sunshine on a cloudy day

whenever I'm having a bad day- and there have been quite a few of those lately- its always the little things that get me through. little pieces of better times that I can turn to. 

travel plans, a kind message, Chinese take-out, CSI reruns, a cuddle, the token of a memory. 

this dress makes me smile for the same reason. it reminds me of good times had and good times to come. and great friends that I can always turn to. and that's always something to smile about!

dress- urban outfitters(a gift) // tights (yes, I am wearing them!)- american apparel // necklace- postlapsaria // shoes- seychelles

today we took a stroll around part of Brandon's university for our photos. this isn't the part he goes to, but it's prettier! 

sometimes I miss going to school. I miss wearing heels because I can sit most of the day. I miss the camaraderie that comes from a group of people all bitching about working towards the same thing. I miss feeling productive. I miss having the option to skip class and sleep in.

but then I remember how much I don't miss doing research, being graded, and feeling stupid. and then I stop missing school. 

♥!

playing: around the world- red hot chilli peppers

you're my favourite book

holla readers!

as most of you know I am currently honeymooning in exotic lands with my hubs of just five months. fear not! I have arranged for a few posts while I'm gone to keep your hunger for me at bay.

if these posts are not sufficient for your blog-reading needs, here are some suggestions I have of things far more interesting than anything I post here.

Elsie's DIY projects on A Beautiful Mess. especially this one on a cute lacy briefcase, and this one on an awesome art project!

Adored Austin's recent post "With Heart." read it. do it. you totally should. a must for shopaholics. and humans in general.

Last Night's Dinner posts by Jenloveskev! seriously, these things keep me and hubs alive. without them we'd only ever eat grilled cheese, chinese take-out, and boxes of kraft dinner sent in the mail from our moms. (check 'em out in the archives.)

Makeup Monday by Keiko Lynn. I will never be able to do makeup this well. she is amazing at it, and a very good teacher, but I am clearly retarded. because no attempt I make to copy her is ever more than half a step above a four year old playing dress-up. but I will always try, because darn it, it's so pretty!

Hyperbole and a Half. I wish I was this funny. or cool. seriously, I'm jealous. my current fave post is on cat safety. as a former victim of cat abuse I know all too well how accurate this is.

Brando started blogging again. it's about fitness and being healthy and all that crap stuff he studies at university. his blog is absolutely nothing like mine, so you should check it out.

now you have lots of reading to do. have at it!

playing: meaning- gavin degraw

River Weekend

This is where we spent our weekend...

No joke. The Neuberts graciously invited the Holbrook and Peterson families to join them at their river house for the weekend. The views of the house and from the house (view from family room window below) were stunning. Debbie shared that the plans for the house were titled "The Lake House", and it certainly looks like something out of a catalogue of East Coast homes. It was the prettiest one we saw on the river.

The girls and I carpooled with the Neuberts on Thursday evening with the Holbrooks following. Kelly joined us on Friday after work. We spent every single minute on the river, watching movies in the theater (pics of the theater are from 2008 during our last visit), playing games and visiting. It was SO much fun. What a special treat. We cannot thank the Neuberts enough for this fabulous weekend!

San Elijo Beach Week

We spent our annual family vacation week at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-By-The-Sea. As always, we had a blast. There were long days on the sand, lots of water time, yummy doughnuts from VG's Bakery, two days with the Holbrooks camping near by, and spooky stories by the campfire. These are some of my favorite pictures from the trip...

This is the statue that sits on PCH in front of the campground. It is tradition for individuals or groups to decorate the statue which usually means dressing it in clothes or wigs. The last morning at the camp we found this elaborate display which had been erected overnight. The surfer statue is being carried off by the Pterodactyl.

First Sleepover

Jenna and Sarah had their first official sleepover. This occurred during Heather's birthday party sleepover, and they had a blast, just the two of them hanging out in the playroom. They played and played until bedtime, and in the morning they painted their nails. Sarah's mom and I were discussing sleepovers and how we wait until the kids are older to have them, but then when they are older, the mischief seems to brew. We both decided that maybe sleepovers when the kids are a little younger and still automatically following instructions is the time to have the sleepovers. This little party went off just fine.

Summer Swimming

Just got home from spending nearly six hours at the Hanson's pool. Jenna and the girls had so much fun. What a great summer activity and nice, relaxing day. We're watching MegaMind right now and will probably turn in early. Summer. Le sigh...

Lazy Wednesday

Jenna and I were lazy, lazy, l a z y on Wednesday. We slept in, went slow, had breakfast at lunch time. It was great. I was able to do some laundry, dishes and clutter control. Later in the afternoon, Jenna had a piano lesson, and then we went shopping and got her a couple of darling bathing suits. She hung out at Sarah's house while I met 'the girls' for dinner at El Torrito to celebrate Kat and Tricia's birthdays. After dinner, Michelle, Trish and I went back to Tricia's house to watch SYTYCD so we could vote for our favorites before midnight. It was a great laid-back day with no schedule, and no particular place to be. It was great fun.