Fun Weekend!

Friday, July 29

Photo by Emily Photography

• my first experience as a second photographer for a wedding
• gaining confidence as the day went on
• small details that made the day special - stunning blue shoes, flowers in each up-do, the couple surprising all of their guests with a choreographed first dance
• an adventurous bride and groom who braved the rain and humidity for some adorable portraits
• car rides providing time for relaxation and conversation with an amazing photographer and friend
• staying for dessert - options were endless!

Saturday, July 30

• trip with cousins to Atlantic City (my first time!)
• sunshine that made for a great beach day
• warmer ocean temperatures, laughing as we all were splashed by the waves

• cold frozen drinks, for free!
• sun screen assembly line

• a stroll on the boardwalk before dinner
• pink and orange hues blazing out behind the clouds (unable to get a good picture though!)

• rows upon rows of slot machines
• winning big money! (just kidding - budget was $5, so gambling lasted all of 2 minutes!)

• reservation at a fancy Italian restaurant, getting dressed for the occasion
• absolutely no portion control! so much food, including a melt in your mouth chocolate torte
• dancing the night away!
• collapsing into our hotel beds after a fun day

great times with great girls! so glad our family has expanded!

Sunday, July 31

• morning walk on the beach with my camera
• no traffic on our way home
• spending the afternoon at Green Pond and sharing our Atlantic City stories
• taking a swim on the surf board with a cousin I do not get to see often enough, joined by a certain puppy who couldn't resist being in the water when we were!
• catching up on others' blogs
• going to bed early after two late nights

• organizing spread-out information into one document
• checking out an "everything-a-teacher-could-need" store with a fellow teacher and friend, wanted to buy out the place!
• making plans for an over-night in the city
• Grandma joining us for dinner
• ice cream from Curly's
• oohing and aahing over photography blogs, getting inspired and excited for tomorrow!

• completing a long-pored over promotional magazine to make it just right, can't wait to see the finished product!
• finding lost mail
• a day of sunshine but no humidity
• a little boy's giggle
• dinner with a fun family, catching up on life's stories

"I waited patiently for the LORD; 

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, 

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock 

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth, 

a hymn of praise to our God.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD;

may your love and your truth always protect me.

For troubles without number surround me;

my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.

They are more than the hairs of my head,

and my heart fails within me.

Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; 

O LORD, come quickly to help me.

Yet I am poor and needy;

may the Lord think of me.

You are my help and my deliverer;

O my God, do not delay."

- Portions of Psalm 40 - 

• knowing my brother is where he needs to be
• edible arrangements
• determination to make technology work
• connections to a rental car company
• sealing the deal on the invitations
• getting affirmative advice from my husband
• insects chirping as a back drop to mother/daughter conversation
• rain drops streaking across windows, thunder rolling in the distance

books to be read, again and again

some favorite read-alouds for that time of day we all look forward to:
Story Time

the best educational tools - picture books and games

empty baskets, waiting to be filled with brand new school supplies

a classroom coming back to life

• unexpectedly having a buddy at school to talk to and gain ideas while working in my classroom
• Skype date: I know I mention it all the time lately, but I can't express how truly grateful I am for this amazing technology that allows me to communicate with my husband when he is across the globe! Our time apart would be so much harder were it not for video chatting.
• dollar deals at Target
• filling backpacks with school supplies for local children in need
• purchasing an address book, instead of searching through my e-mail each time I need to find one!
• help from crafty cousins to get invitations assembled and ready to be mailed
• two desserts, oops!
• shared sorrow for loved ones; praying for peace that passes understanding, strength to keep on, and reliance on God

• "why, why why does it go this way... somewhere down the road, you will find mighty arms reaching for you, and they will hold the answers at the end of the road"
• singing with the praise team in church, looking out over the congregation and watching people of all ages lifting their hands and worshipping our God
• chance of showers, an excuse to scrapbook
• prayers for a dear family
• dessert delivery
• laughter over dinner

• hearing about a beautiful celebration of life, happy to know that my grandpa and his sister are in heaven together
• talking to my love first thing in the morning, still in my pj's
• relaxing afternoon on the dock
• cat nap
• blueberry-lemon coffee cake
• a night of no plans

• helpful coworkers at Reiner, they make label printing so easy
• no line in the post office
• full day of crafting with one of my favorites
• sharing leftovers
• orders for a.j.e.less designs, excited that our baby name blocks are a hit!
• baking cupcakes in "flower pots," licking the spoon
• finishing my wedding scrapbook, looking through the finished product
• central air - relief from the heat

• perfect timing
• experimenting & learning in photoshop, ending in good results!
• buying lunch for dad
• helping out where needed
• list of names and addresses
• amazing camera in my hands again, need to practice, practice
• air conditioning - at home, at work, in the car - so blessed
• family prayers

• a helpful and pleasant man to tow my car, defying my initial stereotype (that will teach me)
• family AAA membership
• talking and laughing with friends of all ages
• enjoying time around, in, and on the pool
• a show that makes me laugh and cry at the same time
• "One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." - Psalm 27:4-5

• my white noise sleep machine - works like a charm!
• productive morning at school, my room is looking alive again
• knowing my husband is having the experience of a lifetime spending time in Jerusalem
• catching up and eating lunch with a friend, her treat! 
• brother stepping in to help with car trouble
• gracious neighbor willing to lend out his jumper cables
• eager to have a sister that will live nearby (downstairs!), admiration for her as she trusts in God during an incredibly hard time
• chipping away at my "labor of love"

• the first tear-free Skype date in a while
• organizing and arranging my classroom in preparation for a new year, finding that this process goes a lot faster now that I have a couple years of teaching under my belt
• helpful janitorial crew that took care of the heavy lifting in my room, within only a few minutes of my asking!
• catch up phone calls with 2 best friends
• discounted canvas prices at canvaspeople.com
• hometown dates on The Bachelorette
• singing along (at the top of my lungs) with my all-time favorite Broadway musical soundtrack in the comfort and seclusion of my car

Reunion Weekend

Thursday:

• on time arrival in Chicago
•  car rides with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, prime opportunities for in-depth conversations
• a change of scenery, rolling corn fields and long open roads
• hugs that seem to say “I wish we lived closer”
• gracious dinner hosts
• laughter-filled games of beach volleyball
• watching the sun set and moon rise over Taylor Lake
• ignoring the early morning hours on the clock, discussing questions & answers that are best said “face to face,” savoring each moment with former roommates 

Friday:

• waking up fully-rested
• enjoying the lazy river at the Splash House, Indiana’s mini-water park
• bright sunshine, refreshing pool water

• so many ice cream options at Ivanhoe’s
• a beautiful night for a walk in downtown Lafayette, Indiana

• stumbling upon quaint bookstores, craft shops, art galleries, and charming street performers
• late night run for freshly-baked cookies 

Saturday:

• the whole gang together again, reuniting at Indiana Dunes State Park
• cloudy skies giving way to sunny rays

• cooling off in Lake Michigan, simultaneously enjoying the sun, sand & water by going in only half-way
• chatting and relaxing on beach towels
• getting some good pictures of the group (it is not often we are all in one place!)

a little chilly!

• finding our way to a local pizzeria for a good meal together before parting ways
• rockin’ out to Glee soundtracks
• enjoying one last glass of wine with a great friend (at least for a while)

Sunday:

• helpful roommate who was willing to make an airport run
• finding an internet connection in the airport, able to talk with my husband about our fun weekend trips
• an anything but healthy drink from Starbucks to hold me over and help pass the time
• kind customer who allowed me to go ahead of him in line
• making this list of highlights from a wonderful weekend with amazing friends (yes, I am thankful for each one of you – lj. wegz. christine. anne. jodi. luke)

props to our awesome photographer, luke

• helping out during the busiest season at Reiner
• getting packed and ready for a trip to the midwest, anticipating a reunion with college friends that I have not seen in a year!
• making it home before my car decided not to start anymore, good thing I don't need it the next few days
• kind gentlemen in the post office
• surprised by a chipmunk peering into my bedroom window
• treat from grandma

• left-hand rings looking brand new again after a cleaning
• chat assistance through Amazon.com
• enjoying fresh vegetables from mom's garden
• choosing a free bonus item from lia sophia
• songs that minister to me, preparing to sing them in church over the next several weeks
• a clean and well-kept apartment below ours

• finding a time to meet up with my mentor and brainstorm ideas for a new year
• discovering that my classroom is all clean! (for now at least - I will enjoy it while I can! It is amazing how quickly that will change come September!)
• a start on my 2nd set of DIY wedding invitations, much smoother printing this time
• pizza from Puzo's
• more details coming together for my brother's wedding
• an apartment available in our neighborhood for our tenant, so that my brother and soon to be sister-in-law can move in downstairs!

• out for brunch with two best friends
• discovering that the wireless connection at the lake is strong enough for me to Skype with my love
• the beginnings of an a.j.e.less designs blog - stay tuned!
• the sounds of laughter carried across the water
• happy hour
• baby raccoon faces peeking out from under the dock at sundown
• the puppy cuddled up next to me on the car ride home
• half way there to seeing my husband again

• my brother's on time flight departure
• "refer a friend" coupon and complimentary gift wrapping
• spending time with A & E not one, but two days this weekend
• extending a walk to continue conversation, the kind that can only happen between best friends
• the most wonderful time of day at the lake - late afternoon when the sun shimmers on the water, the breeze picks up, and snacks/drinks come out! 
• neck and neck game of Scrabble
• talking, laughing, and making s'mores around a campfire
• hearing from my hubby after a few days with no communication - learning he had a great weekend trip and scheduling a time to "see" each other tomorrow

• useful GPS
• finding what I was looking for at Barnes & Noble
• treating myself to an iced chai tea latte
• eucharisteo journal
• getting pampered with mom
• long chat with a close friend through Skype, feeling like we were back in college having pillow talk in our bunk beds

• waking up to a "just because" e-mail from my husband
• promotion codes on shutterfly
• Smarties
• laughing and working simultaneously
• successful dress-shopping trip with mom
• helpful store owners
• delicious dinner with close family
• designing simple, but cute shower invitations
• a night once packed with plans becoming one of relaxation and reading

• pink hydrangeas in full bloom
• margaritas and conversation, enjoying time off with fellow teachers
• three way Skype date
• my grandma's positive attitude despite the hardships she's faced recently
• dad's treat: sprinkle cookies
• pajamas at an early hour

• a walk with just the pup to do some thinking & praying
• compliments on my ditto outfit
• helping out as second photographer and "mom"
• signature on the dotted line
• spending time with my in-laws
• chocolate chip mint Klondike bar
• seeing so many people outside, enjoying a beautiful summer night
• working on a free photo book - thanks E!

Vacation at the Lake

• brightly colored adirondack chairs, the perfect combination of fun and relaxation
• surprise! spotting a momma snapping turtle and her baby

• soaking in the majesty of God's creation, even reeds bow down to the perfect Creator
• capturing beauty through the lens

• beach chairs facing sunshine
• sun-kissed skin
• Lake-End Road walks with mom, cooling off with a dip

• cool breeze to break the heat
• conversations with friends & family
• waking up to the scents of breakfast

• nothing to do but relax: read a book, play a game, gather around the table
• discussing & practicing eucharisteo ... thanks, grace, joy
• a new blog to follow: www.aholyexperience.com

• prayers of joy and sorrow
• discovering a lost dog and returning it to the rightful owner

• fireworks
• rain that brought a change of plans and an opportunity to talk with the one I miss
• a car ride to catch up with a close cousin/friend

• checking out the new Marshalls in Boulder Run, quite possibly one of my new favorite spots to shop!
• helping a friend find some great purchases
• delivering discs of pictures and knowing friends are happy with the results
• family time
• off to the lake for the long weekend! (will do a re-cap post when I return)