An Image for Today - Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!



Image by: The Mother

Another fun picture from our road trip to Frankenmuth of Gran-ma with the giant ornament!

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

Blue and Gold Wedding - The Dress

Her dress was gorgeous as you can see in the pictures below with a beautiful waist and bow of crystals!







{sorry about the short, no detail post...but its been such a long day! Sadly I may or may not have briefly fallen asleep in the lab for a brief momentto the sounds of instrument pumps lulling my eyes closed}

An Image for Today - Thursday

Oh Sweet Baby...



Image By: Jennifer Photography

Nephew Calendula with his mama! How precious is this picture?

Blue and Gold Wedding - The Church

Way to go jessica lynn of tying the knot! You guessed correctly. The wedding was held at the University of Notre Dame.

The blue and gold theme meant gold invitations to a ceremony at none other that the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Notre Dame's campus!



Here are some pictures from the inside of this beautiful church! Could you imagine being a member of this church?









And here is the wonderful couple exchanging their vows!



This was obviously they're dream location for their nuptials. Where is/was your dream location? How did you find it? Why do you love that place?

Oh why the hell not

A little survey so that you can all get to know me a little more...

I know its alot to look through. Here are a few of interest - #9, 13, 24, 29, 51, 88, 89, 93. Enjoy!

Here's the rule: Bold the things you've done & post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog - are you reading this on the blogs of many people that haven't?

2. Slept under the stars - I love to be out in the wilderness

3. Played in a band - ummm does a 2nd grade recorder recital count?

4. Visited Hawaii - no but I will one day...

5. Watched a meteor shower - Yes, but it wasn't a very active one

6. Given more than you can afford to charity - Are you kidding me? We are in student loan debt up to our ears and its rising! But you give what you have at the time and worry about where its coming from later

7. Been to Disneyland - I have not been to the Land, but the World variety was fantastic and I say it counts

8. Climbed a mountain - Yes the Appalachian Mountains {they're not the tallest, but they are mountains!}

9. Held a praying mantis - most definitely, I remember raising them in grade school

10. Sang a solo - nope, not that talented

11. Bungee jumped - oh heck no!

12. Visited Paris - oh some day I'll make Husband take me there!

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea - not only a thunderstorm...we watched a hurricane on our honeymoon, while our cruise was running away from it!

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch - it how I learn everything I know

15. Adopted a child - no

16. Had food poisoning - nope

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - negative

18. Grown your own vegetables - I have a decent sized garden in my back yard

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France - some day

20. Slept on an overnight train - I can't say that I've ever been on a train, which is strange considering my in-laws

21. Had a pillow fight - like in the movies? No

22. Hitch hiked - not a chance

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - who hasn't?

24. Built a snow fort - I was {ok am} such a tomboy when I'm not all dressed up

25. Held a lamb - no, but I've petted one

26. Gone skinny dipping- ummm, hot tub

27. Run a Marathon - maybe I'll try the mini at some point...I do love running

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice - someday

29. Seen a total eclipse - yes, when was it? Sixth grade?

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset - of course

31. Hit a home run - I don't play baseball/softball. Not a chance!

32. Been on a cruise - most relaxing vacation ever

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person - someday

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - NO!! I would love to make that trip!

35. Seen an Amish community - lived near one. I have a friend that grew up Amish

36. Taught yourself a new language - not so good at it

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - hello! student loans!

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - seriously...I promised one day I will go to Europe ok?

39. Gone rock climbing - no, but I think it would be fun

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David - oh come on!!

41. Sung karaoke - yes, but it was forced

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - that's another trip I must make

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - no

44. Visited Africa - oh someday

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance - no thank God!

47. Had your portrait painted - no, but I know who I want to paint one

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person - again, someday

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - grrr...someday!

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - yes. I know its shocking, but I did get in the water and stuck my mask in, then Husband floated me around...its a close as I'll ever get!

52. Kissed in the rain - I love the rain!

53. Played in the mud - I was always muddy as a child {thank you Derek for being my partner in crime!}

54. Gone to a drive-in theater - yep, one of the last ones left

55. Been in a movie - I can't say that I have

56. Visited the Great Wall of China - Grr

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia - Grr

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies - I was never a Girl Scout

62. Gone whale watching - I will when we visit Alaska someday

63. Got flowers for no reason - thank you Husband

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma - yeah and 2 hours later I learned I don't bleed well

65. Gone sky diving - never!

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp - May be weird, but I reeeally want to. I thought the Holocaust Museum in DC was amazing

67. Bounced a check - do I write checks anymore?

68. Flown in a helicopter - that could be fun

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - one...I'm a pack rat

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial - twice. I love museums and Washington DC

71. Eaten Caviar - gross

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square - another trip to make

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job - yep I was 16 and they didn't believe me that I had hives

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London - grr

77. Broken a bone - no, but I've chipped one

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - no thank you

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person - its on the list

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican - Grrr

82. Bought a brand new car - yes after my college car was stolen

83. Walked in Jerusalem - Grr That would be amazing

84. Had your picture in the newspaper - yep, for an art award

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year's Eve

86. Visited the White House - I have seen the outside and that's about as close as I'll ever get

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - no, the food industry does that for me

88. Had chickenpox - are you kidding they tried to kill me!

89. Saved someone’s life - yes, and failed to save another in a 16 person single car accident. We drove up on it...it changed my life

90. Sat on a jury - no, I probably will never be called again either

91. Met someone famous - not that lucky

92. Joined a book club - I'm in one right now

93. Lost a loved one - Bill and Justin you are still in my heart

94. Had a baby - on the list of things to do in the near future

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

An Image for Today - Wednesday

The Leaves May Fall...



Image by: Rebekah Westover Photography

As we officially move on into winter {with freezing rain in all its glory}, I found this gorgeous picture by Rebekah Westover and instantly fell in love with it! I have a love for all things fall, especially leaves and fall colors! I remember the leaves falling from the canopy and playing in leaf piles that seemed to reached the sky...

What is your favorite time of the year? What makes it so special for you?

Blue and Gold Wedding - The Proposal

Every step of this wedding had a theme...Blue and Gold. Even the proposal!

It all started here, at the grotto -



They shared some prayers, lit some candles, and he proposed!

The wedding was not far from the grotto so Husband and I saw it while we were walking around looking at the sites! {Oh and freezing!}

And here is another picture from our own wondering around...



Can you guess the location and were the theme comes from yet? What are some other themes that you have seen in recent weddings?

Another very well executed and gorgeous theme can be seen at tying the knot by jessica lynn with their beautiful monogram!

An Image for Today - Tueday

A Dinosaur and an ADD Husband...



Image By: Jennifer Photography

This is what happens when you have an ADD Husband and to much time with nothing to do. After the Blue and Gold Wedding, while waiting in the hotel lobby for the reception to begin, Husband declares he's bored! I told him to watch the basketball game that was on in the lobby with little luck...IU vs. Kentucky {not the most riveting game!}

This is a problem. When Husband gets bored he starts entertaining himself by picking on none other than me! You have to be prepared for this at all times lest you face the full impact of his restless boredom.

Luckily...{and I have no idea why} we had this little Dinosaur figure with us.



Image By: Jennifer Photography

The poor little guy bravely withstood the wave of boredom until we were ushered up to the ballroom and other things to play with {anything sitting on the table}.

It really is like entertaining a little kid...except he's an adult and should be able to behave. Alas, I love him and he keeps my life interesting.

Do your husbands {kids} get bored too? What do you do when boredom strikes and you are stuck waiting some where, with nothing to do? What do you always take with you to keep them occupied?

On the Road to a Blue and Gold Wedding

We were happy to a beautiful wedding this weekend! {Even though it had a definitive Blue and Gold theme} Can you guess where the ceremony was held {hint: take a look at the photo below!}? Kudos and mentioned in this blog to the first person to guess correctly!



This week I will introduce you to two of our good friends and their amazing and beautiful wedding!

An Image for Today - Monday

Stick a bow on it...



Image By: Jennifer Photography

A wonderful image from Christmas last year. Top off the night with one of the best gifts of all...playing games all night long with the best friends!

Oh the wonderful things I get away with snapping pictures of!

It is one of our favorite traditions...after a day full of family and gifts we head over to the best friend's Grandma's and eat more, open more gifts, and play games until our tummies hurt from laughing too hard. Its hard not to laugh when you play a draw four wild on Grandma and she calls you a 'Dumb Poo" or the hysterical 'Nasty Soul'!

What are your favorite family events during the holidays? Are there games with shouting and laughing or is it a quiet night together?

An Image for Today - Friday

Look at Me!! I'm pretty...



Image By: Jennifer Photography

Hello Little Puppy! I believe this is her first appearance on my blog. {wow I'm a bad puppy mama}. She loves to sit pretty for the camera...its like she nows that she is adorable.

I was really excited about this picture because her blue eye came out blue! Between the Fluffy one and the Little one, we usually come out with 3 red eyes and one brown. And I just love her and the color red together!

Are there any other puppy parents out there? What tricks do you use to get them to pose for the camera? How do you show off their colors and their eyes?

Smellin' up the place

{just a small, tiny rant...}

Come on girls! The perfume is a little strong!



And I have serious opinions about these matters...YOU ARE AT THE GYM!!! Who are you trying to impress? And thank you for hopping on the treadmill right next to mine. I was really having to good of a run for my own good. I was happy for the break that I had to take in order to take my rescue inhaler, really!

Oh and thank you for giving me dirty looks while I was struggling to breath and my air way was getting smaller and smaller...it helped so much.

Now that I got that out there...seriously people, you may think that you smell great even thought your sweating, but its a health hazard. Some people are allergic to what you wear and/or could have serious reactions to it while they're trying to work.

So please girls...lets keep it a friendly environment.

What do you think about people who put on the smelly stuff for the gym? Or get all done up for that matter? How do you let them know that its a problem and not come across as 'that person'?

An Image for Today - Wednesday

Oh the crazyness...



Image by: The Mother

Yes...I did go shopping on black Friday. Thank you so much to Mother to taking and sending this wonderful picture...

An Image for Today - Tuesday

There's Giants some where!...



Image by: The Mother

Those are some giant Christmas bulbs we just found lying around.

I love road trips! This weekend the Women made a trip up to Frankenmuth, Michigan. We visited the little shoppes and went to one of the most wonderful places... Bronner's!

Bronner's CHRlSTmas wonderland is 7 acres of Christmas goodness 364 days a year!

It has been a girl thing ever since I was little. Every year the girls get in the car and drive up there. We shop. We eat. We laugh and have some fun.

This is just one of our many traditions, now what want to here from you! What are some of your traditions for this holiday season? what are some of your favorite childhood memories?

An Image for Today...

Huskies laying by an open fire...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

Ok, the holiday is over and I'm getting back to blogging!

Where do your furry children like to curl up during the Christmas season? Do they like the snow?

How was your thanksgiving? Did you go out shopping on Black Friday? Have you put up your Christmas decorations yet?

I had a great time shopping and am ready for Christmas now!

I have started putting out decorations and can't wait to get our tree! I will have to wait a little longer though...Husband has to travel this week and we love to decorate our tree together {not to mention it helps that he can put on the Angel without a step ladder!}

Isn't Fluffy Puppy adorable curled up in front of the fire? It is his favorite spot when its cold outside...who would of thought the husky with all of his fur loves to roast himself until he's panting.

Little Puppy doesn't so much like the heat, but loves to take big brother's spot! which reminds me...I need to take an updated picture of our stocking since we brought home Little Puppy.

Where do your furry little ones like to curl up during the Christmas season? Do they love the snow?

An image for Today - Wednesday

A Stud...



Image by: Found on The Sneeze

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What are your plans for this holiday? Are you traveling? Relaxing? Seeing family? Or maybe even shopping?

Whatever your plans might be I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday!

An Image for Today - Tuesday

Oh Baby...



Image by: Bobbi + Mike

One of my favorite Photographers and a friend from long ago! Congratulations you two!

An Image for Today - Monday

Come here you...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

I'm thankful for cuddling!

An Image for Today - Thursday

A Few Great Men...


Image by: Jennifer Photography

The Library of Congress facade graced by the busts of Demosthenes, Emerson, Irving, Goethe, Franklin, Macaulay, Hawthorne, Scott and Dante. What a wealth of history and knowledge! And don't let that education stuff get in your way...it is one of the most beautiful buildings and is covered in sculptures and works of art.

An Image for Today - Wednesday

What are you staring at?...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

The ground has now frozen and the furry children have sensed it. Their coats are coming in thicker and they have started the terrible practice of digging holes to keep warm in. That's right...I have fur flying through the house that the vacuum could never keep up with and I have large holes appearing in the yard that we will have to fill in come spring.

For all the hassle...I love the winter and so do they. They are from Siberia {kind of} and the snow is their element. They are made for it.

We love our furry kids!

What's Your Color?

While many people are going Green...tot he extreme, I can't get that into the movement. First of all I'm to scientific minded to believe whole heartedly in global-warming. I see the climate change as a cycle that the Earth goes through and has repeatedly gone through during its life.

That being said, I do believe that it is our moral obligation to not be wasteful and to care for what God has given us. In other words...do what your gonna do, just do it responsibly!

The one thing I do think has gotten out of control is the grocery store plastic bag nightmare. You buy three things and they put them in 3 different bags! Seriously, it is ridiculous! Plastic Bags are cheap for the store and useful around the house, but you only need so many!

So ends my rant...

Head over to Simple Mom and checkout her giveaway for reusable shopping bags!



Image found on Simple Mom blog

An Image for Today - Tuesday

Soon she will be bare...



Image by: mishellelanephotography

Sooner rather than later I'm afraid...I saw snow on the ground this morning...

An Image for Today - Monday

A stairway from heaven...





Image by: Found Posted on pinkshirtandcarwreaks

Is this not a wonderful stair case? Look at all those glorious books!

An Image for Today - Friday

Laugh!...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

This Boy and this Girl make me laugh!

Happy Friday!!

An Image for Today - Thursday

A tucked away secret...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

We were walking away from the Lincoln and toward the World War II when we saw a small memorial tucked to the side and behind the trees in a small clearing. It was the most beautiful memorial, seemingly forgotten. No one was there. We turned to walk towards it and the sun light hit it...it was gorgeous. We were alone as if this small structure was unimportant. Then we saw that some one had placed a cross and a small US flag in the center of the marble floor. It was a magical moment to pay respect to this neglected, small memorial that was so beautiful and touched by the sun.

It was the District of Columbia War Memorial commemorating the citizens of the District of Columbia who served in World War I. It was overlooked by every one for the larger memorials, but on that Veteran's Day it was where we felt the most thankful for those who had fought for us.

Sorry this didn't get posted...well on Thursday, but better late than never!

So...what have been your most moving moments? Have you found something off the beaten path that meant more to you than the tourist hot spots? Do you like follow the straight line or let life take you where it will?

Horray for Giveaways and Free Stuff!

Free photobooks!



1. Snapfish is giving away a free 8 x 10 photobook, but you need to act fast! It must be ordered by Sunday! --- CLICK HERE!

2. Inkubook is also giving away a free photobook! Here's how to get it!

-1. Sign up with Inkubook and start making your free digital scrapbook.

-2. If you want, use the “Invite Friends” feature, and invite someone to join Inkubook so they can submit a few photos or page designs to include in your book. Inkubook will also send them a promotion code to use for a free digital scrapbook.

-3. When you’re finished with your free digital scrapbook, enter this promotion code at checkout: EJR372. You pay only shipping charges to receive your free book. Basic shipping options are $6.99 for Media Mail and $8.99 for Standard Ground.

3. Simple Mom is giving away even more books! Head over to Simple Mom to win one!

An Image for Today - Wednesday

Introducing Nephew G...



Image by: Jennifer Photography

Isn't he just the cutest?!?

An Image for Today - Tuesday

I'd like to say thank you to our Veterans. You who have sacrificed so much you our freedom...




Image by: Jennifer Photography

I took this picture on Veteran's Day in 2005 at the Vietnam War Memorial. In short...it was one of the most moving experiences of my life.

Thank You

An Image for Today - Moday

Image by: gardawind on flickr

The leaves have now fallen to the ground and I have seen the first snow! Not here at home of course, but some good lake effect snow during our travels this weekend!

Do you remember the image from last Friday? Well I saw that exact image {almost...there was no sun shining or blue skies}. Did you see something as exciting this weekend too?

Coming soon...Images of Nephew G!

An Image for Today - Friday

The sights that I will see {flat fields} this weekend while we drive and drive and drive...



Image by: Katarina 2353 on Flickr here

Enjoy your weekend! See you all Monday!

An Image for Today - Thursday

Where, oh where has the fall weather gone?



Image by: Kevin Monahan Photography

I love fall. It is my favorite time of year! The weather is perfect for a sweater and cuddling...The leaves are gorgeous...

Todays image is from a fall wedding {find it here} and I am jealous. I always wanted a fall wedding, but it didn't fit into a school schedule. The pumpkin decorations alone would be worth an exchange of fall vows!

A Great Thing!

Simplemom.net is having a great give away! Go check it out Here!!



Yippy!

An image for Today - Wednesday

Are we reaching the top? Or have we reached the pinnacle and are now falling back down?

This is just a gorgeous and simple image.



Image by: Blueju38 found here on flickr

Head over to his flickr page and check out his amazing work!

To quote Galerius and the Edict of Tolerance...

"...wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes."

I am unsure if this is even possible for the future of our nation.

With the prospect of the Fairness Doctrine, gun control (bans and limitations), and the plan Obama has for a Domestic Military aren't you unsure too? The Fairness Doctrine can take away the right to free speech...Gun control takes away our right to bear arms (Key to our nation...our ability to protect ourselves from wrong doers and an oppressive government)...and to top it off...a home military force to control and suppress the people (who can no longer fight back).

The denial of these key rights of the people has always marked to down turn of the best nations throughout history. In the past these down turns have been forced on the people, but what is more disturbing has been when the people elect and choose these rights to be taken.

On this day, after a monumental election day I am glad to say congratulations to the African American community for achieving the White House.

But...I am also sad to add, at what cost? The ideas proposed by him (if carried through) sound more like the USSR than the USA and for that I am sad and unsure of the future of this great nation.

I am also disappointed in the "youth of our nation", of which I am embarrassed to call myself a part. You have voted in record number without being informed and knowledgeable of the decision you were making.

I can on pray for today's "youth"...Lord forgive them for they know not what they do...to this nation.

An Image for Today - Tuesday

A vote is beautiful...



Image found here

Are you doing your duty?

Are you doing your duty? Leave early today and go vote! So many have sacrificed their health, freedom, and lives to protect your right to vote. The right to vote is the most important liberty that we have been given, it is our freedom to choose our leaders, please exercise it!



Have you decided? Are you still undecided? (if you are, you should read my blogs here, here, and here) Are you voting?

An Image for Today - Monday

Are you kidding me? Doesn't She look Gorgeous?



Image by: Jennifer Photography

A Image for Today - Friday

Oh my goodness gorgeous! It is perfect!



Image by: MThree Studio

You should definitely go to her site here and check out the rest of the images from this amazing wedding. The light...perfect, the trees...amazing!

i have to admit if I could do it all over again...it would be in a forest like this. With the light filtering through the leaves and the breeze providing the music by blowing through the canopy...oh *sigh* {what do you expect from some one who grew up in the 'forest'?}

Well...can you say vow renewal? Maybe if like 10 years!

On the Vote

Its almost here! Are you ready to vote?

This is a great video. Its explains things very simply.



What do you think?
Who are you voting for? {don't really answer this...i don't want to know, but i do want you to really think about it}
Where do you see this country in the next 4 years?

Now...Aren't you glad that it is almost November 4th? I have strong beliefs and am willing to defend them...but I sure am glad it is almost over!

An image for Today

It looks sunny, but boy is it chilly!



Image by: aussiegall on flickr

An Image for Today - Wednesday

Sun Baked...



Image By: Jennifer Photography