at the hotel. On Sunday, we had breakfast and then hit the road!!! Here are some pics from the trip.

I'm off to Stratford and Dallas for the next few weeks! Happy Summer!

I found Scrapblog.

2008-07-02T15:50:00.001-05:00

I need your help!!!

2008-07-02T14:25:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! Ok, for our reception, we want wedding pictures from our friends and family to use with the decor. If you are married, please send me a framed 4x6 or 5x7 wedding pic framed in either a pretty gold or silver frame! Email me @ ammagallanes@att.net if you need my mailing address! Please do this! If we don't have enough, it won't have the effect we want! Thanks!

On a more exciting note......

Friday we are leaving for Fredericksburg. I am so excited to spend the 4th out of town!!! I have never been there before but everyone tells me I will love the shopping. Can't wait.

Last Friday, we had our engagement pictures taken by Lauren Clark. I already posted about her but I must tell you again. She is amazing. Please check out her website...its on the right.

That's all for now. Don't forget to send me your picture!!

amazing

2008-06-30T12:27:00.003-05:00

Lauren Clark took our engagement pictures on Friday. She did an amazing job! This one is my favorite. You can see Lauren's favorites if you click on her blog from my blog list. They are also on facebook.

survey

2008-06-26T11:18:00.003-05:00

I will post my answers to Mon's question cause she is too busy throwing a pity party! JK Mon, love you!

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?
nothing, I just got the Rover back from the dealership. They had it for 2 months.
2. When was the last time you threw up?
last Tuesday in the ER
3. What's your favorite curse word?
mother, trucker
4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?
Mike, Molly, Jax
5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
sleeping, Its summer.
6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
sleeping, Its summer.
7. What will you be doing 3 hours from now?
reading, Im almost done with my classes.
8. Have you ever been to a strip club?
no (comment)
9. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Bye, to Mike on the phone.
10. What is the best ice cream flavor?
Coffee from Marble Slab
11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Diet Coke
13. What was the last thing you ate?
Chocolate Decadence from Daybreak
14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
nope
15. When was the last time you ran?
I ran to the phone this morning. Does that count?
16. What's the last sporting event you watched?
I watched myself school Mike in Wii Golf last night. It was awesome.
18. Who is the last person you emailed?
my professor
19. Ever go camping?
when I was younger, I think for girl scouts..I hate it.
20. Do you have a tan?
yes, thanks Sunrayz Tan!
24. Do you drink your soda from a straw?
no
25. What did your last IM say?
I don't do that and I wish Mike would get his off my computer.
26. Are you someone's best friend?
yes
27. What are you doing tomorrow?
Engagement Session with Lauren Clark and then Emily and Shane's engagement party.
28. Where is your mom right now?
at work???? Im not sure. She is probably at home.
29. Look to your left, what do you see?
my ottoman and MOolly asleep on the floor
30. What color is your watch?
two tone gold and silver
31. What do you think of when you think of Australia ?
cute Aussies
32. Would you consider plastic surgery?
absolutely
33. What is your birthstone?
peridot
34. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
depends
35. How many kids do you want?
I want 3, Mike wants 4.
36. Do you have a dog?
2 of them
37. Last person you talked to on the phone?
my sista, She just called me!
38. Have you met anyone famous?
I don't think so.
39. Any plans today?
Face to Face Class and Starbucks with our SS class
40. How many states have you lived in?
4?
41. Ever go to college?
went and still going
42. Where are you right now?
my living room
43. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?
cash flow
44. Last song listened to?
in the car last night, I don't remember.
46. Are you allergic to anything?
shellfish
47. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
black peep toe heels
48. Are you jealous of anyone?
no
50. Is anyone jealous of you?
Mike thinks so cause he thinks he's hot.
51. What time is it?
11:30
52. Do any of your friends have children?
yes
53. Do you eat healthy?
no
54. What do you usually do during the day?
LOL, School work, clean, let dog in, let dog out, let dog in, let dog out
55. Do you hate anyone right now?
no
56. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
yes
58. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
26
59. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
yes
60. How did you get one of your scars?
fell over backwards in a rocking chair and chicken pox

Boring Weekend....

2008-06-23T11:15:00.002-05:00

This is all I got!

idhtbptbb

2008-06-18T16:32:00.005-05:00

This is my far from perfect home and life!

guest bathroom

me attempting to hit golf balls with my fiance

living room

the "mistreatment" my sister made for me

Jax and Mike...my boys!

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

2008-06-11T18:41:00.001-05:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity

Bachelorette Party!!!

2008-06-10T13:13:00.007-05:00

On Saturday, my girls and I headed to Grapevine for my bachelorette party! We got to the Gaylord Texas at 3 pm, started getting ready, and Emily popped open the champagne. We had a lingerie shower and then went to dinner at AmaLur at the hotel. After a brief rest in the room we headed to the Glass Cactus! I cannot tell you how much fun we had. I have the most special friends a girl could ask for. I did not want everyone to leave in the morning. It was so good to hang out with girls that I havn't seen in almost 3 years! I miss M'chelle and Brandi so much and I refuse to let another year go by without seeing them! Here are a few pics from the weekend.

My sister, Erin (MOH), and I

Roomie Reunion

Struttin my stuff!

Missy and Monica(my future sis-in-law)

Lesli and Emily

Thanks to all my girls (especially Erin) who made this weekend so special. I will be forever grateful!

time

2008-05-30T14:06:00.006-05:00

Still no time to post. Grad school is hard! So, I will post some pictures because that doesn't take any brain power!

the $3.99 gas

Mike and Harkrider (he is a groomsman)

Lindsey and I (Come see me Lindz!!)

I thought these two boys were so cute!! The American Dream.

Preview

2008-05-26T20:59:00.004-05:00

I am too tired to post about our fabulous weekend now but here is a preview!! We already miss John and Lindsey!

Weekend, where are you?

2008-05-21T15:16:00.005-05:00

This week has been exhausting. Mike and I are leaving tomorrow for Austin and then driving to Houston on Friday! We can't wait to have a stress-free weekend with lots of fun in the sun. We are also VERY excited to spend some much overdue time with John and Lindsee! Please pray fro safe travel and good time to be hadby all!

Things I found today........

http://www.e-mealz.com/

E-Mealz...this site gives you a weekly menu, the recipes, and a grocery list. It also keeps the weekly grocery bill at or under $35! Can't beat that! i subscribed immediately. I found it via Dave Ramsey's website. Mike and I are really trying to start a budget and manage it quickly. Our goal is to get out of debt (consumer) and budget our money so that when we do have a baby it won't be such a shocker!!! We will see.

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=25919

Rolls of Fun Photography......This is a photographer my wedding photog recommended and I really like her work. I am planning on using her for my bridals...The best part, she works within our budget (see above).

That's all I had time for between teaching and cleaning up my classroom for the summer. Did I mention, school is out in 5 days!Time to head home to pack!

Update

2008-05-19T20:04:00.000-05:00

We do not have to pay to have the Landrover fixed!! Thank the Lord! But, now we have to convince them to give us a rental car for a week! Wish us luck!

The Weekend from ****!

2008-05-19T12:03:00.002-05:00

This was supposed to be a fun weekend until.....

1. Our new Land rover started leaking power steering fluid all over our garage floor.

2. While trying to do laundry, my 2 year old Kenmore washer burned up and stopped spinning for good.

So, Liz had to take us to Amarillo for the day, which turned out to be really fun. We went to see my dress and bought the petticoat. My Mom bought my programs and we worked on a lot of wedding stuff. It was pretty productive! We did, however, have to look at new washers. I really want to a front loader but I don't think its in the budget, along with getting the Land rover fixed!!!

Tomorrow will be better.

Nap Time

2008-04-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

I LOVE teaching Kindergarten for this very reason!! Just thought I would let everyone know that I am officially a grad student. It feels good, probably because I am not doing anything yet. Hopefully this will turn out the way I want.

Oh, and my new dream is to build a house in this neighborhood!!!

These homes are beautiful and fit Mike and I's personality perfectly! It's good to have dreams and hopefully, someday, we can raise our kids in a home like this one. THATS why I am in grad school!

Prayer Request

2008-04-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

My sister accidentally dropped a glass on her foot tonight and cut it really bad. She has asthma and started to hyperventilate. Her husband called an ambulance because of the amount of blood and her breathing. Right now, all I know is that they are waiting on a doctor in the hallway of the hospital because of a tornado warning. They have their 3 year old with them. She is very tired and very scared for her Mommy! Please keep them in your prayers. When I hear more, I will update!

May

2008-04-16T20:04:00.001-05:00

Is it crazy that my calendar for May is already full? I feel like I my planner is my child. I can't wait for the wedding to be over so I can have a normal schedule. Sorry for the short post but I am venting.

Bachelorette Party!

2008-04-15T10:26:00.001-05:00

We will be meeting at the Gaylord Texan in Ft. Worth at 5 pm on Saturday, June 7th! We will have a lingerie shower and then head to The Glass cactus which is a club in the hotel! I hope all of my girls can make it! I can't wait. Bring your dancin shoes!

Going to the chapel!

2008-04-14T22:29:00.000-05:00

Many of you already know but Mike and I are engaged. We are planning our wedding for November 29, 2008! This is the most exciting time in our lives. We have just purchased our first home, our 2ND dog, a diamond ring, and lots of other expensive things. Needless to say, we are broke! Broke or not, we are enjoying every minute of this transition time! I love being a bride. I love my dress. I love my cake, my flowers, my shoes, my ribbon, my garter, my everything!!!! Mike thinks being a groom is OK. He is ready to pick out his tux but I keep telling him that is the LAST thing we are doing. He does not think this is fair, but he needs to accept the fact that IT IS ALL ABOUT ME right now.

I am going to try to keep up with this blog now and hopefully Mike and I will use it to share our lives with those of you who care!!!!

Peace.