Made Me Smile

Last night, Liz and I went to go get free pie.

Look what I found when I got in her car!

That girl has got quite the Christmas cheer going on!

The lights wrap around the entire inside of her roof

and give off such a happy glow.

A Grateful Heart

Today I'm thankful for:

(in no particular order)

my family and their continued support in all that I do, along with their unwaivering dedication and love

my friends and all the joy, laughter, and respect that they bring to each of our friendships

my boyfriend who is also my best friend and fills my life with great happiness and adventure

my home: home to me is wherever all the people mentioned above are, but it also helps to have a physical home as well, which I am grateful for especially since many are without

the earth, it sounds cheesy, but it's something I never want to take for granted

being able to go to college; sometimes I don't like doing my homework and by sometimes, I mean all the time, but I know that it's worth it and that I am blessed to have this opportunity

Some other things worth mentioning:

Skype, orchestra concerts, cameras, mountains, bicycles, scarves, legal pads, pumpkin muffins, &

old book stores

(I could probably go on longer, but I'll cut it off there. ;) )

Lunch Date

This morning we went to lunch the three of us-my Aunt Teresa, mother, and I.  The delightful place we ate at is also in connection with a floral shop and crafter's boutique.  Needless to say, we stopped at both afterwards to check out their holiday trimmings. 

 We also met this friendly character while wandering around:

Another new friend:

Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow?

I know I'm not ready for the car ride....

but I sure am ready for the pumpkin pie!

That's right, we went.

                  Confession:

                                                                 Adele and I went to see this.

                                                                 The funny part is that neither one of us cares about Twilight.

                                                                 But we went anyway and had a great time.

                                                                 We really enjoyed the amusing comments

                                                                 from the guy seated behind us.

                                                                 In fact, we'd invite him to part two

                                                                 if we knew him.

A Surprise Visitor

      Today, my mom and I went to the airport to pick up a very special guest.  Unbeknownst to anyone else, my Aunt Teresa flew in from Florida to be here in time to celebrate the holidays.  Shh!  We can't wait to see everyone's surprise!

The Comforts of Home

I love

having time to read the Sunday paper

enjoying the last of the fall decorations, such as scarecrows and pumpkins

sleeping in

working on projects I usually don't have time for

visiting with old friends and finding out that you have more and more similarities

looking forward to the hug procession that will manifest when I see all of my relatives

also looking forward to the wonderful food that accompanies this week

and lastly, I love

that I have a lot to give thanks for this Thursday.

Birthday Dinner

           Tonight we celebrated my Grandma's birthday by going to a dinner that the Eagles hosted.  We were happy to support the organization and happy that so many people could come (we had around 15 of our family there!)  I know my Grandpa enjoyed it, since he stealthily took two desserts.  Haha!  No pictures to boast, but it was a great evening.


P.S. I watched this movie later.  I strongly recommend it. :)

Lunch Date

Before heading home for Thanksgiving break, Spens and I had lunch at Steak 'n Shake. 

It was the perfect way to end a stressful week.

Plus, we came just in time for their seasonal shakes!

(Spenser had white chocolate and I, well, perhaps didn't get a seasonal shake,

but instead got plain 'ol strawberry...which was very good.) 

While we were there, Spenser asked,

"Don't you feel like a young couple in the fifties?"

It made me smile.

I think we'll be seeing you again soon, Steak 'n Shake.

p.s. i guess we finally got our burger!

Almost, Maine

On Saturday, Adele and I went to see the production of Almost, Maine.  It was a romantic comedy consisting of a two-person dialogue for each scene.  Some scenes were of couples falling in love, some were of past loves, and some scenes were of people who couldn't admit they were in love.  I think the directors' notes sum it up best:

                  We talk about love and relationships in a unique language doing our best to

                   give meaning to something unpredictable, confusing, and wonderful.  We try

                   to make the intangible, tangible; the abstract, concrete...However, in the town

                   of Almost, Maine, in one magical moment, the sayings we so often employ to

                   express our deepest sadness and most extreme joy become real.  The skies clear

                   and the northern lights appear causing unexpected and life changing events. 

                   These characters move into uncharted territory as they encounter love and loss.

I think one of my favorite scenes was one in which the actors were a real-life couple. (so sweet!)  Afterwards, Adele and I got the chance to just talk for a while and I really appreciated it.

Today we took the family picture for the calendar and Spenser had his Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia recital.  I didn't make it, but my best wishes were with him for a great performance.

Birthday!

The last birthday of the week is my dad's!

He has taught me so much about hard-work and being a community leader

among many, many other things.

I have an immense respect for him and I hope

he has a special day!

Also, happy Veterans' Day!

Birthday!

*photo from her birthday last year

Another birthday!  This time

my best wishes 

go out to my friend Lauren!

I hope your day is filled with pearl necklaces, Jane Austen, chocolate, the Bible

and everything else you love.

Birthday!

Today is this awesome woman's birthday. 

happy birthday mom!

I'd be celebrating with you if I could!  Hope your day is the best!

love you!

*Also, I didn't realize it until now, but this week is going to be popular for birthdays....

Saturday

    

     Spenser had a game this morning, so I took a walk downtown.  It was a little foggy this morning, but still beautiful out.  I loved the houses I encountered along the way.  They had such character to them.  I found a new favorite store and visited one of my old favorite stores.  Then, Spenser met up with me for a late lunch/pre-dinner sushi. 

it was a good day.   

Muffin Time

           sometimes we like baking....

Friday night we baked muffins for Ben. 

It was his birthday yesterday.

Ben is Spenser's Sinfonian little brother.

It was Spenser's idea and I loved it-

I thought it was a super nice thing for a "big brother" to do.

Plus, muffins are our specialty.

Chocolate chip to be exact.

Weekend

I really wish I could get these pictures to line up, but so far I've failed. :( Anyway, Spenser and I ran around having fun on Friday.  We walked around town, checked out a blue-tinted view of the city, and drank sparkling red grape juice with dinner.  We like our fun-flavored sodas if you haven't noticed.

We also like baking muffins, which you'll see soon! 

The Maze

      Tonight we went to see Maze. Maze is truly a neat experience, we recommend going if you ever have the chance. Magician Jim Munroe combines psychology and philosophy with magic to make it more than just a couple of tricks. He also incorporates an inspirational part of his personal life that is an unforgettable story.



Maze doesn't reveal too much about the show/experience, so that it keeps its air of mystery. 
However,....

      if you want a taste of Maze, watch this.

Have a happy weekend!

Halloween Bash II

On Saturday night, we celebrated Halloween

playing Apples to Apples and Smart Ass,

mummifying people with blankets....

and watching them try to escape,

and a lot of other goofy stuff.

It made me realize how much I miss these people,

I love them!

Adele deserves a special thanks for being an awesome hostess.  She's the one who made those adorable cupcakes and decorated and got everything ready....all while coming up with a brilliant, classy costume might I say.

Thanks again! 

Also, in case you were wondering what I was, since I was behind the camera for the night.....

here I am, channeling my inner psychotically tortured ballerina! 

Happy Halloween!