My handsome blue eyed boy...uhmm I mean man.

I haven't written in a while so I thought I'd blog about my fiancé'.

Once upon a time, I met this boy with gorgeous blue eyes who changed my life forever....
He was smart and cooky (yes cooky, like funny/strange/weird) all of the things that make up my wonderful personality.

(This pretty much sums us up)

Oh, and he was sarcastic, which is a must, because I'm 98% sarcastic and 2% just plain awkward! Did I mention he had super gorgeous blue eyes, which I've always asked God for in my dream man!! (I'm sure I've already mention those eyes). Any who....I think it was love at first sight. But not like the 'love at first sight' that everyone talks about. Not the magical, "Oh I know I'm going to marry him, love". It was  a, "Oh, I love this boy, because he's super cool, and he's interested in what I'm interested in, and he has gorgeous blue eyes!" (Sometimes they're a deep ocean blueish/green color, but no joke, when the sun is out and there's a crystal clear blue sky, so are his eyes)

(Oh man look at those eyes! Hot, I know right)

Kinda like a love you have for your friends, but I knew that this boy was special...

(probably in more than one way, but so am I)

(And this is why we make a great team!)

I remember some memories more than others, I remember the first time I wanted to kiss him. I had him pinned to the floor at a friends apartment (we had been wrestling). I remember our first kiss. I remember what Corey calls our first date. He took me to a tattoo parlor because corey claims he wanted his name in chinese on his shoulder blade. (We don't have tattoos, our parents would kill us. Not that there's anything wrong with tattoos. I don't want the tattoo band wagon to jump down my throat!) I guess Corey is a hard word to figure out in the chinese language because it took forever, so we finally gave up and left. He then took me to Micky D's. (I wouldn't really call it a date, it definitely wasn't romantic) However, I don't think you would put us in the romantic category. 

We wrestle, and play tricks on each other. We're sarcastically mean to each other. We play fight. We try to embarrass each other.

(Like this next picture of Corey, where I baked him a cake and bought him a birthday crown and pin)

(It was the first birthday I spent with him)

(How cute, huh?)

I guess we aren't your average couple, and I am perfectly fine with that. I feel that our relationship would be totally fake, if we pretended to always be nice to each other. 

Well the years have past, we been together for almost 3 years. And it's been a train wreck, oh I mean a joy ride! :) I love him with all my heart, and wouldn't/couldn't imagine spending it with anyone else. He is a hard worker, a great producer, he's kind, he's patient (all of the things I need to work on), and the best part is.....sometimes I catch him looking at me like he did when we'd stare at each other in that small Buc Sports radio room. I cannot wait for him to be mine forever!! God has truly blessed me with my wonderful blue eyed boy!! (uhmm I mean man)

 (One of the first pictures my mom saw of Corey, I remember her making some comment like, "Oh he looks special", or "What's wrong with his face?" bhahaha)

 (I know, GROSS, kissing picture. But this is one of my favorites)

(This is also another favorite, Cor's wearing blue and those eyes...shooo!!)

 (We went to one of Powell Valley's vs. Appalachia's last football games.)

 (One of the first times and last times I cut Corey's hair. After this picture was taken, the battery ran out in the razor.)

(Our first Halloween Costumes)

 (New memories shared in Abingdon) 

 (Unless you want to experience real life road rage, never play Mario Kart with Cor and me. It gets pretty intense)

(And drum roll please, the best day of my life...well after I found out that I graduated college because I HATED college.....but the proposal was perfect. I couldn't have ask for a better day)

Even though somedays we barely get to see each other because of our crazy schedules, we always seem to find time. He is my soul mate, and my forever. I love you so much Corey Michael-Scott Presley (yes, that really is his name). You make me super happy and I'm so blessed to have you in my life!! 

Here's to many more years to come!!

Love Always,

Callie Marie

(the grammatical errors are to be over looked, I never claimed to be a great writer, I only claimed to love this boy with all my heart)

Blessings!

I've really been worried about a lot of things lately: money mostly, but other life changing (grown up) challenges. I was getting pretty antsy and moody about all of it. Stressing out about Christmas presents, worrying about turning on my heat because it would raise my bill, trying to get my car fixed 3 times in one week. It was over whelming.

Side note: I have been looking for a church to go to, but I don't really like to walk in to a random church because of the awkward feeling I get. My mom suggested last week that I try the church across from my apartments because they have a contemporary service (which are my favorite). And it started at 9:30 so, it would be easier for me to go because of my work schedule. I went today. And the experience was surprisingly great!

But the reason I write this blog is that today, I have felt an over whelming peace about all my worries. The reason behind this, is that the lesson today at this church was, God blesses us every single day with anything and everything that we need, but most of the time we fail to give back, not only to God but those who need it the most. WOW! And I say 'wow' because all along I was complaining about these money issues and other life problems, but when I really think about it..... God has blessed me first of all with parents who are willing to help me through these problems, he has blessed me in the past two weeks with a new/used car, he has blessed me with a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, an amazing job, a wonderful fiancé, a loving family, the chance to worship him at a new church (and not feel awkward the whole time), God has blessed me with all this and I haven't once said Thank you. I haven't once given back to him, I haven't thought about helping someone else out. I've only thought about myself. (Wow, how selfish, what an Idiot!)

Yeah, I might think I'm an idiot. But God in all of his glory and grace, loves me anyway. And he loves to bless me because, ya know what, he's God and these blessings are his gift to me. And I should love him enough to give back to him and others. To not complain, to be thankful.

The other great part is God doesn't expect us to fork over 10,000 dollars in return for all of his amazing gifts. (because honestly I'd be broke). The blessings we give back could be anything. Listening to a friend, giving someone a ride, helping out at a homeless shelter, and the list goes on and on...because blessing others is giving back to God.


Matthew 25: 34-40

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

So, today I say thank you God, for your many blessings. Thank you that you provide everything that I need. 

I really hope this helps someone, or just encourages you this week. (And if it doesn't make sense, AWKWARD) 

God is good!

"Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from you!" -Psalm 62:5

Love,

Callie Marie.

I am thankful for....

I woke up this morning, to discover that November 1st has come, and that many of my Facebook friends are starting the, "Today I'm am thankful for" statuses. 

I have so much to be thankful for already. This year has come with many changes and new experiences. For one, I am engaged. It's a scary, yet exciting time in my life. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful fiancé who loves me unconditionally and has supported me through all of this. I'm also thankful for Corey's family. I love them so much! 

There are so many other people that I am thankful for. My two very cute and amazing nephews. My wonderful little family. They support me, lift me up, pray for me on a daily basis, give me advice, and basically just love me. My best friends. I only have a few, but they are amazing. They listen to my corny jokes, put up with my silly side (I'm not sure why, I'm awfully crazy), and most of them have been through everything with me! (bad breakups, bad haircuts, bad college grades, awkward moments, secrets, and lot and lots of memories) I couldn't live with out them. 

I'm also thankful for my second family. The people that I've grown up with my whole life. The parents are like aunts and uncles, and their sons and daughters are more like sisters and brothers. We've gone on vacation together, celebrated weddings and baby showers together. We're always laughing, and cracking jokes. 

I'm thankful for those certain people who came into my life but had to leave for certain reasons. Two in particular would be my pastor Ken Sprinkle and his wife Teresa Sprinkle. I miss them very much. They were always super loving and supportive, they still are. And even though we communicate through Facebook, I'm super sad that I don't get to see them as often. 

But the person I should be thanking is my Jesus. He is the reason I have all these amazing people in my life. Without him, my life would be in shambles. He has given me so many opportunities and so many blessings! He is the reason I wake up in the morning! I often find myself complaining  about small life problems, they might seem big, but so often I forget that God is in control. So, thank you God for blessing me with amazing people! 

Oh and don't worry I will be posting statuses daily on "What I am thankful for today", but I just had to write a blog! 

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - Psalm 62:5

Love,

Callie Marie.

The full extent...

Saturday, we had engagement pictures. I wrote a short blog yesterday, but I need to write about the full extent of the day. (It's for my benefit, so roll your eyes all ya want! You don't have to read it)

I woke up super nervous, I had been for a couple days. (Rewind to a week before) I was scrambling to find an outfit. I had gone shopping with a couple of girls from work and found this beautiful mustard colored dress. But after trying it on about a million times later, I decided it just wasn't me. I'm planning on taking it back tomorrow, I'm pretty sure I'll never wear it! Anyway, I started pulling things out of my closest, and then it clicked. My black pencil skirt (high wasted because I love the way it hides the little chubby part of my stomach), a white blouse, and this beautiful mustard cardigan I found at target! Okay, so we had the two outfits. (Yes, details are important in my blogs, I forget things easily and I want to remember my year of wedding planning.)

I had made a hair appointment and a makeup appointment, but before that I woke up early and headed to Big Stone. My mom had graciously allowed us to borrow a quilt that belonged to my mamaw. Then I drove back to JC and proceeded to get my hair done and then to makeup. Now, this is when my awkward alter ego showed up. I know this because, when I'm around people I know, I'm loud and crazy and sarcastic, and mean. I walk in to get my makeup done, the girl doing my makeup was 19 years old and let me just say that her confidence level surpassed mine by like 200%. I was stuttering, and blabbering. I told her I was super nervous. The other awkward part about the makeup, was that while the 19 year old girl was doing my makeup, another lady working (who was the age of a walmart greeter), stood behind her the whole time making tiny remarks and being super annoying! She would walk back and forth, from helping customers, to trying to figure out how to work the credit card machine, to walking back over to me (giving me this creepy smile, I was waiting for her to hand me a yellow smiley face sticker). Anyway, I finally got done with makeup, it looked pretty dark to me, but my pictures look amazing, so nothing to complain about.

I get back to Corey's, I change into the first outfit and we head to meet our photographers. My nerves still shot, and corey wanting to shoot me because of it. "Do I look pretty?"...."Yes baby!"...."Are you sure, like prettier than normal?"...."Yes, not that you're not pretty all the time, but it's just....ugh, never mind!" (And then we sang awkward songs)

Now back up. We picked two places to take pictures, Buffalo Mountain and ETSU. Two of our most favorite places. Each one filled with memories. We used to go to Buffalo a lot during college. Hiking with friends or just the two of us. We once saw a bear up close and personal, and a creepy man who ask us to join him on his hike (we said no, I'm not sure we'd be here today if we'd said yes). I'm so glad we both like the outdoors. And then there's ETSU. The place that we met. The place where we had our first kiss. The place that Corey ask me to marry him! Two perfect places to take perfect pictures.

Now, this is where I get to brag. I did in the last blog, but it needs to be reiterated. Our photographers, well they couldn't be any more wonderful. Oh, and did I mention that I can't stop looking at our pictures. They are absolutely (there's that dang word again) amazing!! I had seen a lot of people on my Facebook talk about how well they took pictures, and I knew after looking through some of them, that I wanted them as my photographers. The photo session wasn't awkward at all (well, except for the smiling and kissing constantly), Kayla and Andy were super helpful in the whole "put your hands like this, hug his arm, lean your head on his shoulder". My favorite..Kayla, "okay now Corey you put your foot in her ear". They seriously had us laughing the whole time. I would recommend them to anyone, for any occasion!

The weather was perfect. At first, I was hoping for a gorgeous day, where we could have maybe had the setting sun shining though the trees. (This is my attempt at sounding artsy). But the fog looked amazing on the mountain and the color of leaves were gorgeous! Thank you God, for answering my prayer about no rain!

We only had one almost tragedy. I couldn't find a building at ETSU to change into the second outfit. But, one of our wonderful friends, who works in one of the dorms, let me in to change. Ahh, she's wonderful!!

The day was wonderful. I had the love of my life, who helped build my confidence back up. He helped to make me laugh, relax and have fun! (p.s. I can't wait to see the pictures of us in our nerdy glasses, Cor was a trooper, wearing those glasses like a pro) And we had two talented photographers capturing every second. I couldn't have ask for anything more.

And that was pretty much my day in the full extent.

(the misuse of grammar, and or spelling, is to be looked over, and forgotten about. I tend to make a lot of mistakes when writing. Thanks)

The End.
"Find rest, Oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him."

Peace, love and awkward moments.

    One of our gorgeous pictures, taken by Andrew and Erin Photography.

  https://www.facebook.com/andrewerinphoto

  www.andrewerinphoto.com

Engagement Session!

So....we had an engagement session today!

Let me just say that I was super nervous, as most of you know I'm super awkward, especially with things that I'm not used to doing or people I haven't been around very often.

BUT....it was amazing. Our photographers, Andy and Kayla were BALLIN'! :) They made it fun and easy. And the weather, well there's only one person to thank for that! Thank you God!! (No rain, just a little fog) The leaves were just the right shade of fall, and I had my wonderful fiancé' with me!! (my better half)

The first stop we made was at Buffalo Mountain. Cor and I used to hike up there all the time during college! It's was absolutely gorgeous! (I'm sorry but the word 'absolutely' seems to be the only thing in my dictionary today) The mountain was foggy, but pretty! We also traveled to ETSU. So many awesome memories there! Aww it was such a great day! I will have to say, my favorite part was wearing my 'New Girl' glasses and playing in the leaves with Cor! (Oh, I also made him wear a pair of nerdy glasses)

The pictures are fabulous. I would recommend Kayla and Andy to anyone! They have wonderful personalities, and they kept us laughing the whole time! Seriously, their pictures are stunning, we couldn't have ask for two better people!! www.andrewerinphoto.com (<---check it out)

So it was a wonderful day!! And I would write more, but I'm starving!!

Here's to a great day, with great people, and absolutely beautiful pictures!!

Yay!

The true meaning of being selfish!

I'm writing this blog because frankly I'm pissed off at people who definitely don't deserve a harsh comment on Facebook. 1) because if they've already made their mind up, they aren't going to care. And 2) because writing a blog lets me write a lot more than a comment on Facebook.

Politics, I hate them. I know who I'm voting for, but it's for me to know and not flaunt on Facebook, or any other social media site, for people to either agree or gawk at.

The subject that has really angered me a lot though, through people on my Facebook is the 'Coal' issue.

Let me begin by saying, several of my uncles, my papaw, and my dad have all worked in the coal industry. I am also from a small town where coal mining is one of the few jobs we have.

Now here's where this problem get interesting. A lot of people who are uneducated about coal mining claim that it ruins the land and that they are poisoning the water. If you look closer, you'll learn that even before they set up 'shop', they have studied the land, the water, the soil, the wildlife....way before they get a permit. And as for the water pollution problem, they have found ways to improve this  through technology. Look it up for yourself, this isn't the real issue.

The issue at hand, that most people like to shove under the rug, coal mining whether you agree or disagree with it, this is a JOB!! People work long, hard hours either working underground, supervising, or working in an office to provide for their families. (Like most working Americans) It seriously makes me angry to see people write Facebook posts about how they don't give a crap about several thousand people losing their JOBS, because coal miners "work in a place where they're polluting our waters and hurting the land." Must I point out that we have several factories shooting out polluting gases and people who work for logging companies cutting down trees. (OH, But we need paper and we need these products that these factories are producing) Well guess what we need coal and those people that lost their jobs, they need their jobs. Please tell me what other job a man who has worked in the coals mines for 20 plus years is supposed to apply for in a small community where the job market is slim, and this is what he has grown up with all his life? And if you say, oh well he should go get an education, then please tell me where the money is going to come from? He doesn't have a job anymore, so he can't pay for college, because someone decided that his JOB wasn't that important anymore.

A job is a job, no matter what you do. You're creating an income for you and your family. And as for being 'selfish' as some may call it. Well in theory, you're being selfish. You're pointing a finger in someones face, telling them how horrible their job is, and how you don't think they should have it, because to you it's hurting our 'precious' environment. You're not even considering this a job. How selfish is that, not thinking of others, but your 'politically correct' friends.

 Well guess what, coal mining has been around a lot longer than you, and without it, you wouldn't be able to turn on a light and you definitely wouldn't be able to power up your laptop so you can write a disgusting  comment on how you don't care about people losing their jobs.

Here's an idea, for all of those opposed of coal mining. Go out and buy yourself a couple of solar panels and we'll keep the coal to ourselves. That would be selfish, but hey if you don't like coal, then don't use it.

God is good.

I feel so blessed with my life right now. I have a wedding in the near future, a wonderful fiancé' who loves me, amazing friends who always support me and lift me up, and in all this I have to give credit to my maker. God has truly blessed me these past few months, I fail him everyday, but he still continues to help out and give me my heart's desire.

As some of you know, my dream is to become a director. For about a month now, I have been waking up at 4am on the weekends to get ready and be at WCYB by 6am, to watch and practice directing. Let me point out that I am in no way a morning person. I hate waking up early, I'm very grumpy and impatient and so very tired. But God, who knows this about me, has given me enough energy to get up and get ready (a long hot shower and coffee doesn't hurt in this routine either!) It's also a very humbling process, realizing that you know very little and working very hard to reach this goal. I pay attention, ask lots and lots of questions, I'm sure I drive the director (patrick) insane, but he's always very patient. I also work with a couple of my classmates, one of them a very close friend (woody) is always cheering me on. He is great at making me feel better. So, yesterday I directed my first morning show weather, it went very well and this morning I directed the weather again. The only mistake was I pushed the wrong button to roll the tease bump, and a still frame was placed in program. I also direct recorded updates, I sometimes have problems with these but this morning, they were flawless. Thank you God, because he deserves all the credit!!

 I could not ask for a better life right now. The wedding planning is going great. We have a venue, a photographer, a videographer, we're still working on a caterer. I have a florist, a wedding planner, my dress, the perfect man to be my husband, and a God who will never forsake us. Isn't that great?

I constantly have to remind myself that even though I struggle, I am never alone, and I also don't have that bad of a life. I watch the news 24-7 it seems, 5 times a day when I work, and it breaks my heart (yes I have one) to see what some people have to go through.

Okay, now I'm going to take a nap, because even though I wake up early to go in for the morning show, I have to be back at work by 4:45pm to do the night shift, but tomorrow is my weekend.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.
-Psalm 100:5

Be blessed today
Much Love,
Callie Marie.

They're going to put me in the movies.

I am truly blessed to know so many people who are extremely talented in broadcasting. I remember going to ETSU not knowing what I wanted to do, got hooked into the broadcasting side, and fell in love. I met so many people and graduated with a slew of them who already had a career set up!! I chose    news, others chose film/videography, and still others chose radio, each one of them very talented!! Graduation day was such a sad, yet very exciting part of my life. On one hand, I hated school in general, passing classes with a C (well except for my broadcasting classes) was good enough for me. I hated waking up early, and for most of my college career, up until the very last year, I mostly wore sweats to class. (Classy I know)  College just wasn't the life for me. But on the other hand, when I woke up at 8 o'clock on a friday morning to go to a Buc tv news cast, I didn't mind getting up early. I loved walking in and seeing all of my friends who I'd grown to love and even give the occasional hug to. (For those of you who know me, I am not a hugging person). Broadcasting classes and extra activities that included such, were the highlight of my college career. And the people I came to know through these classes and activities, well to be honest I miss them very much. It's like when you're in high school (well it was like this for me anyway), you don't really fit in anywhere, you're really dorky, you're wild and crazy, but you know that there's that one group who will except you for who you are, they love you no matter what, and they're crazy too, so it doesn't matter.....that's when you know, they'll be lifetime friends. I am extremely blessed to have these people in my life.

I had been thinking about getting a videographer for my wedding. And only one person came to mind. My friend Ian, or my favorite TD (technical director) as I like to call him.

He was always making hilarious shorts in school. I mean like roll in the floor hilarious. I didn't get to see him a lot though as college started to come to a stop for us, but when I did, he gave the best hugs. I knew that he was going to be one outstanding dude. So now, after graduation he has put together a production company called An IanDrew Project. Him and another guy put together these really amazing montage videos, very creative and artsy. I could watch them all day! So, I decided to ask him if he would video our wedding. He accepted, I think he's still trying to work out a couple of kinks, but I am super excited that he agreed!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/IanDrewProject/231236230250283

(You'll have to copy and past)

This is a link to their Facebook page, they only have a couple videos up, but their Happy 4th and Smile for Nicaragua are amazing!! I really hope this works out!

Thank you God for talented friends.

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." Psalms 62:5

All things Fall.

So today I go into target to buy a couple of things I need, mostly a box of tampons. :) I also purchase a beautiful mustard color coffee mug, a box of rice Krispy treats, and a really cute thomas the train hoodie for Kade (I can't resist, he's my best buddy). As I'm leaving though, the Starbucks sign catches my eye. I begin to get really giddy inside because it's that time a year again, the time for the pumpkin spice latte. I order a tall and step outside into the cool fall air and take a sip.

That one sip brings back all the reason I love fall. Mostly because I feel God does his best art work in the fall. The leaves are always so pretty, and the air is always perfect. My body loves the fact that I get to add more layers of clothes, wrap scarfs around my neck, and slip boots onto my feet. It's definitely the best time of the year. I would trade fall for any special holiday.

Fall also reminds me of my grandparents. I try not to reminisce a lot about these memories. I loved walking in the woods with my granny and granddad. The old swing that hung between to large trees, that we spent so much time swinging on. The pile of leaves in the back yard that we used to jump in. I can hear my granny laughing, it was so contagious. It seems like such a long time ago. I miss them so much.

I remember band festivals, those are great memories, fall festivals, period. All the great food from caramel apples, to funnel cakes, to chicken on a stick, yum!! The special smell in the air. The leaves crunching under our feet. Home craft fair days is another favorite for fall memories. Walking by booths of homemade crafts, my best friend, Mandy and I used to buy barbie clothes there.

It's also a great time of the year for all things warm/hot. Coffee, bon fires, hot chocolate (I'm not big on apple cider), cuddling under blankets, and watching the stars cuddled up beside the person you love.

Which brings me to the conclusion. I couldn't think of a better reason to get married in the fall, with all these wonderful memories, to add on that I got married at my favorite time of the year, just makes me even more excited.

Some people always give me the 'Why aren't you getting married in your church?' question when I tell them I'm getting married outside. And this is why, because it's beautiful in the Fall. I believe with all my heart that God loves me anyway, even if I don't get married in a church. I feel it's a little insulting for me to get married inside, when God has created all these beautiful colors as my back drop for my wedding. I think he understands and is perfectly okay with it. He loves me no matter what, anyway! I cannot wait to get married to the man of my dreams and on September the 28th, 2012, it will be one year until I am Mrs. Presley!!! This alone makes me smile, but knowing that I get to walk down the isle when the leaves are just the right shade of yellow, red, and orange, knowing that all of the good memories I have happen in the fall, and believing with all my heart that God has given me someone to love me forever, well that just takes the cake. I couldn't be anymore blessed!!

So thank you God for fall. You're the best!! Thank you for pumpkin spice lattes, and for the cool crisp fall air. Thank you for always blessing me, and most of all thank you for sending Corey my way. I'm one blessed out of my mind lady!!

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - Psalms 62:5

Love always,
Callie Marie.

Who knew a love for one person could be so great..

Let's discuss today agenda.

Corey has been having chest pains for over a day and half. I was really worried about him, and told him several times that he needed to go to the doctor. But if you know Cor, he's stubborn. He kept pushing it off. Yesterday, he went into work with his chest still hurting and worked late into the night, to cover a top story. He looked plum worn out at the end of the night, and was still complaining about the pain. Today, I told him that if he didn't go to the doctor I would be super angry. He worries me so much when I know he's sick because he never complains. So, early this morning one of our really good friends Joshua (who is also Corey's best man) took him to Bristol Medical. I had to go to work. (Like a horrible fiancé'). When I got to work, a co-worker told me to just go on to the hospital since it was only 5 minutes away, so I did. This is when it gets rough for me.

I never knew I could love somebody so much besides family. Corey is my rock, the person I go to when everything else has failed. And for him to be sick, it just about kills me. I walk into the ER, he's laying on one of those twin size cots or whatever, and I just about loose it. I hate hospitals for several reasons, but when someone who has your entire heart, who you love and couldn't imagine what you would do without them, is laying in the ER, well it just freaked me out. They did a couple test, took some blood, and pronounced that they couldn't find anything wrong, and sent him home. I've never prayed so hard in my life.

I'm pretty sure it's stress, that or he pulled a muscle, but mostly stress. He works so hard, and he's kind of a perfectionist.

I love him so much. I seriously don't know what I'd do without him. I thank God tonight, that he answers prayers, that it was nothing serious. I told him last night in the parking lot that I need him forever, and I do. He makes me laugh when I've had a bad day, fixes me supper, talks to me when I'm upset, he actually listens to about anything I say, and he loves me through everything. My life is complete with him in it. I cannot wait for him to be my husband. I love him with my whole body and soul.

Thank you God for your never ending love and mercies. Thank you for touching my fiancé'. Thank you for just being awesome and sending me someone who can put up with me. (I know its rough)

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." Psalms 62:5

Love always,
Callie Marie

More Wedding Planning (Interesting Developments)

The Himalayan Brown Bear is a close relative to the Brown Bear. However, said Himalayan Brown Bear is speculated to be linked to the legendary Yeti species.

(An arial shot of a Himalayan Brown Bear as it searches for a hibernation den to beat a grueling winter)

Now on to some basic information on the Himalayan Brown Bear...

The Himalayan Brown Bear exhibits what some call "Sexual Dimorphism".  Now this mean male and female Himalayan Brown Bears have different attributes and physical traits.  Male Himalayan Brown Bears range from 4 ft.11 inches- 7 feet tall!  Females range from 4 foot 6 inches - 6 feet tall! WOW! That is totes a large specimen.

(The Himalayan Brown Bear hears a loud sound causing concern)

Now you are probably asking yourself what place on earth could hold such a fine specimen.  Well since you asked... India, Pakistan, and TIbet.  They used to be found in Bhutan but have since been named extinct in said area.


(A mother entertains her young between feeding times)

Now lets say you go to one of the said areas to see the Himalayan Brown Bear but yet you do not find one in the greater area.  Well that is probably because you are in said area around October through April, when they hibernate.  Comeback after April and you will see this majestic creature in all of its glory.

(The Himalayan Brown Bear stands tall on a mountain)

Now the Himalayan Brown Bear is an omnivore usually feeding on roots, grasses and other plants of that nature.  HOWEVER, they have been known to feed on larger mammals, specifically goats and sheep.
* Side note adult Himalayan Brown Bears typically feed before sunrise and later in the afternoon.  So if you want to approach one, which I strongly DO NOT recommend,  then approach one around noon (please use immense caution).

(What a majestic specimen)

Scientists and other people think the Himalayan Brown Bear is linked to the Yeti.  They are wrong.  It is not.

They are endangered and International Trade is prohibited by the Wildlife Protection Act in Pakistan.

The Himalayan Brown Bear is an interesting creature and is vastly different from its opposite sex. Corey and Callie are like said Himalayan Brown Bear as they are different yet found a pure, conditional, unadulterated love for one another.  Totes perf if you will.

     

(Two Himalayan Brown Bears express love for one another)

At this point you have probably read this with all intentions of a status report of planning for the September matrimony ceremony between Corey and Callie and now are probably tiffed because rather than updates you have been educated on such an interesting specimen such as the Himalyan Brown Bear.  Sorry... my b.

(A Himalayan Brown Bear in hot pursuit of a mammal such as a goat or sheep)

(Bill Cosby, Himalayan Brown Bear enthusiast) 

Photography, Check!

Today has been a great day.

Today we chose our photographers and I am super happy with our choice. We met Kayla at the starbucks in Johnson City. I was super nervous because meeting new people isn't my cup of tea, but she was so nice.

I had ask around Facebook about photographers and a lot of people had recommended Andrew & Erin photography. I really wanted someone who was artsy. I wanted two people who were super...we take a special moment to hear a word from one of the groomsmen..Matthew Lipsius.

I like turtles.

And now back to the blog...as I was saying, I wanted two people who were super talented and knew what they were doing. So, I took an adventure to Andrew and Erin's Facebook page, and loved their work. I would recommend them to anyone and they haven't even taken any of our pictures, but I am super excited for some engagement pictures.

So now we have our venue, my dress, our florist, our photographers... we still need the caterer which we're trying to work out right now. This wedding thing is coming together nicely if I do say so myself.

One of my friends from work who is getting married next year just went...

Me: What do you call it when you shop for your wedding shower?
Matthew: Shower shopping? showering?....

okay he's no help and my mind is blank, but you get the idea. She said it was so much fun, and I think that's what Corey is the most excited about. Of course, I think I've already written this before, but Corey thinks that someone is going to buy us a boat, so he wants to register at Bass Pro Shop. *roll eyes*

Oh yeah, it's called registering, oh goodness, it's super late. I'm dumb.

I'm so glad that today was a successful wedding day. I'm am so blessed to have a loving fiancé' who calms my nerves, and puts up with all my crazy antics. And for all the amazing people in my life, who are helping out in this wedding process.

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - Psalms 62:5

Love always,
Callie Marie

The memories.

I can't sleep. Tomorrow is going to be such a hard day for all of us. In all seriousness it feels like a dream, like it didn't happen, like I'll wake up tomorrow and I'll see my cousin again.

I cannot believe this happened.

All I know is that I have to let God take control. I have to lean on him.

I was thinking earlier about how working at a tv station puts a wall up in front of life in general. What I mean is, we run stories everyday about people dying, people getting in car accidents, people being shot, and we never think twice about it. It's news, it's what makes a show better. We never think about the families and what they must be going through. But when something like this happens to your family, it stops you dead in your tracks. Your whole life falls apart.

At this point I'm just rambling, because I can't cry anymore. And writing has always helped me to express what I cannot say out loud.

I loved my cousin. He was an amazing person, even though he liked to give me a hard time.
I'll always remember him telling me that at the bottom of the West Virginia lake there were giant man eating catfish, up until that day I loved going to the lake with my Aunt and Uncle. Now whenever I get in the water, I think of those man eating catfish, and stay as far away from the shore as possible, and I never let my legs sink too far down. He would laugh so hard knowing this.

I also remember him telling me about his many adventures of swimming underneath a duck and pulling it under water. I've always wanted to try this, but I'm pretty sure he was lying, there's no way a duck wouldn't know you were underneath it.

When I was younger, he worked as a tour guide at one of the rafting companies in WVa. Of course I wanted to go. I remember everything but riding down stream. My mom told me tonight, that I got mad at him because he took me down the smaller rapids. And of course he started picking on me saying, "When you're ready for the bigger rapids, I'll take you on them!"

I love and miss you jimmy!


"I know that I still love you God, despite the agony. He loves us, oh how he loves us!"

Continue to pray. I know that God's got this. He will always love and protect. Always give peace and hope. And as always I leave you with a scripture that always gives me peace of mind....

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him" Psalms 62:5

Callie Marie

In Loving Memory...

People always ask me why I take so many pictures and I've finally found an answer.
It's for capturing the moment, to savor the good times, to enjoy the memories of looking at them later.

 On Saturday night, we lost a very special person, my cousin, Jimmy Lawson.  And as I look back on the pictures of a recent get together, I'm thankful for the pictures I was able to capture.

He was a great person. Giving my sister and I a hard time, every time he was around. He would wrestle us in the floor, poke at us, but what I remember most was that he always enjoyed the company of his family.

He would always ask about me, always want me to come down and see him. He even told me when I was looking for colleges, that I could just move in with him and go to a college in WVa.

The last time I saw him, he met Corey. And as always he had to give him a hard time too, telling him something like, "if you hurt her, I'll hurt you." And then he told us to come see him.

Which we didn't get around to, which I hate. We always forget how short life can be sometimes.

I know this blog doesn't do justice to who my cousin was, but I wanted to write something. He left behind a wife and two beautiful children.

 I'm asking that you say a prayer for my mom's family. Pray that God will just wrap them in his arms.

I love family, I think they are the most important part of life. And it's rather sad that we get separated and don't make time for the ones we love.

I know that God is in control and that my cousin is with Jesus, but this is still very hard for me.

Please continue to pray.

"Find rest oh my soul, in God alone. My hope comes from him." - Psalms 62:5

Callie Marie.

Happy Birthday Kade Allen.

I'm going to take a second out of talking about wedding planning and instead write on a different subject entirely.

Three years ago today, my sister gave birth to a beautiful blue eyed baby. She named him Kade.

  Ever since that day, I have been wrapped around his little finger. 

Kade Allen Bowba (as he calls himself) is the most amazing little boy in the world, well to me anyway.  God truly blessed us with this little baby. I've loved watching him grow and grow. It's really cool how God placed that special space in my heart for Kade. I love him so much, it's rather kinda strange. 

I've always loved kids. Actually before I became a broadcaster, I wanted to become a 1st grade teacher.  I found them to be the most creative, funniest, and loving human beings. 

And then Kade came along. 

Look at those gorgeous blue eyes, and that was it, I was super in love. He completes my little heart. And not that he's older, I like to talk to him on the phone. "Hi Ci Ci!"

I love that little voice. 

So Anyway, Today is Kade's 3rd Birthday. 

He's getting so big!

And I wanted to write a blog about my love for him, and how much one little boy has changed me forever. 

Here's to you Kade...with many more memories to come!

Happy Birthday wittle baby!

I love you forever and always...and to the moon and back of course!

Love,

Aunt Ci Ci