savoring each day….

i keep reminding myself that i need to be living in the moment every moment of this week. really, i should be living with that thought every day always….but at least i’m really aware of it this week.

rather than even attempting to write anything cohesive, i will just list off some things going on and in my thoughts.

• some of my favorite people have birthdays this month. i know i’ve mentioned that already, but within 3 days donna, my sister and kelly are all celebrating birthdays. today is kelly’s birthday-happy birthday friend! last night, i met my sister, mom, trev, lauren and leah at j’s. they all had dinner and i got there in time to clean up the leftover dessert : ) we’re celebrating donna’s bday on thursday at the loft.
• last night, we hung almost 100 flowers at the reception location. they look so pretty! it was nice to be able to get in early and get that much done. friday we’ll finish decorating.

• i got my braces off! whew.

i practice what i preach…no photoshop help with the wrinkles or the chapped lips : )

• i went to the estate dispersal store on friday and scored big time! i got a bunch of cool old frames, a sweet hawkeye camera in the cutest red vinyl box/purse with a chain strap (to die for sweet!), a robin’s egg blue chenille bedspread, a couch that matches a chair i bought there this summer, and THE chair! remember the chair i’ve been thinking about for months? that one! i’m very pleased. we’ll be using it for some wedding shots!
• speaking of wedding shots-i met with cara for lunch yesterday. we talked about more details and scoped possible locations for photos. cara is going to be doing a photo booth at the reception! i’m so jazzed about this! i picked up some fun props yesterday….black fro, flavo-flav clock, glitter sunglasses, an orange boa and lots of other assorted stuff! oh my gosh, to say i’m excited about this, is such an understatement! i want to offer photo boothes at receptions too! this is something cara and i talked about from our first meeting!
• i’m actually cooking dinner tonight! i haven’t been cooking much with all the wedding preparations, but tonight, we’ll be having pork roast, potatoes and green beans. tom will be happy….i think he’s tired of scrambled eggs and toast.
• funny thing that harper said. brooke and i hardly ever wear earrings. we both have pierced ears, but just don’t wear earrings. anticipating wearing earrings for the wedding, brooke forced a pair of diamond studs through this week. when harper saw them, she got super excited and said, “i not jealous, i not jealous!” where she gets things like this, i will never know. i just love that she’s who she is and so uninhibited. i hope she stays harper forever.
• today i’ll be making the ringbearer pillows. i bought the fabric yesterday. i work well under pressure. thankfully.
• i’ll also be putting the programs together. and getting my hair highlighted. and editing photos. it never ends! for that, i’m also thankful!
• every day i’ve been doing something to try to work on my much neglected appearance. that is what the *b* list is based on today.

*b* list of recommended pampering and self-care services and products:

1. a hot stone massage at m. constantinos with john. seriously, the BEST massage ever. i’ve had good massages before (how can you really get a bad massage?), but this was over the top awesome. the salon is clean and visually appealing (which is a plus) and john (and the staff) are SO professional. i will definitely be going back. so, if you want an over the top, highly recommended massage, call m. constantinos and ask for john and tell him i sent you!
2. hot spot tanning salon i don’t normally tan. but brooke sort of insisted that i tan  before the wedding. i think it’s sweet really, that she is thinking of me and wants me to feel good about myself. so, i have had a wonderful experience at hot spot. i’m partial to the owners, tamara and brandon vanderslice….i photographed their wedding 4 years ago. they were the first real big-time wedding that i shot. i will never forget that they took a chance with me and had faith that i could do what they wanted! here’s something i love about it too: none of them are overtanned or orange. most tanning places, it seems, have employees who are a little overdone. just my observation. go see tamara, you’ll be pleased!
3. gabby at mane attractions. i’ve gone to gabby for my hair since she was in hair school. granted, gabby is brooke’s best friend. BUT she’s really good. i think there are hair stylists, and then there are people who have a gift for doing hair. i believe she is gifted. she’ll be doing highlights and lowlights today, as well as waxing my brows. bright and early saturday morning, she’ll be doing my wedding do. that makes me have butterflies.
4. von maur i’m a huge fan. i bought my dress for the wedding here. plus, we found mom’s gorgeous outfit here. great products and customer service. can’t say enough.

Between Strangers trailer so, the wedding is entirely consuming me this week….and i like it. i like that i’ve been able to be involved and included. i love that i am thrilled with jared’s choice. i am so proud of both jared and beth- and their relationship. that does a mama’s heart good. 3 more days.

i have some photos to share! i met jake and his mom kelly at mt michael recently to take jake’s senior photos. he is such a good guy! and cute too-

this pasture and fence made me so happy. what a great spot-

at the end of the session, i noticed this:

jake had to get back to class, so this is the only shot i got of his awesome belt buckle! love it!

check in tomorrow for sneak peeks from jason and abby’s wedding!

God bless!