.Lake Grapevine, my kinda Texas, and a nice long hike (3 trips, 0 face plants).

 Only one way?? WHY!?

 Bower. My BFF. He made great company. Well, until I had to drag him back to the car because he was "tired".

We came to this fork in the road........ we took the "sketchy" way... we like to shake it up a bit

 We had to stop to take in the Texas scenery quite often... breath taking

 To cross?... or not to cross this shady bridge? We crossed it.

Another beautiful scene we came across.

     These pictures are from an amazing hike Bower and I went on, Monday afternoon. I was driving back home from a doctors visit when I decided I wanted to do something active ALL DAY LONG!!!! So I went home and researched hiking trails in the area. I picked the first one that had pretty pictures, packed a lunch, (string cheese, half a yellow bell pepper, and carrots) put Bower on a leash, laced up my 'sneaks and away we went! The trails were off a camping site called Rockledge Park.

     Bower was overly excited to get out of the car and run after all the wildlife. It was amusing at first, his excitement, but he didn't stop chasing critters until he was too tired to walk towards the end of our journey. About half way through we stopped on a ledge overlooking the beautiful lake and ate our lunch. (I packed him a milk bone... this is why he loves me so) I thought we would be alone on the trail after not seeing anyone all morning... but right after lunch a team of mountain bikers came riding through. Bower didn't like that very much. He wanted them stopped and punished. I told him to get over himself.

     We climbed rocks, jumped hurdles, trampled through mud, crossed shady bridges and even ran long stretches of the trails. The one thing that stood out to me all day was how beautiful everything was. Wildflowers, trees, berries, animals, birds... everything was so pretty and so... natural. When we were sitting down to eat I couldn't help but think of how grateful I am for the 5 senses and that I have all of them... especially sight. I am going to make hiking a weekly adventure. It was good for the soul.

.the next 100 days.

     My family has begun a 100 day challenge to lose weight and get in shape. It started on January 20th and goes until April 29th. We have divided ourselves up into 4 teams.

• Mom, Matt, and Andrew are "Weapons of Mass Reduction"
• Adam and Natalie are "Weight loss one-ders"
• Kelsey and Porter are "TexMex"
• Me and Dad are "Beauty and the Beast" (he came up with that name, by the way)

     We get points for working out and shedding pounds and the team with the most points by the end of the challenge wins the pot! SO I am highly motivated to kick everyone else in the hind parts. I worked out on day 1 for a good long while. I worked out my arms by doing some free weights then I hopped on the treadmill and ran my little heart out. For day 2, I walked on an inclined treadmill at a fast pace on my lunch break instead of going to get "fast" food. I am so sore but it feels SOOOOO good. I am all about winning and being competitive, but I am more excited to see everyone, as a family, pulling together to stay active and shed some weight. I can't wait until day 100 to see how everyone is lookin'!
     I am going to try and keep my blog updated with my workouts and things that present a challenge during these next 100 days. Help me stay motivated y'all!!!

this week I...

...went on a day date with Billings.

...spent some quality time with Tease. (also known as: Andrew)

...found an amazingly unique antique store hidden in Dallas.

...did something against my better judgment.

...hung out with an old friend.

...made a decision.

what a goofus.

.Oh ye of little faith. ("ye" = me)

Faith in Jesus Christ gives us strength to leave the past behind and look ahead to a brighter future.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (I John 2:15-17)


I needed to see this. I often times find myself looking back at my past... which, anyone who reads my blog very well knows. I never thought I looked back "longingly" like the wife of Lot... but I do. And I hate to admit that. I hate it more than any of you could understand. (pride, ugh.. what a "B") I thought at one point that I would never look back... but I do. I dream about it. I think about it. I miss it. I miss him.
I miss him.
We were together for 9 months. Inseparable.
I miss them.
The friends I met through him. We had fun and laughed a lot... maybe even too much...
I miss the way we laughed together. The way he looked at me. The way we didn't have to be doing anything at all... he was not perfect but I loved him regardless. I did him wrong and not in the way that many of you will assume. There was no cheating. There was not "another man". I was simply dishonest and it humbles me to admit that. If I could turn back time, if I could...

If.

Ok, see... this is what I am talking about. Here I go again, looking back longingly. You think that after meeting my ex-fiance, I would have been totally over him (his name is Nick) and past it all, but I was and am not. OK WORLD! There you have it. I am not over it. I am not over him. I did it, I said it out loud. Mock me if you must, but dang that felt good to get off my chest.

Readers: Please do not judge me...

Ok, can someone please destroy my rear view?
Since seeing this video, I have been trying to figure out how I can get past this. I know the answer to that question... but what I lack is the motivation to do so. "Oh ye of little faith," right? Will it come with time? Possibly... Will it come with faith? Yes. Faith first, then time. I also admit I am foolish sometimes. Ok, most of the time. With that being said, I am going to find my faith again.

Happy New Year yall.

changing in progress, do not disturb...

.things I've been told.

.never cook bacon naked.
.keep your knives sharp.
.don't be the first to buy any kind of technology.
.eat tomatoes only when they are in season.
.be kind to your siblings.
.if you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
.the world owes you nothing. it was here first.
.take it easy, but take it.

...rewind or fast-forward?...

As I was laying in bed last night, I was thinking about the busy week that just passed away. Family was home, Christmas came and went, laughs, food, good times. I started to think about this past year and everything that came with it... the good, the bad and the ugly. I couldn't help but ask myself, if I had the chance... Would I rewind? Would I go back and fix things I did or said knowing how they would effect my life? Or would I fast forward from this point a few years and see where I end up? I wish the remote in the movie "Click" were in my possession. I would test it out and see what would happen. I think at some points in my life I would say "forget the remote, live and learn"... but for this moment, right now... I would totally do it.

And just for the record, I think I would rewind.

I am sorry for the hurtful things I have said and done.
I am grateful for memories.
I am human.

.my favorite time of the year.

A glimpse into my Christmas season...

I've watched 'Elf' 'The Grinch' 'Christmas Vacation' 'Home Alone' and 'Charlie Brown's Christmas' (some multiple times)

Andrew and I decorated the 'Jones Family Christmas Tree'

Mom, Matt and I transformed the house into a Christmas wonderland

I've attended 2 ugly Christmas sweater parties

my family flew in (Kelsey & Porter, Adam, Natalie & Jack, and Mom-mom)

we had a Christmas get-together/game night... it was a success

the whole family took a lemo ride to view Christmas lights

family dinners have been wonderful

decorated ginger bread houses with the girls + Andrew

festive cookie decorating... then devouring

"Merry Christmas From the Family" is always a family favorite sing-a-long

late night game playing is a nightly occurrence

went last minute shopping with Kelsey

watched BSU whoop Utah

I love this time of year...

.the wish list of a single 25 year old.

1. A hot, mature, well-educated, man that is well into his career that knows how to treat me right

2. A lump sum of dough that will allow me to quit my job and finish college

3. A pretty penny for my parents also, please? Thanks.

4. An English Bulldog to be named 'biggie smalls'

5. Another nephew or niece (lets get on the ball Kelsey and Porter)

6. A brand new black Chevy Camaro

7. An 'all expenses paid' trip to Italy

8. Snow on Christmas morning

9. A trip to the spa (where I would be turned into a blonde again)

10. Oh yes, and World peace....

Come on Santa Baby, hurry down my chimney TONIGHT!!!

**side note: at first the title said 'the wish list of a single 24 year old.' until I was corrected by my beautiful sister-in-law Natalie. I am 25 years old now. I just can't keep it straight. Age? I think so. 

.matt jones-mc neenalds-and food stamps.

I worked 16 hours yesterday. Exhausted? Just a wee-bit. BUT, I went home and against my better judgment, stayed up watching "Police Women of Dallas" with Matt. Shortly after the episode ended, I was pulling the covers over my legs to go to sleep when I decided it was in my best interest to go an another nightly adventure with, who? Matt Jones. We ended up at Walmart of all places. We grabbed a bite to eat at Mc-Neenalds, aka McDonald's. We went straight to the toy section like most young adults in their mid to late 20's do. There was a wall of creepy baby dolls that were in little cribs that start laughing and bouncing thanks to motion sensors... how flippin' creepy is that? Toys these days. Give your child a baby doll that isn't creepy... for the love of... infants! Anyway... back to the story... After our escapades in the toy section we made our way to the men's clothing section and start trying on sweaters and jackets for the heck of it. I mean, why not, right? Matt found a dashing jacket. It makes him feel sexy. He didn't know if he deserved to buy it for himself around Christmas time but he debated for all of 2 seconds. He also found a burgundy zip up pull over that made him feel sexy AND HE LOVES THAT COLOR!!! So we take our finds to the line as we discuss suicide (don't ask...) As we get closer to being checked out, Matt starts inquiring on food stamps, rather loudly, mind you....
here is some of the verbiage:

Matt to the clerk: Where do you get food stamps?
Clerk: (turns to a black guy behind Matt and points finger in a questionable manner) I dunno man, downtown? In a government building?
Black guy behind Matt: I dunno man...
Matt to clerk: Can you buy clothes with food stamps?
Clerk: Uh, (laughs awkwardly) I don't think so. Your total is $44.45
Matt: (fumbles around in his wallet/pockets) Uh, actually just give me the jacket. I don't have enough cash on me for both.
Me: Wow, you really do need food stamps (dies laughing)
Matt: (laughs) Yeah, I think I do. 
Matt to me: Court, can I borrow a dollar?

Needless to say, we were laughing the whole way home about creating and executing perfectly, socially awkward situations.... Just another reason why I love Matt Jones.

.I had a dream.

I had a dream last night that woke me up around 3:45 this morning. I was at a familiar place with old friends about this time a year ago. In the dream, it was as if I were watching myself from the corner of the room. I was laughing and having a good time. I was surrounded by friends and holding the hand of my ex-boyfriend. I seemed happy.
All of a sudden I felt an overwhelming feeling of sadness. I walked out of the room and went home to see my family. 'Home' felt unfamiliar and empty. I was searching for my family and ended up walking down a hallway, which in my dream, did not end. I kept walking and searching but they were no where to be found. I woke up because my heart was racing. I sat up in bed and tried to gather my thoughts. I took in a few deep breaths trying to slow my heart rate and laid back down. I laid there for a while unable to shake the dream from my thoughts. It's not like anything abnormal happened. It's not like I was being chased by some foreign monster carrying a sword. I thought back to last year and the people I was with. I thought about where I was in life. I though about my relationship with my family.
I have been through so much in such a short amount of time. I was overcome by a feeling of gratitude. I am thankful for last year and what it has taught me. I have learned lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom. I no longer feel like an outsider looking in when I am at home surrounded by my family. I feel warm and comfortable.
This time of year is a time of reflection, love, and giving. I think of family, friends and my savior. I am grateful for all I have been given and all I have to give. I am thankful for the trials and experiences I have been through that have lead me to this point in my life. I hope and pray everyone has a fantastic Holiday Season.