Tuesday, September 30, 2008

dogs: )


I received this as a forward (which I don't usually read!), and it made me tear up a little...

A Dog's Purpose

(from a 6-year old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what wa s going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Bel ker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.' (The same could be said about any type of pet, they will love you unconditionally)

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- Take naps.
- Stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you .
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Be loyal.
- Never pretend to be something you're not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Flashes Photography?

I have not posted all weekend, and I do not have much time now: ( I did want to post quickly and say that I am hopefully meeting with a photographer soon.

Check out her "stuff" -

http://www.flashesphotography.com/

http://www.flashesphotography.blogspot.com/

While I was looking at her site tonight, she just happened to call! She is SUPER nice: )

Sunday, September 21, 2008

I LOVE ETSY!!

WOW! I wish I had the creativity (and time!) to create such beautiful pieces of jewelry, accessories, etc. Look what I found!!

Maybe something like this for the bridesmaids??

From Mia's Beads -



From LuxDeluxe -
This doesn't match my dress or the bridesmaids' dresses, but I LOVE the accessories that this artist creates! AMAZING. Check out her store - tijusai!


Saturday, September 20, 2008

World Alzheimer's Day

Today is World Alzheimer's Day!

Alzheimer's Disease: Facts and Figures
(http://www.actionalz.org/facts_figures.asp)

5 million
- As many as 5 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's.


71 seconds
- Every 71 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's.

$148 billion
- Alzheimer’s costs $148 billion each year to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses.


10 million
- 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in the United States.


100%
- Alzheimer's disease is always fatal.

If you have a few minutes, please check out the following:
- What is Alzheimer's?
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

- Alzheimer's and the Brain: Interactive Tour
http://www.alz.org/brain/01.asp

- The Long Goodbye
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19113121/displaymode/1107//s/2/framenumber/1

- Dementia: Its not always Alzheimer's
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/AZ00003




The forget me not is the symbol for the Alzheimer's Association. I have thought about trying to include it in the wedding. I'm still brainstorming.

I wanted to order this from Etsy:

(seller: secondmoonrising)


...but this morning it was no longer listed: ( I emailed the seller to see if it was still available.


I also came across other lockets that I just like: )


(seller: seaunicorn)

(seller: chloe)


I have decided that I love lockets...and I don't own one: ( Maybe I'll buy one for myself!

Also, I have seen lockets clipped to bouquets to honor someone or in memory of someone. I can't find the pictures I have seen before - I'll keep looking.


SO tired: (

Less than nine months...

Now that the wedding is less than nine months away, I think it is beginning to feel like it is going to creep right up on us! I went to a wedding today (CONGRATS APRIL AND JAVIER!), and friends were asking about my wedding plans. I start to realize I have done a lot of thinking lately - but not a lot of planning.

After I finished my homework tonight, I went to find my to-do list that I couldn't find in my earlier post - Making Progress. So, apparently, I thought that making progress meant making a list (and setting it aside). Now that I am actively looking at my list, I need to start crossing some items off!

To Do:
- think about parents' (and grandparents'?) wedding pictures
- work on the guest list (put it into some kind of format, find addresses, etc.)
- register for a few gifts (or at least figure out WHERE to register!)
- look through info from the church
- begin researching djs
- figure out the next step for flowers
- become more serious about a photographer
- talk to Free State kids about videography
- look into printing and paper (I do have some paper that I like!!)
- mind out if the mirrors Dad cut for Malinda's wedding are still out and about somewhere

For Nick To Do:
- think about the honeymoon (figure out if we can score any sweet wine-related deals through his company!)
- think about transportation



Claire mentioned looking at Zappos for bridesmaids shoes. I just spent a few minutes looking, but I am not sure I was doing it right - boo: ( I somehow found these:

SOOOOOOO beautiful...and $345! HAHAHA. I don't know how I ended up on these, but somehow I don't think my bridesmaids will be wearing them: )


Camera?


I am trying to find a new camera. I don't really know where to start. I do know that I want it to be rechargeable - so I think that means it needs to be a lithium battery. Is that right? Anybody have suggestions? I do want it to be smaller than the HUGE camera I have now, but I don't want it to be too small (I think that makes it easy to drop them!). I think Jane has a Canon PowerShot, but I do not know which one. I also assume that there are "deals" and cheaper places to buy a camera, but I do not know much about that either: ( I want to buy one ASAP!!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I wish...

I have seen so many pretty vineyard weddings lately! I wish...
Sarah emailed these pictures to me this week. SOOOOOOOOOO cute!
I really need to give the corks a try! They can be purchased inexpensively on ebay.
Also, Mom brought some breadsticks and jars to school today - ha ha: ) - to show me her breadstick idea. I really like it! It would look something like this:
We would probably use jars though, and they would be on the tables at the reception. Here is a pic of glass with breadsticks (left).

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Blurb!

I should be working on my class, but I had to take a break!

Mom told me a few weeks ago that blogs can be made into books. I spent a few minutes looking around and came across Blurb. I didn't have much time to look at it, and I haven't had much time to check it out again.

Then, this morning I was looking at Snippet and Ink and came across the SWEETEST guestbook...and it is from Blurb!

Here are some pics (and you can check out the whole wedding at Snippet and Ink!):

I don't know that I would include tons of odds and ends, but I def. have a "Nick collection" and could put in some pretty special notes, etc. I think mine would be primarily pictures, but I do like the personal, intimate touch of receipts, movie stubs, etc. I should start scanning stuff here and there - maybe that woul be a good "groom project" - : )

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Monday already!!!

I am SOOOOOOOO tired, and I only have a few minutes to write. I have to try to be in bed by 10:30!!

1. The dresses are ordered: )


Mia's called this week, and the dresses are supposed to be shipped to them November 7th. The girl said the dresses will reach Mia's 5-7 days after that, so we should have them by mid-November. YAY! That is more than enough time before Lisa comes for Christmas. Here is a pic of Claire and the dress she (and Krista) picked. Mom and the Mia's girl pinned it up so it would be tea-length...

2. I love, love, LOVE my shoes!!

I went over to Mom and Dad's yesterday, and I tried on the shoes with my dress. Love them - and I think the dress won't need to be altered at all (except the bustle). SO cute - and $12.03!!

3. Callie-inspired Favors

Mom and I talked about favors a little bit, so I did some goofing yesterday. I made these cute, cute, CUTE stickers at Shutterfly. I also found these bone wrappers at Wrappers Galore. I think they are super cute, but I think the bone or treats need to be fully wrapped in something. I would hate to see them smashed up in someone's purse or suit pocket!




Okay...I need to:
- move the laundry
- clean the kitchen
- dust the living room
- clean our bathroom counter
- clean up the guest room

- pack my lunch and clothes
- finish my Emporia homework...
- GO TO BED!!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

invites

I should be studying, but first I wanted to do some ground work for the invitations. My friend Becky recommended Paper and More, and I have requested some paper and envelope samples. The samples are only $.50 a piece, and the shipping is only $1, so my total came to $4.75! I ordered samples of...

Solid Sand Text Paper 70# (1 Sheet)
#10 Solid Sand Policy 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 (1 Envelope)
#10 Solid Sand Announcement 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 (1 Envelope)
#10 Warm White Linen 4 1/8 x 9 1/2 (1 Envelope)
Warm White Linen Card Stock 80# (1 Sheet)
Solid Burgundy Card Stock 80# (1 Sheet)
Crimson Red 105# Metallic Card Stock (1 Sheet)


The sand or linen colors would be for the RSVP/website info card, the main part of the invite, and the envelope. The burgandy or crimson red would be the background of the invite. We'll see...

I also ordered a free: ) "Whitney" sample from Invitation Paper. It looks like this:


I want to have the paper ordered soon, so that we will be ready to do some pre-assembly preparations. I think we will put invites together over spring break, but at Christmas we may be able to cut ribbon, cut the background paper, etc. I also need to look into printing costs...

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

HAUNTED!?!

Great! I learn tonight that "paranormal investigators" have determined that the Eldridge (where we are having the rehearsal dinner) is haunted!

Read this from the Lawrence Journal World (online).

Monday, September 1, 2008

sunflowers = funflowers: )

This morning Nick, Callie, and I met Mom, Dad, and Grandpa at the sunflower field. It was beautiful! There were bees everywhere, but they didn't really bother us! We ended up a little sweaty, but it definitely could have been worse! I LOVE the way the pics turned out!

Wilkinson-Adams family photo:
Love this one!
All of us! Lanny and Kelly Faulconer were there at the same time, so they took this one for us: )
Callie was H-O-T!I quickly "photoshopped" this one - LOVE IT!!