Photo Session at Lake J

Below are pictures taken from the family photographer. The family may get annoyed with her, but we have plenty of beautiful pictures to document our time together. Here are pictures from dinner and from the time we had in between dinner and the ceremony.

Each of us with our husbands/boyfriend.

Kids in front of Lake J.

Us girls!

The background makes this picture...mountains and the lake.

Reverend Gloria Hughes

As you know my mom is NOW finally ordained! A few weekends ago we went up to Lake Junaluska to celebrate this wonderfully exciting time with her. We started out with dinner at an Italian restaurant with family and friends.

A piece of artwork Chris got for my mom. The description of the inspiration of the artwork was Chris' inspiration for buying this for mom.

Above: When mom was working on her masters' she and a friend created this banner as their final project. The banner was hanging in front of the stage all week during conference.

Below: Mom walking into the ceremony.

The blessing and laying of the hands on the newly ordained.

Mom and her proud girls!

The whole family. We now have two people that wear white robes.

Chris' stole is one that my mom made.

After dinner we went to the ceremony for those becoming fully ordained. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. This is something mom has worked very hard for and we were all so proud of her. We can't wait to see what is store for her. She already has opportunities knocking at her door now.

What we have been up to lately

The past two months have flown by for us. We have had busy schedules with work, training, family, friends, and outings. Below are pictures of what we have been up to. Enjoy:)

Fashion Show: Hollywood Theme....Can't show pictures of my girls sorry...but I promise they did a great job. Flowers pictured below are ones the girls gave me after the show was over!

School Flowers: In our school courtyard I picked gardenias and hydrangeas. I couldn't help but think of my Nana. She loved the smell of gardenias.

Sanders Ridge: A few Saturday's ago, Scott and I went to a new vineyard in Boonville, NC. We did a tasting first in their tasting room and then enjoyed lunch on their patio. They have an organic farm for their fruits and veggies. They have great wines, terrific wines, and friendly staff. They also offer a zipline tour if you are brave enough. I would suggest the zipline before the tasting though.

Food: I am really looking forward to the summer where I can really spend a lot of time cooking dinner. Here are just a few of our dinners that have been delish.

Girl time: As we speak there is about to be a new addition to our group! My best friend, Cambria, is having a baby girl. The four of us girls did our last lunch before one of us becomes a mom. And before Miss Ali is welcomed into the world. I cannot wait to met this little girl...she will be spoiled rotten by so many:)

Beautiful Sunday Run

What a wonderful weekend we had spending it with family and celebrating my mom. Saturday evening at Lake Junaluska she became a fully ordainded Deacon. Another post on that this week.

Scott and I stayed in Asheville Saturday evening. Sunday morning Scott, Mom, Chris, and I met up at Lake J for a morning run around the lake before we all headed our seperate ways. So far this was the most beautiful run I have done. I took my phone along to take pictures as we ran.

Since the air is not humid and sticky running was a lot easier. There were a few hills that needed some conquering, but we all did it:)

Views around the lake.
Doesn't everyone run like this?

I was really trying to get me and the mtns after my run.

In Honor of Hailey Barnes

Scott and I have a niece who was diagnosed with cancer when she was 9 months old. The form of cancer was acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hailey under went chemo treatments for a 1 year and at 21 months she was considered to be in complete remission. Hailey will turn 6 in August and start the 1st grade. She is a very entergetic, smart, and loving little girl. She loves to dance and hula hoop.
We have been very blessed to have such a successful outcome for Hailey. Because of groups like team in training, The Leukemia and Lymphomia Society can continue to help find a cure for this diesease. I have committed to help riase money so they may continue their research and touch the lives of so many patients and their families.
Please follow my tnt page to keep up with my progress with Team in Training http://pages.teamintraining.org/nc/rnrh11/bcarrigan. I need your help to reach my goal of raising $2,500.00. On September 4, I will run across the finish line 13.1 miles later in honor of Hailey! Thank you so much for your support.

Hailey Christmas morning with Trixy.

Stepping outside of my comfort zone

If you would have asked me 1 year ago if I would run a 1/2 marathon I would have laughed at the question. Never would I have imagined challenging myself to run 13 miles. But since I have started running, the since of accomplishment and the I can do attitude has taken over me. I grew up with both of my parents telling me nothing is impossible. Well now at the age of 27 I finally believe them.

For this first 1/2 I am running I have stepped out of my 3mile run comfort zone, committed to raise $2,500, and joined a running group to run with people I didn't know. But I can tell you so far this is one of the best things I have ever done! I also can guarantee you I will do another sometime soon:)

My Fall team has a mentor, which is someone who has already completed an event with tnt. She sent out this mission moment last week and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you all will step outside of your comfort zone and not continue to be so complacent with your life. I know the first few steps are intimidating and scary, but the feeling you get is amazing and life changing.

The Comfort Zone

By: Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail.The same four walls and busy work were really more like jail.I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before,But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.I said I didn't care for things like commission checks and such.I claimed to be so busy with things inside my zone,But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win.I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin.I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before,I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.If you're in a comfort zone, afraid to venture out,Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.Reach for your future with a smile;Success is there for you!

Happy Friday! Scott and I are wine tasting tomorrow:) Will post pics next week!

It's Contagious

As you all know Scott and I have been running in local 5k's together. Two weekends ago we did the Great harvest bread 5k. I had my PR by 3 seconds! Hey it was 3 seconds faster and a VERY hilly course, so I was pleased. I was really fast my first 2 miles and slowed up by my third. Right now this is my last race until the race in September! Here are some pictures from the race.

This guy gives a whole new meaning to running barefoot.
He passed me about mile 2 with his bare feet pounding on the ground.

Scott crossing the finish line. We really need to work on getting him faster.

I want a picture of me crossing the finish line.

Until then, I am happy to cheer him on as he crosses. Very sweaty after this race.

This reminds me of a quote I found, "No one has died from drowning in their own sweat."

This is the whole reason Scott ran the race. Great Harvest Bread Co. sponsored it,
so after the race they were passing out free samples of bread. This is so delicious and
This the pecan bread with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Ready for the contagious part?

Ashley agreed to run a 5k with me in September called the hit the brixx run September 17. Ashley has been working very hard in the gym to build up her running. Last she and I talked she is up to 1.5 miles running without stopping! I am so proud of her.

My mom and Chris are training for their first triathlon on September 18! I am so proud of them I cannot even tell you. Mom just bought her some new running shoes yesterday and already went running with Chris this morning.

I would like to think that my training and dedication has given them some inspiration! Well we can all dream can't we? I am hoping that one day maybe we can all complete an event together. Ashley, Mom, and Chris I am so proud of you guys for taking on the challenge of your race/event. I will be there to run with you and cheer you on! Good luck on training.