ice cream.

Yesterday something monumental happened.

It was a BIG moment in our marriage...



We were sitting at the table when I heard the faint music down the street. We were both on our computers and as soon as we heard it, we stopped everything we were doing and looked at each other with a face of excitement.

It was an ice cream truck!!

So, like I did when I was a youngster, I ran to get all of our spare change, anxiously dropping it on the floor and fingering through the quarters and dimes.


And while the truck drives at a pretty slow speed, you really only have a few seconds before it goes past you... so we took off down the stairs to the street!

When the man saw us, he opened the window and laughed, saying we were about the 5th couple who had taken pictures of him and the truck that day, as ice cream trucks are now ancient and vintage.

He was one happy dude. It almost made me want to be an ice cream truck driver...

But then I realized I'd become really fat within about a week, so I crossed that off of potential careers.


I love these moments with my husband... it has been almost 3 years ago since we met and we are still having "first moments" together. That is something I cherish. And I wouldn't have those moments with anyone else.

The Pop Shop (Summer Camp Pictures!)

I love the arts. Love, love, love - and not just because it is my passion, but because I think it can really bring people together whether big, small, short, or tall!!
I get to watch this happen every time I get the chance of going to the Pop Shop in Longwood, Florida. It's a triple threat studio with dancing, acting and singing, and David's one of the teachers. I've done pictures for them before, but yesterday I was asked to come and take some shots of the summer camp, and while I was there I also took on the role of coaching the kids in the vocal room for the parts they were to sing on the recording they were making to Justin Bieber's "Pray." That was a lot of fun. The kids are crazy talented and I will be honored if they remember me when they're famous. ;)

The man who runs it, Doug Bailey, is also crazy talented and had many chances where he could have chosen fame, but he created a studio where he gives love and compassion along with professional training & touches lives every day. It's the truth!

You may not understand some of these pictures, as they were doing a variety of activities throughout the day. You can definitely see their, um, theatrical side!


























I remember my dreams blossoming as an early child.
I know the same will happen for these kids because they've been given a great opportunity at such a young age! I KNOW they'll go far if they pursue it as not only a hobby, but a gift!


You can find more info about The Pop Shop at their website:
www.thepopshopinc.com

an eventful summer.

So it's been awhile since I last shared my life with you all. I feel like a lot of exciting things have been happening. Enough to keep me on my toes, anyway!
Here are a few highlights of June 2011 (Though it isn't over):

Pool Time with the HubbyI
Now that it's officially unbearable outside, all I want to do is lay out by the pool and soak in some rays. I can only lay out for so long, though, I'm a snowbird and I don't like the feeling of being sweaty (unless I'm working out).




New job, new Kids
Hollie saw me on care.com but it wasn't until she went on my blog that she decided she wanted to hire me as the nanny for her two boys, ages 2 and 10 months. See, blogging pays off!

How cute are they?





Summer Days, Backyard Pool Time
Brandy and Chandler love water. They have this cute little pool in their backyard and the other I filled it up and with water and watched them jump in over and over again!








Being with Friends
I've been doing a lot of this!! These particular photos are from a friend's graduation party! It was a blast reuniting with all the middle schoolers I use to help lead.




Don't forget the candid...

And the ones where you tickle a friend 1 second before the shutter closes...









Winning an Award!
Saturday night was the award show for the IceHouse Theatre and I was invited to sing "Mr. Sandman," A song from the musical they're doing next season called the Marvelous Wonderettes. I was also nominated for Best Featured Performance in a musical (for Bingo). I couldn't believe when they said I won. You mean little shy and timid me??? Maybe I'm back!! :) I feel blessed.




Speaking of feeling better in my skin...
I've come to the realization that I can make my dreams a reality. These days there are so many resources to get your name out as a performer as the career is growing rapidly. Thus, there's a lot more competition but when have I let that get to me? I've had dreams brewing inside of me from a very young age, dreams that are near to my heart and that I can see so clearly. I know that if I pursue what God wants for me, then He will make the way for that.

That being said, David and I are going to Charleston in a month to audition for American Idol. I know it's hard to get in but we are going to try. We're also going to make a mini vacation of it to lessen my nerves and make the experience a more delightful one! I'm excited for that and am starting to prepare. I have 15-30 seconds to sing in front of the producers. If you have any songs you think would be great for that, let me know via facebook!!

Hope you have a GREAT week and are enjoying your eventful summer!