2007 in Pictures

"525,600 Minutes"

HAPPY 2008 to all!

I can't believe another year has come and gone...and what a year it has been! I love to look back to see where we have been and compare where we are now. It has also been very evident to see God's hand in our lives throughout 2007. Here is a very modified version of 2007.

JANUARY- We rang in the new year with my best friend Laura and her husband, Brad in the DFW metroplex. My grandfather, who had been struggling with his health for quite some time, got very sick a couple of days before Christmas and we had to say goodbye to him. But, he was a wonderful Christian man who loved his family and who loved the Lord, so I know I will see him again one day in Heaven.

FEBRUARY- Flint's traveling season begins. He went to New York and to Lexington with the Track team. This is always a tough time for me. I hate to be alone...for those of you who know me well....I HAVE to be around people. I also highly dislike being by myself at night! But, God always takes away my fears and provides fun things for me to do.

MARCH- I got to go to L.A. with three of my precious girlfriends from college! We crammed so much shopping, eating, and laughter into a five day trip! While I was in L.A., Flint was in Minnesota with the Baseball team. I also got to tag along with Flint and the Tennis team to Las Vegas over Spring Break. Vegas is one of my favorite places!

APRIL- The traveling continued... for Flint. He went to Athens with the Baseball team and Philadelphia with the Track team. I finished up my fourth year with my cell group girls who were juniors in high school. Only one more year...so sad!

MAY- Flint was in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham this month with the Baseball team. I finished up my first year of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), which changed my life! If any of you are considering it but are trying to talk yourselves out of the commitment...I highly recommend that you step up to the plate and take the challenge. There is nothing easy about it, but it is the most rewarding bible study that I have ever been in!

JUNE- I threw my friend Katie a.k.a. "Bird" a baby shower, which had been a huge time consumer up to this point. Flint traveled to Phoenix for an Athletic Department Conference. This could be the week that changes his career path at some point. He made so many contacts from different schools that still contact him about job opportunities! We also got to go to Fort Worth to hang out with our friends!

JULY- We had a low key 4th with our friends Todd and Heather at the White River. A much needed get-away from civilization...very little cell phone service, no internet, and lots of sleeping! We also headed to Lake Tahoe. I cut the trip short and returned home early so Flint and Peter could have some bonding time! I spent my birthday home alone. But, thanks to some special friends, I had a wonderful day! We celebrated with tapas at one of my favorite restaurants- Tapanazos!

AUGUST- The interviewing begins. Flint had the opportunity to interview at the University of Missouri. How Ironic!?!? We thought we could be moving to Columbia, but the Lord had other plans for us! The Scoop starts to come into existence.

SEPTEMBER- Flint's favorite time of the year...college football season! Flint and I went out to the O.C. to visit his parents! Always a fun trip for me....Flint does not enjoy the L.A. area as much as I do! September and October are a complete blur to me. I have never been so sleep deprived and so busy in my life. Getting The Scoop going was a huge, but fun undertaking! Flint went to the Alabama game with some guy friends...needless to say, it was a let down but fun! Flint got to see his dear friend, Maxwell, and his wife, Dru, which was a plus for him! The Pardues came to visit and watched the Hogs get taken down by the Kentucky Wildcats- another sad day to be a Hog!

OCTOBER- Football season continues which rocks and rolls my house in the fall! We watched as top five teams got knocked off week after week! Just some of the excited you experience as a college football fan! The Scoop was launched and got off to a tremendous start! We traveled to Ole Miss with Peter to tailgate in The Grove and to watch the Razorbacks take on the Rebels! We also had the chance to see Deborah, Camille, and their sweet families! Deborah and Camille are Flint's cousins.

NOVEMBER- We traveled to Jamaica to Omar and Veronica's wedding. I will post some pics...it sure was beautiful and it was a fabulous trip for Flint and I. We went to Knoxville for the Razorback game. My sis-in-law is a Volunteer (boo!) and they have a house in Knoxville. So, we had a little family weekend with the Harris clan and again were disappointed by our Hogs! Flint went to Houston to Josh and Jennifer's wedding and I stayed behind to get ready to host the second Harris-Clemons Thanksgiving! Both mine and Flint's parents came to celebrate with us in Fayetteville! What a sweet time it was to have all of our parents with us. We were so thankful for another year with them!

DECEMBER- What a busy time of the year... I know, I know. Everyone is busy this time of the year. However, we threw in two job interviews and a trip to Lake Tahoe which makes for pure craziness! We were blessed by my parents to get the condo in Squaw Valley, which was a wonderful time for Flint and I. We had a Fort Worth style Christmas this year (everything is bigger in Texas...including Christmas!!!) and then we headed to good ole North Little Rock for Christmas with my fam! Both of our moms outdid themselves!!! So, then we headed back to Fayetteville (for about a 24 hour period) for Trey and Kristin's wedding and then we packed up our bags and our dogs and left again for Dallas! We got a little more family time with my in-laws, got to spend some time with Laura and Brad, and we spent New Year's Eve with Corby and Lauren! So, 24 days, about 10 different beds, and 10 different locations later...we made it through the holiday and back home. Only to anxiously await the phone call about our future!

WOW...what a year it has been! God really looked after us and brought many blessings along. We welcomed Sophia, Paige, Maddux, Reese, and Titus into the world. We celebrated the marriages of Dave and Melinda, Kate and Will, Megan and Charlie, Veronica and Omar, Josh and Jennifer, and Trey and Kristin.

There has been so much uncertainty for us. But I know, just like Proverbs 3:5-6 says, when we trust in the Lord whole-heartedly and give everything to Him...He will direct our paths. I am so thankful for that promise and I look forward to looking back in 2009 to see what the Lord has done in our lives this year!!!

Blogging Failure!

There is absolutely no excuse for the lag in my blogging besides the fact that we have been so busy. With The Scoop starting up and all of the traveling that we have done over the past couple of months...I just honestly have not had time. However, I am making a vow today to do better!!! So, to our loyal fans...you can look forward to posts in the near future. I will even try to post some pictures from this fall! Thanks for checking in on us!

The Scoop

The Scoop of Northwest Arkansas is a FREE weekly e-subscription and accompanying website that brings the inside scoop on all things Northwest Arkansas. We’re home to fashion-forward, career-focused, family-oriented, budget-conscience women who want to be in the know. In our ever changing town, keeping up with the latest trends can be a full time job...enter The Scoop.

We are here to scout out all of the best dives and deals around town for you- the gal about town. It’s a tough job, but for you, we are willing! Now you have Northwest Arkansas’s hottest spots, latest trends, and fabulous deals - the best kept secrets - all in one spot! Life just got a little sweeter!

This idea came to me this summer and has quickly taken shape, thanks to my computer savvy partner in crime! I can't wait for you all to see it! Please check out the website and sign up for your Scoops at http://www.nwascoop.com/ . Then tell all of your friends!!! I hope you all enjoy reading your Scoops as much as I enjoy bringing them to you!

Weekend

After playing mommy to little Sydney for a couple a days. I handed her over to her grandpa and I headed down to Little Rock for the wedding of my long time friend, Megan. Meg and Charlie's wedding was beautiful and I also got to see many friends from my days back in NLR. It was as if ten years had not passed since I had seen some of those folks! Oh, so much fun!

Flint went with Max and Kevin to watch the Hogs take on the Tide. We all know the outcome and we will not elaborate on that. Nevertheless, Flint had a fun time with the guys. He also got to see his dear friend Maxwell and his wife, Dru. They drove over from Atlanta for the game.

Sydney

I picked Sydney up at school on Thursday and had the oportunuty to play mom to her until her Grandpa got to town on Saturday! All you moms out there- you do not get enough credit! You have a tough job...don't let anyone tell you that you don't! I did not get any pictures of Sydney. We were too busy practicing spelling words, carpooling, fixing dinner, cleaning house..... I did, however, get a few of the dogs rolling around in the floor together (we also kept Wilson, Sydney's dog).

Football

Flint gets sad after the new year because football is over until September!!! Pathetic...I know! But this sping and summer flew by and now football season has rolled back around!

I have to confess...I love football season, too! I don't just live for the sport itself like my husband...there is so much more to it for me! I love the spirit of the season...grown men crying because their hearts are broken....people painting thier bodies and sacrificing a week of their life to sleep in lines in order to get on the front row of the student section just to hold up a sign and have their 15 seconds of fame on national television...Rich women dragging out thier fine bone china to serve barbeque on at their tailgate parties...sorority girls getting all decked out to go (hopefully) cheer on their team to a victory. I love the afternoons of sitting on the couch watching long lived rivals battle it out on the football field. I love homecomings. I love the pride of the SEC. I love the cooler weather. I love the leaves changing colors... there are few feelings as warm and fuzzy as walking on the University of Arkansas campus with the trees changing to vibrant hues of red, gold and orange...I guess it brings back wonderful memories of my college days. Whew...I am getting excited just thinking about it.

Our first game was against Troy. This picture is with Todd and Heather on our way to the game!

SO, I guess the only thing left to say is GO HOGS!!!

House Guests

We have had some fun visitors the past few weekends. My best friend, Laura came up to visit from Dallas and last weekend my friend Kelly and her husband came up to Fayetteville! I had so much fun with both of them...so much fun- that I almost forgot to take pictures! I love both of you girls and I am so thankful for both of your friendships!

Kate and Will

I have been meaning to post pictures from Kate and Will's wedding for a while now, but the time has gotten away from me! Kate led cell group with me over the past couple of years! She has also been a great house and puppy dog sitter for Flint and I. Kate and her new hubby are moving down to Texas. We wish you guys the very best and know that you are missed!

The picture that I have is of some of my bible study girls with the blushing bride. Her reception was at the Pratt Place Barn. It was so beautiful!!!

California!

"Hello California,
Sure is strange to be here today.
What's a boy from down in Texas
Doin' in the city of angels anyway?"
- Pat Green

This kind of sums up the way Flint feels about L.A. He feels like everything I want to do there is for girls only! Maybe he is right?!?! But you can't tell me that in one of the most densely populated areas of the United States, my Flint wouldn't be able to find something that interests him.

Anywho- we went out to visit his folks and to stay at their place in Huntington Beach, a cute little beach town in Orange County. We had a wonderful time and got a much needed break from the office! A little R & R!! We walked on the beach, layed out by the pool, enjoyed some nice weather, shopped 'til Flint dropped, and of coarse ate until our little bellies couldn't take any more! We went back to Fashion Island, in Newport Beach, which I visited with my girl friends back in March! It was as great as I remembered! We did have a first- Our first trip to Santa Monica. It is my favorite spot. It is cute like the little beach towns with some fabulous little boutiques and many world class dining establishments! I can't wait to visit Santa Monica again! There was so much we did not see! Our visit there was short...we passed through on our way back to LAX, before flying home. In fact, we were so pressed for time, we had to stop and get lunch at Burger King! How pathetic!!!

I know...I am horrible at this whole blogging thing!!! This is much delayed, but I will still post for the heck of it!!! Many of you have already asked how our fifth anniversary was....Well....I ended up working ALL day! The original plan was to take the day and either go on a road trip or just hang out together. Then as the day grew older...the plan changed to hanging out all afternoon. Then 5:30 rolled around and I was walking into the house after a full day of stressful work! My poor husband! He was a really good sport, though. We ended up having a really nice dinner at the Seafood Market in Fayetteville, which, by the way, was fabulous!!! We also went to see the Bourne Ultimatum, which if you have not seen it- GO! It is well worth it! It was fantastic...my favorite Bourne movie thus far! We did not really exchange gifts (just some little, sentimental things)- we left for L.A. just a few days after and we are going to Jamaica in November for a wedding! I guess those are our anniversary gifts!

High point- just spending time with my wonderful hubby! I know I am partial, but he is the BEST! Even when all of our special plans fell by the wayside, we made the best of it and still loved just spending time together- that it what is most important! I love you, Flintastic. You are fantastic in my book!

Five Wonderful Years

It is hard to believe, but yesterday Flint and I celebrated FIVE years of marriage. That scares some people, but let me tell you how wonderful it has been! Our marriage is one of the most valuable things to me. I love having my best friend for a husband.

It is so funny how the Lord works. He brought Flint into my life when I least expected it, but in His perfect timing! I was not looking for love or even a relationship at the time…I was just having “fun”. It did take me a little while to take interest, but Flint waited for me and the Lord worked on my heart and the rest is history. I am so thankful for Flint’s discernment and his persistency in seeking his Heavenly Father and then me! After a bumpy spring semester and summer of 2001, It took only one of our first dates of sitting out in a thunderstorm in Razorback Stadium waiting for the Hogs to take on Tennessee for Flint to know that I was the one for him!

Now, over five years later, I know that things couldn’t be more right. I see more and more everyday how God so fearfully and wonderfully made Flint and when He made him, He had me in mind to be Flint’s wife! When I hear Coach McDonnell or Coach Van Horn bragging about how awesome Flint is at his job or I see Flint diligently work to finish his PhD I think- “That’s MY man!” Then I watch him so lovingly help his mom, hold babies, or play with kids OR we hold hands and spend sweet moments together in prayer I think- “God perfectly answered my prayers!” Then when he surprises me with fun things, he tells a joke and I laugh until my side hurts, we go on great weekend getaways, or we just stay at home and watch Sweet Home Alabama together I know that he couldn’t be any more right for me. Being married to Flint is so much fun! It has been a wonderful five years and I look forward to the next five years!

Maddux Dow

A big congrats to our friends Max and Kelly. Their baby boy, Maddux, was born Friday July, 27. I did not get any pictures while we were with them. I will try to do better next time. We are so excited for you guys!!!

Happy (late) Birthday Mama Bird!

Happy Birthday to my friend Katie "Bird". It was quite an interesting celebration with the Bird this year considering she has a one month old baby. The tapas restaurant was so good we went back for Katie's Birthday. It did not disappoint. Little Paige just did not want her mama eating her lunch-she wanted to be the COA. I still hope your birthday was a wonderful one, Katie. I love you and I thank God for your friendship. You exemplify a true and loyal friend! I have so much fun when I am with you and your laugh is one of my favorite things! I look forward to sharing many more birthdays with you...hopefully with less distractions!

Um...yeah....
I know I have not posted for quite some time (for all you loyal readers). Well, we wrapped up our trip to Lake Tahoe. I left half way through the trip because I had to get back to work. The joys of my job!!! So, Flint and Peter had a little "male bonding" time! So, I headed back to ole Arkansas just in time for my birthday (turning 27 is very uneventful, by the way). Thanks to my dear friends, my birthday was still a fun one even though Flint and I were miles apart. The girls in my office took me out to the new tapas dive on Dickson Street for my big day. It was fantastic! A little hint: don't leave without trying the sangria! The following night, two of my nearest and dearest friends took me out- Thanks Mindy and Katie! We went to Abuelo's which is another personal favorite. I know it sounds like I did a lot of birthday celebrating throughout the week...but I worked some long hours, too! Katie, Sophie, and I were glad for Flint to get back home to us! Boy did we miss him!