30 years love

A few weeks ago, I recieved a letter in the mail that wasn't a bill nor was it soliciting insurance or grocery savings--how stoked was I? I lifted the flap and instantly smiled when I read the inside info. My Aunt and Funky Unky (yeah, just go with it) would be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. My parents, as well as Mr. Nick's parents, also threw down the big 3-0 within the last six months...must have been a busy time in...1980...? What? haha...Anywho, being married on the leap year, there really isn't an exact day to celebrate this year, but that's all semantics anyway. Ever so creative and thoughtfully, my fav cousins Kirimi and Emily (and I can so legally say that as all my cousins are my fav) had organized a sweet little surprise plan. In lieu of a major party (we're spread thoughout the nation. No joke.) they decided to host a memory party. They sent out little 3x5 inch cards for us to write our memories of the happy couple and mail them back to be assembled in a book and presented as one united gift. What a great idea!

Since I'm still getting reorganized in the photo filing, I opted for another approach and clip-arted the heck out of it.

To my dear Aunt and Uncle; I thank you for all the great memories of the past and look forward to those yet to be made. It's always an adventure with you both, thanks for letting me tag along. With much love and gratitude for everything, TD.

First birthday: Miss E

If this doesn't make you smile today, you should probably just go back to bed.

Will have more of this little one and her family in a day or two, but I couldn't resist posting this gem. What a sweetheart!!!

Ruby Thursday

I'm not sure what it was that drew me to Ruby. Was it her curious, standoffish initial wary attitude toward me? Or perhaps it was the way she couldn't quite keep her concentration on anything for more than a few minutes (which, haha, reminded me of stories I've heard of myself when I was younger). Or the way she would sit, for just a second, deep in thought about the task at hand whether it be examining new nail polish, pointing out and naming her dolls or rediscovering the amazing abilities of Dora and Amelia Bedelia and then, even more suddenly, she'd be off on her next adventure.

Yet another reason to love other people's kids.

As if I really needed another reason.

a day for love

I sit today with so many words, thoughts and emotions coursing through my system. It's my favorite kind of day. A delicious-smelling pork concoction slow roasting in the oven, turnovers cooling on the counter top, relatives who were once far away are now home again, safe and sound. With the snow whirling outside, cozy fire lighting the room inside and a relaxing evening with Mr. Nick ahead of me, how could I possibly be anything more than nonsensically content.

But I am.

It was roughly three years ago while I was sitting at my desk in a windowless office, laughing to myself in amusement over the fates of life. Is this what I went to four years of college for? So I could make copies, run errands and do computer work in a job that doesn't even come close to inspiring my creative side or nurture the person whom I eventually want to become? No. I don't think so. Even though I had no idea which course of action I wanted to take, I knew that there had to be something more, something different. Something strenuous and difficult, something that would be ridiculously challenging at times thus being that much more fulfilling and enjoyable when the sun had set and the day was done.

I cannot thank my lucky stars enough. Going back to school and figuring out the career that's really for me, that's really me, is possibly one of the biggest risks and the best random decision that I have ever made.

So here I sit, reflective on life as I know it. The balancing act of the hard times complimented with so many more better days. The risks taken and the rewards gained. I am so thankful for the life, love, family, friendships and all that I value and hold dear. And it is oh, so much the sweetest Valentine's gift I could ever give myself.

Happy Valentine's day.

miss isabella

I blog all the time. Unfortunately, it's mostly in my head. I have these great ideas when I drive to work, when I'm making a tuna sandwich or when I'm seconds from slipping into sleep, yet as soon as my fingers graze these twenty-six pewter keys my mind goes blank, finger still.

What gives?

Although today I am at a sincere loss and don't have profound words of wisdom to expel on my audience or hilarious anecdotes, I do have Isabella (ok, I know I rarely have pearls of wisdom and I am even more rarely hilarious, but just flow with it). Not only does she rock my socks off, she doesn't really even need an introduction. Perfection.

Getting out there

Just a little note of the day--we're making Cyber headlines! Haha, okay, not really but sort of. My images of Shauna's stellar dessert tables are now featured on Eat Drink Pretty and The Sweetest Occasion!!!!

Happy Friday!!!


Since everything is better with with a photo, here's another little slice of sweetness: Ruby. Will have more on her next week, what a cutie!

Kelsie: 3 years

This little one...I tell ya. If she's anything like her mother, look out! Haha, I kid, I kid! Mostly.... ;-)

Rachel and I were friends in high school and when I heard she was pregnant I distinctly remember thinking that she was going to have a seriously adorable blond-haired, blue eyed beauty. Little did I know! I had a great time this summer trying out my first-time photobooth at Rachel and Brian's wedding and knew that photographing little Kelsie would be just as much fun.

Although she was a bit hesitant at first, it took about five minute for her to warm up to me! Showing off her stuffed animals and her 'inside joke' thumbs up, Keslie was just a hoot from start to finish!

Oh, those eyes!!!

A one-armed snow angle?! Why not?