Lost my Head

My brain is all scrambled.

                                             I have no idea whether I'm coming or going!  

I have two photo shoots to work on and post for my customers and I have three girls to home school!  

I'm moving in January and I haven't even gotten Christmas presents done.  

I need to workout more but lately all I've wanted to do is cuddle, get warm, and nap!

I need to save enough money to pay my bills for a month so that I can find a job when we move.

I need to catch up on my own school work!

I take care of 7 kids all together...Christmas is coming.  Do I get them all a gift or just take them to the dollar store?  They already know I'm broke!

There are two more customers that want pictures done but between all of our schedules, its a nightmare trying to get them scheduled...plus the weather isn't helping us out either!

My boyfriend is addicted to stupid Halo.

I need to pack.

I so badly want to scrapbook...and I keep buying little things for my scrapbook and my smash book.

I have an Oscar fish bigger than my head...how on God's green earth am I supposed to move him??  He's too big to fit in a bucket but I can't move him in his tank!

I have promised myself no more eating out all the time! I bought myself healthy food....EAT IT!!

The girls have so many projects that they want to do before I leave.  I want to do them and I don't want to start slacking right before I leave but...

MY MIND IS A MESS!!!!

HELP ME!!!

Thankful Thursday

Join in on the fun!

I am thankful for...

...My family and friends from back home.  I moved away in September of 2008. I get to see my family at least twice a year, and when I'm lucky I get to make trips more often.  Of course my family has never turned their back on me, and they love when I am home! My friends, my true friends, always do their best to try and see me when I'm down for a visit.  We stay in touch regularly through Facebook and our lovely cell phones.  I am SO THANKFUL for true relationships that last even though we are miles apart.

...My boyfriend, Paul.  He is supportive with EVERYTHING I do.  I have done some crazy things, and I say some crazy, stupid things.  He has never told me No, nor has he laughed at any idea I have had.  He takes care of me when I need it and he never complains.  He is my absolute best friend and the love of my life.  I am such a blessed and lucky girl.
Now if only he would help me with dishes and laundry!!

...A job with so much freedom!  I am a home school coach/nanny for three girls. There is so much that I can do with them and I have the freedom to do it.  They are absolutely nuts, and MOST days they make me laugh hysterically.  The rest of the days we fight, but that's what happens when you get 4 sassy girls in a room together!

...Starbucks.  Yup..Just Starbucks.  Everything about them!

...Our military. Past, Present, and Future.  My dad was is the Air Force, as well and my PawPaw.  I admire everyone in the military.  I joined and went through basic training but was separated when I got bronchitis during my last week of training. There are days that I wish that wouldn't have happened but then again I am thankful. I would not have the life I have now had I made it all the way through.

What are you thankful for?

Later Gater ;)

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

>> Join in! <<

For this beautiful (but cold) Wednesday
I'm loving:

This Guy!

This saying  (possible tattoo idea)

*Meaning: Life is full of little pleasures*

These little guys!!  and I love them when they are big as well! 

I'm also loving my own turtles, Squirt and Crush, my dog, Emmitt, and my cat, Sarabi! :)

And lastly, I'm loving these items from Wanelo.com

Ok...I'll stop now!  I could literally go on all day about stuff I love from this website!!

What are you loving today?

Later Gater  ;)

Little Pleasures

"Life is full of little pleasures"

My little pleasures:

*Being greeted at the door from my dog and cat after a long day at work.

Paul randomly kissing my forehead.

Acting a fool just to hear someone laugh.

Anything chocolate :)

What are your little pleasures in life?

Later Gater  ;)

Changes and Nail Polish

April.

April was the last time I blogged and man have things changed!

Well first I'd like to say Welcome to Courtney's Life of Crazy!

This page used to be Dotted Lily but it is no longer!

The past 6 months have been absolutely insane and it isn't over yet.  I no longer live in a house with my boyfriend and a couple of friends. Paul and I moved into his dad's house because we are MOVING to Georgia in January! 

This girl is finally going back home!

We are saving our money and living in a rent free home.  

Some things happened over the summer that made Paul and I decide to move away from Parkersburg.  I have been ready to be back home, and Paul has always wanted to move south.  He (just like me) is not a fan of cold weather and snow. Yes, Georgia can get a bit chilly, but no where near like West Virginia.

Photography still is a HUGE part of my life.  Actually yesterday I took Senior photographs of Bryce.

Here's a peek! 

I am still doing my Photography studies through New York Institute of Photography.  I absolutely love it.

And just for fun, I went and bought new nail polish the other day...

 I'm addicted to nail polish.  Pretty sure!  I used the purple on the top left on my fingers and the green on the top right on my toes!  I always have such a hard time deciding which color to used first!

Anyway, that is it for now!

Later Gater ;)

{What I'm Loving Wednesday}

Oh goodness....where to begin?!!

Lets start with my puppy, Neera!

I took her to work with me today...I'm a Nanny and Homeschool Coach!

This is Neera, enjoying a good run!

And this is Daisy and Neera!  They were playing fetch and got distracted by a car!

Lets see...what else...

Oh!!

I enrolled yesterday!  My dream of being a professional photographer is only a years(or so) worth of hard work away!

I'm loving the man in this photo!  This is Paul, my best friend, my supporter, my personal space heater, my comedian, and my love!!  

This necklace that I found on Etsy!!!

I definitely want this bracelet!!

And thats all for today!!  

Join in on the fun!!

Head on over and link up!

I hope you have a great rest of the week!!

Later Gater  ;)

Flea Market Finds/Mingle Monday

I am now in love with Flea Markets!

I used to think that Flea Markets were for people to get rid of the crap they don't want and so that other people can buy their crap and sell it again later!

BUT!!!  LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!!

I have a HUGE adoration and love for .photography, so when I saw these items I had to buy them!

These were mixed in with the Photo-Dials that were in the Kodak box! 

So these are definitely something that I don't mind buying!  I am so excited about them!  I have done some research on them and the man in the picture and Navy I.D.

I love it!  

I also love being apart of Meg's Mingle Monday!!

Click on the photo above and join in on the fun!  
Later Gater  ;)

A New Girl in the House

This is Neera!

Poor Paul!!  He is surrounded by girls!!  He has me, Sarabi, and now.....Neera!!

Neera is a boxer/rottweiler mix and she is only 5 months!  She is going to be huge by the time she is full grown!

She is extremely adorable and so sweet...but also a PAIN IN THE BUTT!!!!

Her and Sarabi are still trying to get used to each other but I'm sure it will happen soon!

Neera is watching Sarabi cuddle with me!

I love my two girls!!

I hope y'all had an amazing Easter!  I spent my Easter Sunday with Paul and his family!

My family is 8 hours away down in Georgia and I definitely miss them but I got my phone call!

Later Gater  ;)

Kansas City, MO

Last weekend we spent the entire time driving 12 hours to Kansas City...24 hours in Kansas City...and then 12 hours driving home from Kansas City!
It was totally worth it!

As some of you may know, I went to this huge city for a ViSalus New Success Training.  It was so much fun!
I learned so much information that I don't even know what to do with it!

I do know that I am going to become a promoter and work my way to getting that BMW of my choice!

Paul's new jacket!

Paul and I loved the convention!

The Gin Blossoms!!!!

Look at that pretty BMW behind us

For those of you interested in learning what ViSalus is, I can tell you that you are basically changing your life.  They are nutritional shakes that help you get to a healthier you.



Its a 90 day Challenge to change your life!


I have started my 90-Day Challenge and I have a Vi Shake every morning for breakfast and every evening for dinner right after I have worked out.  There is so much nutrition in these shakes that it is unbelievable!!




Several of my ViSalus friends have children who drink the shakes in the morning  before school and they love them!  They tell their parents that they aren't as tired during the school day and they aren't starving before its even lunch time!

There are so many things that you can do with these shakes to keep it from getting boring!  Mixing the shake mix with just plain milk is good but its even better! :)  I have several recipes written down and placed on my refrigerator and I do something different all the time!

Strawberry Cheesecake Vi Shake!

Some of my favorites are Butterfinger, Strawberry Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Cup, and Triple Chocolate Crash!  I also use Silk Almond milk for added nutrition.  Silk is soy milk but don't freak out!  I am a HUGE fan of milk and when my boyfriend wanted to do the shakes with Silk and I about freaked out!

However, it is SO good and it last forever!  It doesn't spoil obviously because it has no dairy but for example Paul bought more milk for our shakes last night and the Used by date says 6/12!

Anyway if you would like more information about ViSalus, the 90-Day Challenge, and all the amazing things you gain by becoming a promoter please head on over to my website...you can also request for a FREE sample!!  Yes..I will send it to you for FREE!!!

Go check out ViSalus, ask me any questions you may have, and request a FREE sample!!

ViSalus Recipes
http://join-body-by-vi.com/2011/04/100-body-by-vi-shake-recipes/

ViSalus Website
http://courtkneehampton.bodybyvi.com/

You can also check out how ViSalus gives back
http://courtkneehampton.visalusgiving.com/


Later Gater  ;)

Say what?!!

So I told you guys that I would tell y'all all about Visalus last Thursday.... I FAILED!  

Life all if a sudden got extremely busy...and no I'm not going to tell you about it now either! Reason being...I'm to Kansas City this weekend for the grandest ViSalus National Success Training! 

 I'm extremely excited and I can't wait to come home and tell everyone about it! I should actually be packing for it right now... There are going to be several celebrities there along with the musical group, Gin Blossoms and DJ DIGITAL! 

 I will return Monday with tons of pictures and tons of information for you! P.S. I've lost 4 lbs since I started the ViSalus Challenge! :) 

 Later Gater. ;)

Mingle Monday/Nightmares

Monday, Monday, Monday!

It is Mingle Monday, and let me tell you right now...my Monday has been BIZARRE!!!! 

But before I get to that will be ever so kind and hop on over to Meg's blog by clicking on the Mingle Monday pic!  Join in on the fun and meet some new people!  If you have had a Monday like mine, maybe reading about other's Mondays will make you feel better!!!

Anyhow, are you a fan of the show Walking Dead on AMC???  Well I am and last night/this morning I was wishing that I wasn't!
I have not had nightmares in I don't know how long!  But last night, Paul and I watched the episode that aired and while this show is very good at getting my heart racing, it has never gotten to me this much!
I had 3 nightmares!!  THREE!!  Not sure why ...but it happened!!They were so graphic that I woke up after each one balling my eyes out!
Crazy Zombies!
And I look over and Paul is sleeping like a baby!!  UGH!!I had to look out of the window just to reassure myself that no boogeyman was out there to get me!So not like me!
Then due to the time change, when I leave for work it is now a little bit darker outside.I seriously stood at my front door debating on whether or not I should wake Paul up to walk me to my door!  So childish but I was freaked out!
Currently I am laughing at myself for my stupidity but this morning it was no laughing matter!!  :)Stupid nightmares!! Anyway...I hope your Monday is going great!! Sweet Dreams tonight!!

Later Gater. ;)

ViSalus

Want to lose a couple extra pounds?

Or do you need to gain a few pounds??

I have started the 90 day ViSalus Challenge and this coming Thursday will mark my first week of the challenge!  

So far, so good!  Thursday I will have more information about this challenge and let y'all know how it works.

Doctors actually are approving these shakes and I know you hear that about every diet fad but this is more than just a diet!!  It's so nutritional and so yummy!!

but anyway....

Hunger Games!!!

Currently reading the book and staying away from any trailer or commercial for the movie.  I'm getting the characters in my mind the way I want them!  

Its so good right now and I hate the fact that I fall asleep every time I start reading any book...but I will finish it soon!!

Later Gater.  ;)

Sometimes...

Sometimes... I need to forget about the past and move on. 

Sometimes... I need just one kiss from Paul to make my day better. 

Sometimes... I want to drink all the milk I can get my hands on! 

Sometimes... I want to scream at the top of my lungs and punch someone! 

Sometimes... I want to just act and not think. 

Sometimes... I wish friendships didn't end so badly. 

Sometimes... I wish that chocolate and ice cream were healthy foods! 

Sometimes... I wish on the first star I see of the night. 

Sometimes... I wish that my kitten Sarabi wasn't so INSANE! 

I am always human. I am always myself. I am always wanting more from life. 

I am in love with a wonderful man who makes me laugh at the most ridiculous jokes and makes me feel like there is no one else in the world. 

I will obtain my dream of being a photographer. I will put my best efforts towards it and I will succeed. 

I will be someone that my parents are proud of. 

I am Courtney and Most of the Time... I love being me!! 

 Later Gater. ;)

Mingle Monday!

It's Monday!!!

 I hope y'all have had a great day and not a normal 'Bad Monday'! 

 It's Mingle Monday and if you do have a case of the Monday Blues, head on over to Meg's blog...link up...and enjoy diving into the lives of fellow bloggers!

Today I started my new job!  I love it and it was a great way to start my week...I am very thankful for this opportunity!!

Later Gater.  ;)

Boudoir Photography

I have yet to find the type of photographs I am great at taking.  I love doing nature photographs but I will try anything once.  So I recently tried Boudoir photography.  It definitely isn't my forte but I do want the practice.  

My great friend Nicole helped me out and was my guinea pig for the project.  We had so much fun doing this but I was not happy at all with the results.  I know for sure that I didn't plan like I should have.  I looked at a few professional photographs and then basically winged it!

The lighting was definitely all wrong and so was the setting!  So I called this my Boudoir trial run!  Nicole is going to do this again for me once I have studied up on it some more!  

Practice makes perfect, right?!

Now here is the favor I am asking of you fantastic readers...

HELP ME!!!!

Any advice or {constructive} criticism you have, PLEASE let me know.  

The more help you give me the more beautiful my photographs become!

Also my photography page is on Facebook....go there and check out the other photographs I have done

its called 

Courtney E Photography

Later Gater.  ;)

My Journey

So some of you may have noticed that this blog has had some changes. I deleted all of my posts except for my most recent one. Those posts were made by a girl who no longer exists. I have grown and changed into someone I am proud of. Now I hope that y'all will join me in my journey as I continue to grow and learn and pursue my passion of photography. 

 I'm currently making the moves of going back to school and not for something that I actually care about. I'm praying all goes well! So now starts my journey...I'm living in a house with my amazing boyfriend, Paul....my best friend, Lindsay....and my good friend, Michael. 

 It's time to take control of this life and kick butt! 

Time for something different and new! 

 Later Gater. ;)