Engaged to be married...

I've been doing some work around the house this week. I came across our album of engagement pics and decided some of them needed to be prominently displayed. Happy to say we love them (and eachother!) as much as we did when we first saw them 6 1/2 years ago. Photos are priceless. They capture emotion that when looked back upon, bring the feeling and memory of that moment alive--no matter how many years have passed. 

Fact.

My children will grow up with a love of the water. And we will learn to sail together on Lake Delavan. 

Johnny Cash

By Daddy. 

Date Night

We just LOVE Saturday night dates...and the Grammy that helps make them happen! Our support system of Grammy + Mimi helps us stay sane--there's no doubt I'm a better mom because of their support. 

We got all dolled up this past Saturday to celebrate the marriage of my VERY best friend from high school. Kristin made a gorgeous bride. She's the kind of girl that's as beautiful inside as she is out. To see her find true love + happiness, and to share in her joy, was awesome!

Mommy + Daddy (rocking his new custom suit, love!)...Hmmm, do you spot someone else?

Mr. + Mrs. 

Ron + Silvia

I don't think I ever posted the full album of pics I took from the wedding. So here it is :)

Ron+Silvia::Married

Sunday Morning

Another beautiful Sunday.

Resale Rocks!

I have been loving the second-hand finds this month. A jogging stroller, a vintage Coach purse...and today, the perfect accent piece for our entry hall and an Aurora costume for Lola. Total price: $13!!!

The lady was asking $12 for this mirror/window piece and I got it for $10. After dinner tonight, we hit Michael's to take advantage of the Fall sales and my 50% off coupon to jazz it up. I've been spending a little too much time in that store as of late. Can't wait to hang this tomorrow...and decorate it in festivities for each holiday season. 

Shelby, are you proud?! :)

Lewis Park

Tinley has some great parks. We especially love Lewis Memorial. It's got great equipment for both Lola + Johnny's levels, mature trees that provide cool shade and a paved walking path. We've been twice this week. With the weather being as gorgeous as it is, we've been hanging out for a couple hours. Thank God for FALL!

What's Old Is New

Uncle Ronnie's vintage Fisher-Price Garage + 10 new Hot Wheels from Grammy = Tons of fun!

ND-SMC {Fall 2012}

A look at our perfect Fall day on campus yesterday.

80/90 Eastbound. Exit 77 calling me home.

 A new academic building on SMC's campus. Those are the French crosses as the Congregation of Holy Cross was founded in Le Mans, France. Spes Unica translates into "Only Hope" in Latin. AVE CRUX, SPES UNICA is the motto of the Congregation..."HAIL THE CROSS, OUR ONLY HOPE".

 The intersection of two pillars of the Congregation, St. Andre and Mother Madeleva.

 The gorgeous entrance to SMC's campus.

 Johnny got the best seat in the house at the bagpipe concert.

 A little football on the Quad.

 We ran into my cousin Jessica who is in her freshman year at ND. Such a treat!

 Taking a little break at the Morse Center, just before the band concert.

 It doesn't get any cuter than this boy and his 1000 watt smile.

 How did she get so big?!

 Oooh!

 Marching Band concert at Bond Hall.

 This picture is pure time-travel for me. This could be me, 25 years ago. Same outfit, same campus, same smile.

 The grotto, in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes, France. Though Notre Dame is known as the Fightin' Irish, its roots are French. Notre Dame translates into "Our Lady" in French.

 Each candle, a special intention.

 I love the look on this couple's face. She got that alot yesterday walking around campus.

 Near St. Joseph's lake, looking at the ducks.

 Walking down SMC's Avenue with my future Belle.

I never took for granted for a second that it was an absolute privilege to study at Saint Mary's + Holy Cross. This is right outside the Moreau Arts Center, where I took the majority of my classes.

 Lola, headed into LeMans hall, to apply early!