September 13, 2010

Somthings are just better with time!

This is a favorite.... "Toast to date nights!"

September 14, 2010

This week I am out of the Arizona heat, and back home in Illinois. I am really excited to blog about some really special people… and a big event at the end of the week!

I am starting off my week with a trip to see my grandmother.

When we moved to Arizona over 6 years ago, knowing I wouldn’t be able to see her regularly was probably the hardest part about leaving. My Grandma is the most inspirational women in my life.

As early as I can remember, I would think “I want to be just like her”. She was the nicest most generous person.

My brother and I spend a lot of weekends and summers with my grandparents… It usually started with dinner at Hardee’s and then a trip to Jewel Osco. My grandparents would buy us anything we wanted to eat, and then we always ended in the toy isle! (some are thinking…”so Midwest”…. I know!)

Then it was a weekend or week of playing in the country yard, helping grandpa with some woodworking project he was building, and helping grandma in the garden. Oh.. there was always mowing to do! So for those of you that think I am a girly girl… I spent most of my childhood in dirt! Mud pies were made often while playing outside with my brother.

I love being able to look back and have so many great memories of my grandparents farm.

So, being here to start the week off is refreshing… no internet, phone barely works, and the weather is great.

My grandfather passed away last May… so this trip is a little different. It is just my grandmother.

She is in her late 80’s, but is still as strong as ever. Her memory is better than mine… she’s been keeping me up to date on all the latest family news, telling me about old stories, and then sharing stories about my grandfather and her.

She still has the same serving heart that she has always had. It might take her longer to cook, or find something… but she does it. I think she misses having someone to serve from day to day, but she still has her little cat (this farm cat has the life… with warm dinners and daily grooming).

When I look at my life… no matter when my final day will be, I want to leave a legacy that matters…. and to have made an impact on people’s lives that cause them to be better. I think my grandmother has done just that… Inspired all those around her to be better people by being a servant to them. I think my grandpa was a lucky man to have someone who was so dedicated to him, and I think she was lucky to have someone who was so dedicated to her.

I remember telling him at my wedding as I danced with him, that I hope I get to grow old and have a life that reflects his and grandmas.

One day, I hope my kids look back at my life and want to mimic a life that Robbie and I have built together.

PS… The funniest thing about seeing her was the fact that she got so excited to watch the Bachelor Pad! When I am in my 80’s and still watching shows like the Bachelor Pad… I will consider myself cool!

September 12, 2010

These are two wonderful people.

Brandon protects and serves us everyday, and Kasey is an awesome everything (wife, mom, friend...ect!).

Today is their anniversary!

Being married is an amazing journey that you get to take with someone you love. Every year is also a milestone that deserves celebrating! All of us that are married know the work and dedication it takes to make it work... so Happy Anniversary to my dear friends.

They have three great kids, and I am sure Kasey will be a great woman to have in my life as I soon face the challenges of three kids as well! I guess we can just be crazy together...haha!

September 11, 2010

This is a memorable day.

For a lot of reason.

It's a day in History that will forever be remembered.

It's also a day in John and Jamie's life that will also always be remembered.

I was honored to be apart of such a wonderful day. I cannot say enough great things about the day. Not one thing (that I know of) went wrong.

The day started with makeup and hair, continued with a walk down the isle, and ended with a sparkle!

Marriage is a great adventure that you get to take with someone you love... Congratulations J's on your new beginning!

You are a beautiful couple from the inside out!

PS... also Jamie is a nurse.. so this is a great end to the week of blogs about women who make a difference! (Thanks for all you do, Jamie!)

September 10, 2010

I just have to blog about this family... I met them today.

It is always refreshing when you get to spend your day with great people. This family was so sweet.

I was honored that they picked me to capture these sweet, sweet moments!

Their little one was 5 weeks early, but perfect.

Children are blessings, and I am positive that this little one will enrich their life forever.

Congratulations... she is BEAUTIFUL!

September 9, 2010

Thursdays are my all about Brock days...

This is his mask he made... and later gave it to a GIRL (awwww).

As tired as he makes me, I know these days are not forever. It is our last year before he goes to Kindergarten.

Who ever is his teacher... get ready... He's going to be your class clown!

September 8, 2010

Here is another great woman.

Maureen.

She gets the Blog for today for so many reasons...but I will stick with the top three.

First, her and her husband will celebrate 2 years on Monday. I was there at their wedding and it was a beautiful day! Maureen could not have been more beautiful. She married a wonderful man, Geoff. Together they just make a great match! Their kids go to school with my kids as well, and it is always a pleasure to see their family.

Second, she is a great mom. I love moms that realize that sometimes "It is what it is". I find most of her facebook post so funny. I think she has had more toilet paper issues with her two year old than I ever had with mine! I can see the sparkle in her as she watches her kids grow, and I can tell how much they mean to her. She goes above and beyond as a mother to insure that her kids have the best life they can have.

Third, she is also a working mom. She owns a hair studio with Jamiee (@ L'Mage Studios on Ray/101). It takes a strong woman to balance the home and work place... and she does a pretty good job. Better than I think I could! Again, she would be another reason that I would love to have a studio in their building, but get nothing done!

So for these reasons and SO MANY MORE... thanks for the friend you are to so many of us our there. I love your outlook on life, and I just think you have a heart of GOLD.