Wrigley and Ruby

This picture just kills me. I was digging through some old picture albums on my laptop and ran across this, probably when Wrigs was only 2 years old. The pink animal (Yes totally suckered into it from the adorable Pets Smart commercial) named Ruby is her best friend. We have been through two Ruby's (one light pink, one dark). Now Wrigley even has a HUGE blue Ruby that stays in her bed. I often find her laying her little head on her animals, and it is just so sweet.

For anyone entertaining the idea of a new small pup, I couldn't say enough wonderful things about Schnauzers (oh except she might have a TINY issue with babies, but I sort of think it's a jealousy problem more than a dislike, or I like to think that anyways).

As much time that I take out of my day to take care of this little girl (known around the park as Sissy or Sister, her two of many nicknames I have), I couldn't really ask for a more consistent and sweet being to welcome me home each day with the most intense happiness. Matt recently taught her to lick or kiss, and though I don't bend down to let her kiss me (hands and arms are always FULL of laptops, purses, gym bags, lunch bags, shopping bags...), she sort of sticks her tongue out a bit, and it's just hilarious.

Okay, no reason for this post, just love that girl, can't wait to get her a friend (and have a backyard again!!).

Music and Home, go hand in hand

Two cool projects that I came across this week that I have been itching to share-

First, on AETN there was a special called Playing For Change, where a producer traveled for 10 years recording street musicians singing, playing, drumming, tapping along to the same songs. Mark Johnson, the founder, then connects all the recordings together to get this "we are the world" affect, with a lot of different musical sounds and voices. I think what struck me the most was the immense talent of these musicians. Some students, street performers, all ranges of social backgrounds, and all incredibly talented. They held so much passion for music, and I was sucked in to the show wanting more and more. It seems like I'll have to order the CD online. You can enjoy some of the videos on YouTube follow this to see Stand By Me.




The second project is about home. A collection of the visuals and meanings behind a simple word, that evokes a vast array of emotions. At first, when I was reading through all the submissions, I was thinking about what my contribution would be. What is "home" to me? Is it people, or conversations, or a place? For me, the word home is comfort and love, but the place changes. Since my parents are no longer in the house where I grew up, I don't associate the word with a place as much as I do the people that I love. The mental setting of my first thought of "home" goes something like this... Family sort of the chatting around a dinner table, drinking hot tea, or wine depending on the time of day, sharing stories...

For Me It's comfort, joy, relaxation, real life problems, it's brutal honesty, it's me feeling and saying how I really feel, no fluff, homemade cookies, jazz music playing in the background, it's tears and laughter, it is sweet memories tucked away in my heart, long hugs, homemade sun tea, family photos, celebrating achievements and milestones, my birthday cupcakes, my family, friends and loved ones all sharing in life.

As I started to think about what the word means to me, I realize that my concept of home is very different than it use to be. I have a deep desire to create my own home and fill it up to the brim with a family, my family. The ironic part is, when that happens, the meaning of home will yet again morph to mean something entirely new and different to me. I really can't wait for that experience, I look forward to sharing with my children and creating their own sense of what home means to them.

What does the word home mean to you?

Read about this blog project. Submit something! I will let you know what mine is when I fine tune my thoughts.

Amore

Just feeling sentimental this week, looking back at pictures old and new. If love isn't what makes the world go round, it surely makes the ride worthwhile. Thanks for making me laugh every. single. day.

Her wag just says it all...

A dull blog is an unhappy blog

I'm sure like many of you, some days (or months) you just don't feel creative when working on your blog. I read these fascinating blogs of crazy thoughts, funny moments or dreams, and I too often wish I had some more of those sprinkled into my own blog journal. Of course I do have those moments, I just forget them when it comes time to share with you all!

I came across this free list you can download, to help jot down blog topics when you think of them. What a great idea! Maybe I'll print out a few to see if it helps.

Download this list here! Thanks designer Erin Vale!

Little bit of this and that

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

I can't believe in all of July, I've only completed two measly posts! Sometimes the weeks fly by so quickly, I have to look on my camera at pictures to remember what in the world I did! Here are a few pics of my latest happenings. I love when I get to catch up with my friends from near and far over the summer.

This coming weekend my mom and I are Illinois bound to visit family, and I couldn't be more ready for a long weekend seeing my sweet fam and lending some loving support to my dear aunty sue, who just underwent her second round of chemo. Would love your thoughts and prayers for her to keep a strong heart and soaring spirit!

This firework show is scaring the crap outta me!

When Suz comes to town, it is always a reunion!

Some of my dear friends at Paige's reception!
Karrie, myself, Michelle and Cody

Lauren and Daniel were in town too! We had a blast!


Morgan, Em, Steph and Theresa loving the summer
nights out and about!

Blogs & Coffee

Well said. I think this is the perfect start to any day.
Check out a few fantastic screen prints at Made By Girl

Party til the cows come home

June feels like it has been the longest month of the year, full to the brim of activity and travel. I was out of town for two long weekends in celebration of Lauren Mallory Wald (in Kansas City) and Martha Deacon Jones (in Little Rock) weddings. Both of which were amazing in their own way. I felt like each wedding reflected my dear friends perfectly, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of both their special days.

First Stop- Lauren and Brian's wedding in KC

Lauren and I at the rehearsal dinner

Joanna, Em, Lauren (BRIDE!), and Stacy (MOH) at the reception. L picked the color and fabric of the bridesmaid dresses, and let us each choose the style we wanted!

Em and Jo riding to take pics at the Nelson Atkins Museum (3 other much less stylish wedding parties had the same idea)

Late night, power and light dance-a-thon.

Second Stop- Martha and Grant's Wedding in LR

Matt & Em enjoying dinner at the rehearsal dinner

Theresa, Steph, and me at the "after" rehearsal dinner party

Em, Ms. Martha Deacon, Brooke
It was SO good to see Brookie who lives in California, it had been way too long since we were all together.

My sweet Chi O sistas (L to R Back Row) Ann, Brooke, Allison, Courtney, Marianne, (Front Row) Laura, Martha (BRIDE!!), and me!

Martha and Grant's first dance


I have YET to catch a bouquet at a wedding, regardless of Martha and my specific toss strategy. I think Theresa was slightly pumped about her success.

Em, Alli and Stephanie

My sweet friend Kate and her husband Mike came through Arkansas from Virginia to visit family, and though the visit was extremely short, it was great to catch up in person, and have the boys meet. Kate had some EXCITING news that they are expecting a petite Bebe next year, and i'm so glad that she was able to share it with me in person! Kate and I have been friends since 7th grade, and even though we lives miles apart...I think the sign of a truly lifelong friend is one who is there for you when you need them, either presently by your side, or just always thinking about you from afar.

Em and Kate

June has also been a trying month for me, throwing many surprises my way, teaching me to take not a moment for granted. I am looking forward to work slowing down mid July, giving me a little breather, and hopefully some time to visit family in Illinois.