Happy Mother's Day

Cheers to my mama!!

You've been there through the hardships, but better yet through the JOYS! :) I love you with all my heart!!!!! 

AMY SHEPHERD PHOTOGRAPHY

And as a mother myself, I couldn't be more proud of my sweetest girl. Being a mother isn't always simple, or glamorous, but it's by far the most rewarding role I've been blessed to pursue.

Happy Mother's Day to ALL mothers! We know the challenges that come with it, therefore we appreciate you!! Thank you for your patience ,love and wisdom!!

What it means to grow up...

I'm usually quite punctual when it comes to arriving to events, appointments, etc; However, I seemed to have misplaced my ticket for that flight to Neverland long ago. I still know how to have fun, and be a goofball -trust me on that one - but I also know when it's time to be an adult. That being said, I've recently been reflecting on what it means to grow up. On August 2, 2009 - at the young age of 24 - life handed me the biggest responsibility known to man... a child; a beautiful baby girl. Right then, I knew life would never be the same, and that it was no longer just about me.

Life throws us curve balls, but throw a child in the mix and that's a whole other story. No one knows whether they're prepared or not, until that time comes - and for some, they're never ready, and never will be. But for those who accept life's challenges, realize the blessings in disguise. The blessing of a child is not hidden, mind you, but the amount of love and the bond that grows with the two of you is completely astounding and unimaginable. They become your world.

With the responsibility of a child, there's no doubt it's time to grow up. That car you wanted; not important. That dream house; it can wait. Even the last bite of breakfast, lunch or dinner; it's theirs if they ask for it. I remember witnessing one of my mom's selfless acts when I was younger. I asked for the rest of her meal - and I'm pretty sure I had already finished my whole plate - yet, she willingly gave it to me replying, "I'll never take food from my baby's mouth." Incredible. The simple act of possibly starving yourself, for the sake of fulfilling your child's hunger, it's what we do... and never second guessed.

Everyone, meet my mama.

Another witnessed account of growing up, was a few weeks ago. After owning a gas-guzzler for almost two years, my husband, the sensible man, decided it was time to readjust our finances. The money we would save with a less gas-guzzling vehicle would go into savings for activities and school these following years. Of course, that's more important. Sometimes big adjustments have to be made.

Sleep deprivation is another sign that growing up is in effect. Children don't have a body alarm in their younger years, and that can make for some rough nights. For these past months, baby girl likes to crawl in bed with us - usually around 3am - and I end up squished between a giant 6' man, and a child who seems to enjoy kickboxing in her sleep. With that said, my little one now resides on a small mattress on the floor beside our bed before bedtime, and for when she sneaks in our room in the middle of the night. It's been quite accommodating for all parties involved. 

  Snug as a bug in a rug.

Nonetheless, when they wake up and need you to scratch their back to help them fall back asleep, we do it... even if we're barely awake ourselves. Then as soon as the sun is awake - as my sweet girl likes to describe the sunrise - we have to gather whatever energy we have, and begin another day! Time doesn't stop, and neither do they.

Although having a child is certainly the beginning of learning to grow up, we continue to learn along side them, as well. Children teach us the simple joys in life. Growing up doesn't mean letting go of the things that make us happy, but prioritizing those matters in order of importance. For me, it's my daughter. 

She is my #1. 

Chris, you know it's a close tie... ;)  

AMY SHEPHERD PHOTOGRAPHY

Remember, growing up doesn't have to be about hardships. Behind the struggles there are blessings hidden, soon to be revealed. Growing up and gaining knowledge through our children is a great virtue. 

And for fun, growing up also does not mean you can't have a good time with some good tunes!!!

This may not be for everybody, but the tunes I'm rocking today is one of my absolute favorites, and one we enjoy shaking it to in Zuuuuuumba. Oh yes!!!

Happy Friday, everyone!

My Mini-Mee

Finding material to trump this past weekend's recap post seemed near impossible; until I came across photos from a recent play-date with my little one. And being that it's already Thursday, what better way to lead into the special holiday weekend - Mother's Day! :)

It's quite bittersweet when your little one is able to run to a swing set and play on their own. As parents, we just sit there, watching our child grow up before our very own eyes.

...until she hollers, "your turn Mommy!"

My turn.

Then she lets loose onto the slides... and being that we're the only ones there at the time, she's allowed to climb up or down - whichever she prefers.

...not that it's always in her favor.

She sure is the light to my world!! I once heard it best stated by Mrs. In Training, who acknowledged her little one as a companion. That's about right; she's my little companion. There's hardly anything I do without her. Mother's Day is a special day; however I'd like to think everyday is just as special because she's always by my side. My little mini-mee.

Have a blessed day everyone!!

Country BOY shake it for me!

In addition to yesterday's post, 

I wanted to share a short clip of Luke Bryan's live performance from Friday night!

It's nothing special... who are we kidding, of course it is!!

He sure made my country conversion an easy one! :)

:: weekend picture book :: Oaks & Derby

WHEW!! We survived the weekend... barely. It's day 2 of recovery, and I'm still struggling. Just so we're clear, the aches and pains are not a result of enduring too many adult beverages, but from the terrible choice in shoes for 3 days in a row - aka, my back and feet hate me. On a lighter note, and as promised, I'm thrilled to share some highlights of our weekend shenanigans - themed alongside Sami's Weekend Shenanigans.

Let's begin with Day 1:

Arriving at the hotel, the ladies are greeted with a beautiful red rose. 

To understand the significance in "the rose", check it out here.

The first event we were scheduled to attend was Ferdinand's Ball. Dressed up, and ready to go, we snapped a quick pic while waiting in the lobby.

The rest of the evening was full of entertainment! We're talking great food, friends, drinks, music and photo booths! Put all those together, and you're bound for a good time.

Moving on to Day 2:

Out of the three days, this was the longest. We would be spending the first half of the day at the track for Oaks, then that evening we'd attend the Unbridled Eve Gala. Just reliving that whole day exhausts me all over again! However, it was quite the experience; can't complain. 

It began (as did day 1) with a beautiful flower; a lily. 

For more on the Pink Out attire, visit here.

 Once arriving at the track, we made our way to our seats... 

... a perfect view, right alongside the finish line.

With no luck on our side, we left the track empty handed... and onto the Unbridled Eve Gala.

A photo description of this event does not do it justice. It was spectacular. We enjoyed a delicious meal, followed by an auction, live performances, then a couple snap shots on the red carpet. 

Without going into some serious stalk-mode, I wasn't able to capture many of the celebrities attending the event. Lauren Conrad, from The Hills, sat at a table next to ours; that was neat. Although, it didn't take much time for her to be bombarded with people wanting photos - she left shortly after dinner. The performances that evening included the winner of The Voice, Nicholas David; country legend, Jo Dee Messina; and the one and only Luke Bryan. I was definitely able to catch decent shots from those performances. They were amazing... 

Finally, onto Day 3:

With the weather forecast being 60% rain, and worried I wouldn't get the chance to wear my hat - compliments of my best friend - I tried capturing a photo before we left.

Making our way to the track looked as if it was going to be a miserable time... I mean, really???

BUT, we made the best of it - coats, rain gear, and all!

Again, hats were the big statement of the day, yet they made capturing photos a bit difficult.

Quoting Chris, "...my head's on a saucer." 

My friend and I even made it on national news! 

We were filmed, among others, sporting "fashionable rain gear". It was hilarious. If they would have asked the infamous question, "What/Who are you wearing?"... I'd have responded with, "Coleman's rain gear, from Target." Ha! So fashionable.

So despite the rain, and a losing horse, we had a great Derby 2013 weekend!! Exhausted, possibly sick [lost my voice] and band aids on my heels - like I said, my feet hate me - I'm enjoying this day in my pajamas, with my daughter, relaxing!!! Next year will be here before we know it, and I'm pretty sure I'll still be gathering up all my energy... whew.

A little thing called... DERBY!

It's that time of the year again!! The one event in which our little ol' town of Louisville, Ky gets recognition beyond its own population; and where spotting a celebrity or two... or three, seems as common as it would be in LA. Along with the infamous 2km horse race, hats, and celebrity sightings, it is quite the spectacle.

For those unfamiliar with this annual tradition; formally known as, The Kentucky Derby, here are some highlights...

The event is proceeded by a week of local festivities! It's a bit of an overload, so I'll get to the main event, which falls on the first weekend of May - divided into two particular days:

Friday - Oaks

Saturday - Derby

Location, is none other than Churchill Downs.

Attire is usually semi-formal, but for the women, the most popular accessory is the HAT! ie: here and here.

Regardless of the attire, this weekend is most certainly known for its heart-pounding, beat the program on the rail race of its beautiful thoroughbreds; as it's also deemed "The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports". Attending the Derby should definitely be on the bucket list. It's an historical event unlike any other. 

As for this household, the Derby festivities kick off this evening at Ferdinand's Ball. Friday (Oaks day) will be spent in our fun/matching attire (and yes, hats) at the track, then we'll magically spin around - you know, like Cinderella - and change into our more formal attire for the Unbridled Eve Gala. With whatever bit of energy left to gather, we'll then be back at the track on Saturday, Derby day (yes, more hats). This will be one eventful weekend!!

With that said, this post may be running until after the festivities!

As much as I cringe at that thought - as I like to be on top of things - I'm not sure my laptop would be an acceptable fashion forward accessory. So, I apologize in advance!

Our attendance, and attire, will be shared immediately following the weekend. 

Fingers crossed we pick a winner this year!!!! Good luck to all!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend. :)

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6