Pictures & Chocolate Chips

(H) I really should be getting back to studying..but I put up my new digital frame in my kitchen..and quite frankly, would prefer to stand here, watch a picture show..and eat chocolate chips (purchased for baking endavours..instead, they are my cheap therapy).  I cannot stop thinking about a week from today.  I will be enjoying time with the best people I know.  I cannot wait to hear the dogs barking at every sound.  I cannot wait to have my Dad turn off all the lights behind me (commenting on how an airplane could land in our house).  I cannot wait to watch ER with my Mom (even though she falls asleep 5 minutes into every episode).  I cannot wait to make tuna helper, eat icing, and spend an entire day watching Grey’s Anatomy with Mellie.  I cannot wait to laugh until my stomach hurts with Phil.  I am excited to enjoy our live Christmas tree (complete with three newly super glued ornaments).  Mostly, I am excited to be back where I belong.   

Roadtrips..they make flights available for a reason..

(H)  I am writing my first entry from Portland, Maine.  This will be my attempt at a happy entry..I have a feeling my next few will not be so chipper.  That being said..
My awesome parents hitched up the U-haul and drove my keester 24 hours up to this cold rainy city..at least this is how it has been since we arrived last night.  Unfortunately, I packed all my cute Florida cut offs..little did I know, the end of August means highs of 62..with torrential rain storms.  I can't wait to hit orientation tomorrow :)

Almost there!!

We made it..despite my iPod cord breaking in the first hour..

Our ride...

First day..sure hope my rain boots made the shoe cut..

To the Best Seamstress in Gainesville

(H&M) Today we worked on making our second set of aprons and completing my Gator game dress.

The sign of avid sewers.

<3

Pretty bows on the back.

Praising the Lord that they're finally finished, haha.

No iPhones? WHAT?

(M)

Although Phil wouldn't be a guest blogger, he did show me the funniest thing on geekologie today..

Projects or Penthouses

(M)
We are spending the week in Maine trying to find an apartment for Heather. Who knew Gainesville was apartment heaven. If you enjoyed apartment hunting, Gainesville would be your place. Like outlet malls for our fellow shopping addicts who love finding deals. Not Portland. You have two choices here, projects or penthouses. Hence the lack of current pictures past day 1. No one likes sad faces running out of smelly houses.

Posted using iPhone 4

Video Blog #1

(M)

So I'm about to go get my oil changed in anticipation for our beach camping trip this weekend, but I wanted to leave you with a video I put together from our Philippines trip.

After watching so many other people have awesome videos, we decided to document our trip in a new way.  Us talking.  Haha.  Although many people may argue anything but new.

Enjoy :)


Philippines Trip 2010 from Melanie Atkinson on Vimeo.

Short Reflections

(H) I returned about 3 hours ago from an eight day trip to the Philippines. As I was getting in my car..and breathed in the pleasant aroma of clean leather..on my way to get whatever I wanted to eat..I was struck with the overwhelming reality of how incredibly easy we have things in America.  Maybe I am difficult to reach..maybe things take a while to set in for me..maybe my parents going on outreach trips since I was a child made these things seem normal..but I think I am finally starting to have my eyes opened.  As I write this, I am sitting on a bed three times too big for me..with a mattress I have to climb onto..after a hot shower..and fresh toothbrush..the cricket singing outside will stay there, because I have a screen in my window.  It is with my freshly clean hair blowing in the breeze from the air conditioner I realize..I don't need very much.  I had every single thing I needed this week.  Did that include three meals a day I was pumped to eat?  Hot shower? Cloud like bedding? Nope.  It included the opportunity to provide a little bit of hope.  No matter what happens with school over the next few weeks, I will be ok..because I have all I truly need, wherever I am..God's plan for my life..and my family.

Full blog to follow :)

{Happy Monday}

(M)

{via ThxThxThx}

And something that really made me laugh..

And from one of my favorite sites for a good laugh...

BIKINI BOTTOM

Well, it’s a good thing you put that hoodie on, because without it you might have been a tad underdressed.

Utah

Free, Free, Free!!

(M)

David and I have recently taken to eating free meals out.  Yes, I am keenly aware neither of us pay to eat at our own houses, but we have taken a liking to pretending to be desperately poor college students.

Exhibit A:  Free "VIP" Chick-Fil-A for their new Spicy Chicken Sandwich. We scored a free sandwich, soda, french fries, and a sample of a fruit parfait.

P.S. I promise David really does have this large of a head in real life.

Exhibit B: Free Red Mango grand opening.  This time, we got a free t-shirt, chap stick, and unlimited ice cream.

Maybe this is so David can save up to buy Heather and I special treats to leave us outside of our gym class :)

And it sure is a good thing we aren't having to pay for anything.  I'd hate to have to bust out this awesome Twilight credit card to pay for my I <3 Edward/Jacob t-shirts haha.

Stillmotion Sunday

(M)
Yes. We have become slacking bloggers. Maybe it's the heat getting to us. Or maybe it's the fact that with our free time we oil up with our favorite Maui Babe suntan lotion and lay by the pool instead of curling up inside to try to catch up on blogging.  Or maybe, it's that the Bachelorette has started and Grey's Anatomy has been shipped to our house, and now even at night we have something to do.  Regardless, my addiction to stillmotion videos is not slowing down.

This one was seriously so sweet.  Although after this weekend of babysitting I'm swearing off of ever having kids, I think the idea of getting married still sounds pretty awesome, especially after watching couples like them.


jc plus esther // all 7d highlights from stillmotion on Vimeo.

Mother's Day

(H) I was told by a certain Miss. Hailey Weldon (also known as our biggest fan) that we were slacking on the blogs.  This is oh so true.  I think I've gotten to the bottom of it though.  Once you get too far behind..you feel like you need to devote a lot of time to catching back up all at once.  Well I am going to ignore that mindset and just write as I can.  As such, we will pretend this blog is not several weeks overdue.

Happy Mother's Day Mom :)  Haha.

Seriously though, we had an excellent day together, celebrating all my Mom means to our family.  I don't know what it is like for other families..but my Mom is the glue that holds us together.  Without her we would be one big blob of miscommunication.  What would I do without being e-mailed Google calendar invitations? My abs would be flabs without my Mom's use of foul language to describe one's face.  I certainly wouldn't know the proper way to pronounce Haiti, diabetes, hurricane, or battery.  I wouldn't enjoy breakfast with fabulous company. My floats on the pool would become lonley..and my cell phone destruction days would cease.  I would have to truck through hours of ER alone..and have no one to make awkward looks at when Dr. Green gets too frisky on camera.  Let's face it..life just wouldn't be life without my Mom.  I have the best one on the entire planet and I am so glad to call you not only my Mom, but one of my best friends.  I LOVE YOU!

L.o.v.e.

(H) Tonight is another night of restlessness for me.  I am lying in bed right now, contemplating love.  What is looks like..what I feel like it should be.  I am thinking about being afraid of moving..because I hate goodbyes more than anyone on the planet. I am thinking about being sad.  Sad to leave heartfelt conversations on the car ride home.  Sad to leave the sweet puppy kisses I am showered with every time I walk through the door.  Mostly, sad to know that the four people resting inside of this house right now will not always be two doors down.  So I believe it is a good time to write down all the ways I look at love.  I can read this when I am hurting in a new place.  And I can use this as a ruler for my future relationships.

Love is. Comfortable. Walking out of bed Saturday morning with a shiny face and frizzy hair.  Morning breath. Running beside someone with sweat pouring down their face and still thinking they are beautiful. Quality time.  Errands, Mountain Dew & Snickers.  Someone always willing to wait while you get your oil changed. Breakfast.  The simple pleasure of looking across the at the same beautiful brown eyes while you eat Special K cereal and discuss the rest of the days plans.  Surprises.  Walking out to your car and seeing the words “I love you this much” written on a Ziploc bag.  The way an unforeseen icee and jumbo Cookies & Cream bar can make a long night at work fade away.  Knowing that someone thinks enough about you to take the time to do the little things..all the time. Additions. Opening your heart to new people brought into the family..and being excited each time you see a tan or bronze car in the driveway.  Admiration. It is respect.  It is knowing that you could not possibly be more proud of not only the brilliant mind..but the depth of compassion second only to Jesus.  Black & White photographs and Friday night movies. Best friend.  Knowing the same person who hears every unkind word you speak also thinks you have a compassionate heart.  No matter how wrong you may be, you ALWAYS have someone in your corner.  The same person can be both your biggest critic and your biggest fan because you know they love you one hundred percent.  Fights.  An entire day can go by consisting only of glares and slamming doors.  Somehow...sitting in your seat at the table..you realize it doesn’t matter.  Years from now, you will be sitting next to the exact same person..and nothing will be the same.  Save for the four faces looking back at you.  It is at this moment in time you realize.  This is what matters.  Choosing someone who gives all of these things. Because in the end..the faces you see first thing in the morning are the ones that count.  Everything else will change..because life is not static.  People die. move. graduate. get married.  But love.. the kind of love that only God can give. Is a gift. A handcrafted treasure involving countless moments of decision. Seemingly everyday choices and pathways all leading to these specific relationships.  It is hard, even painful at times.  It is a fight.  It is laughter.  It is the desire to freeze time.  It is inside jokes.  It is hurt feelings.  It is dirty dishes and pollen filled porches.  It is pre-party frustrations and totally clear refrigerator doors.  It is everything you could ever imagine..and all you will ever need. 

Sunday Afternoons

(H) Today I enjoyed a lovely day with my Mom. We were able to finish my long awaited apron! How the ladies of the Atkinson house were able to cook without these beauties is beyond me. Maybe we will whip up a delicious meal for dinner tomorrow night..or..not. Haha :) The funny thing is, I don't really mind how little or much I am able to use my apron. If I end up having to move to Maine, I know I will pull out my gorgeous apron with the big red bow and think about the two best ladies in my life. The best thing is..forever is a long time to enjoy afternoons like today :)

mobley & me

(H) As you may recall, I met a guy named Jeff on the December trip to Haiti. He came down here to visit over spring break, so I decided to repay the favor with a trip to Ohio. Much to my surprise, the season known as "spring" actually exists somewhere. It is this period of time where the weather is actually enjoyable, and flowers bloom. I was delighted to not only experience that for the first time, but also enjoy the scenery while I was there. It is beautiful!

Our first day was spent enjoying the outdoors. I played my first game of disc golf..despite the windy day. While Jeff is a pro..I kind of was not. Let's put it this way..he is left handed..and played better with his right hand than I did. I'm sure that brought out the best in me..hahaha :)

That night, we went to a bonfire at Riverbend Park. We also spent some time star gazing. There was a large reservoir next to the hill we were on..if you closed your eyes it sounded like the ocean..at least that's what Jeff thought..haha :) The only thing missing at the campfire: Mellie, Davie, and the bullet.

Saturday was spent caving and visiting a castle. Little did we know, we were also able to enjoy roller coaster belly drops during the hour long drive. Another time I was a delight I'm sure. It was during this ride that I learned the whole world knows about "Don't tase me bro." Crazy! We finished off the evening with another lovely bonfire. I was a little bit cold..it was 60 something..haha :)

Sunday we enjoyed a great service at Jeff's church. After that, we hit the 4-wheelers and went mudding. Before and after pictures. Wow. Luckily, I was born a girl..because I would obviously make an interesting looking boy.

We were able to spend some time with Kurt & Julie during our visit. Saturday night we had a fun time seeing their new house and all the cool things around the property. Monday we brought lunch over to Mission Possible's main office and enjoyed a yummy meal with all the staff there. I can't wait until next visit when I can meet their kids!

Epcot

(M)

Last Monday David and I headed out to Orlando to spend the day at Epcot. We were so lucky to get the "Give a Day Get a Day" tickets, and used them towards buying 4 day passes to Disney. In total, we each spent $22 dollars. My sale-loving self was very excited.

Last summer, David surprised me by taking me to Disney for my birthday. Somehow he escaped from getting any pictures with Mickey and Minnie. This trip, we waited in line for an hour to get these winners. David kept claiming all the boys (aka "men") were giving each other sympathetic looks. But we all know he was secretly thrilled to be standing amidst all the screaming children with their autograph books all open and ready.

After a few hours of rides we decided to walk around to all the different countries. Who knew 94° could feel so torturous. We made many pit stops to get pictures with the different characters. David was thrilled at the opportunity to meet so many of the princesses with me. As repayment he made me stand in the heat to watch some men climb on chair towers. I was very sad I chose to wear black that day.

Leaving the park proved to be a long walk, but was well rewarded with an ice cold Prius. It's slowness was actually appreciated for once, as it meant an extra long time with the A/C on the drive to the outlet malls. I am sad to say David had not been able to shop with us before, as anyone who knows our family knows these malls are an official Atkinson Family tradition. He obviously didn't know what he was getting himself into. Shop until you drop is more literally complaining until you believe you are experiencing growing pains in your legs. Only we aren't growing anymore.

I had to take a picture from the beginning of the day for this spot. Pushing my luck to ask for one more picture after countless hours of shopping may have left me sleeping overnight in the stores. In that case, maybe I should've asked.

Alarms and Aprons

(M)

I finished up the spring semester on Tuesday afternoon, and in celebration went to :08 on Thursday night to meet up with Brittany and David. While we were there, we saw an 85 year old lady, with her 50 year old daughter. Funnily enough, they were both keeping up with the line dancing better than even I can admit to.

Yesterday, Me, Kim, Phil, David, and my parents all worked on fixing Heather's fire alarm. Who knew we'd have rather left it chirping until we moved then tackle that beast of a project. Thank God Philip has super long arms.

Much to the boy's horror, I started taking pictures while holding the ladder. Thankfully Phil didn't break any bones - now we can proudly show Heather the pictures when she gets home from Ohio.

Today, my mom and I worked on finishing up making our aprons we three girls started over Christmas break. Mine is now officially complete :)

We had to make a quick trip to Joann Fabrics. Brody really wanted to come...

You Wash, and I'll Dry

(M)

As a break from studying I got on my favorite video site. This combines all my loves in life..quotes that remind me of Heather (she washes..I dry)..people who drive Mini Coopers..photographers..talking in real life like a blog/Nicholas Sparks book..golden retrievers..and fantastically clear HD videos to kill time.

"I see love because I have known love. I have been love. Quietly and fearlessly and without question. In the moments when it was most uncertain. In the times when it was undeserved. I believe in love. With my whole heart I believe in love because I was first loved and have loved in return." --> That quote totally made me think of Heather/Jesus. Weird comparison, I know, but definitely true. I LOVE YOU HEATHER :)

a photographer promo // meet justin + mary from stillmotion on Vimeo.

Lakehouse

(H) Today was a red letter day. Why, you might ask. Hailey and I had the same day off! We celebrated by packing up and heading to the lake for the day. Other than a near run in with a killer bee, we had a blast :) Next time though, Joy will be joining us!

Stranded at Sea

(H&M)

Saturday the Kimster and the fab 5 set off to Cedar Key to go jet skiing. This is probably our 6th time out there, and we love it! Unfortunately, we forgot the battery problems we had over spring break. Mom volunteered to make the drive to Chiefland, because the battery we needed was sold out in Gainesville. Go figure. The rest of us went straight there to get things ready. Upon arrival, my Dad went to work..and Mellie called Davie. Little did we know what disastrous consequences that would have.

Phil & Kim & I went out first. We figured it wouldn't be more then half an hour or so before everyone else joined us. We saw dolphins on the way out, and each enjoyed a turn driving. After an hour or so, we decided it would be fun to set up camp at our usual island. Wrong. Mellie forgot to put an anchor in the ski.

Aka. We were stranded and my camera was all we had to entertain ourselves.

Irony at its finest: our jet skii was filling with water. Which meant Kim jumping around flipped us over. As we were going down, Phil and I jumped ship..while Kim stayed nice and dry. We were so thrilled. Haha :)

Everyone finally made it to the island for lunch. My bestest love and I had to document the moment <3

The Great Turtle Release

(H) Yesterday, Phil & Kim & I took a trip to Hogtown Creek. Sadly, we were releasing my turtle into the great beyond. Mainly because Petey's bowl made my bathroom smell disgusting...aka...my family now says Petey paid a visit to their bathroom if it smells. Hahaha.

So we loaded up the Solo cup and hit the road.

On the way there we passed a naked runner. Mind you it was overcast and breezy yesterday.

After a long hike, we made it to Petey's new digs. Luckily, there was a turtle already there. Hopefully they will become fast friends.

Kim snapped a picture of me and the little guy before we hit the road. I'm going to miss you..you stinky little biz :)

Even the Easter Bunny Shops at Coach

(H&M)

We rang in the Easter season by David and I making cupcakes with my mom. Heather wants to state she was at work, but we all know she doesn't really do anything ;)

After church Sunday morning, we picked up Nana and enjoyed Easter lunch as a family.

A tradition that will never get old - egg hunts!!!

Our mom started a new tradition this year - water hunt. This was a very cold experience as we like the pool around 89 degrees. They loaded the pool with floating eggs with numbers corresponding to prize bags. The bags had gift cards, food, and other knick-knacks. Phil certainly got the short end of the stick with cotton balls, mints, and cashews HAHA.

We topped off a perfect day with our Easter baskets. This year we turned off all the lights and had to search with flashlights. The golden egg this year was our Coach camera cases. We think our pictures will be even better now :)