A Sparkle to a Sprinkle

As I type this, my left hand sparkles. Just like it has every day for two years since I read a note, opened a box and cried. Two years ago today, a boy asked me to be his wife. I said yes. Once this happens in a girl's life, nothing is the same. You become his fiance. You wear a promise on your left hand. It sparkles so that the world can see. He loves me. It sparkles constantly. So many pull at your hand. Ooooh look at that sparkle! It shows everyone how your heart is feeling. All glitzy and sparkly. And in my case, Sprinkle-y. It's amazing how one simple question, and one little response can change your life forever.

Matt, as our life together continues to unfold, I promise to always respond the same way I did on 6/7/08. Always to love you, always to be your biggest fan. The sparkle in my heart, and on my left hand will never fade. I love you SO much!

I got really excited with this series of photos, because I'm trying to accomplish something the pros do. And I kinda-sorta-maybe did! I first focused on my ring, then on my note, AND IT WORKED! Sometimes I swear my camera lenses have souls and opinons all their own, as they sometimes don't capture what I envision. But this time, I think my lens and camera felt sorry for me and my cheesy post, allowing me a freebie. Lets see if I'll ever be able to pull it off again!

Are you wondering why the note is crumpled? Well. After Matt proposed, and after I stopped jumping and screaming, I looked around for THE single greatest note a girl can ever receive and couldn't find it. That's when my new fiance told me he had thrown it away. *Gasp* WHAT?!! He threw away THE single greatest note a girl can ever receive? I know, right? I made him dig it out of the garbage, and questioned my own judgement. I mean, after all, I was set to marry a guy who could throw away THE single greatest note a girl can ever receive. I married him anyway, attributing that silly move to nerves. And it makes a cute story. The End.

Or more appropriately, The Beginning.

Lifestyle: Tristan & Daddy

If this child was any cuter, I'd burst. Two years old and busy as a bee, Tristan is quite the little man. A deliciously adorable little man. I set out Friday night with Tristan, his dad, Steve, and Uncle Tommie to snap some father/son photos. And oh my goodness, does he love his daddy! I wish I could have recorded Tristan's sweet little voice, giggling and hugging Steve as he cheered, "Daddyyyy!" Late in the day, down in the nature preserve in Uncle Tommie's neighborhood, we played in the soft spring grass, dodged slippery rocks and hunted for fishies, with the quiet, steady patter of a waterfall behind us. What an absolute treat, and a wonderful way to begin a long weekend. Thanks Steve! You're little dude is such a cool kid, and such a trooper, playing happily while a strange lady throws a big black box in his face!

Starting off with my favorite. You can feel the love pouring out of this photo.

Lately

My baby sister went to her senior prom. I should just sign up for Medicare now and get it over with. Doesn't she look beautiful? This is her boyfriend, Christian. He's pretty cool most of the time. Except the day he threatened to brake my camera. I think I stuck it in his face one too many times. I'm not scared though, if need be, I can totally take him. Minus that whole personal trainer business.

Daddy's little girl.

It's really a shame these mamas and daughters aren't having ANY fun at all.

The middle child celebrated her 23rd birthday! Her gifts? Brand spankin' new suits for her summer internship at the courthouse downtown. Let me tell you, she makes a pretty cute lady of the law!

My brother-in-law is quite the basketball stud! He's #50, stealing the ball, and yes, he's very tall.

My parents have been married 27 years, and are every bit as in love as on their wedding day. I'm a big believer that having a rock solid marriage is the best thing you can do for your kids. Thanks Mom & Dad, and Happy Anniversary!

Welcome home Miss Emily Dees! After a five month study abroad stint in Quito, Ecaudor, she's home! And all is right with our crew. If you wanna check out her incredible adventure, mosey on over here: http://emdeesinecuador.blogspot.com/. She was completely surprised when she arrived home to a party in her honor. At her house! Welcome home, Love!

Further proof my monster kitty thinks she's entitled to the same conveniences as the rest of us. How do I fight this when it's so flippin' adorable?

Cassie & David: Engaged!

Adorably sweet, and thirty three days away from marriage, Cassie and David's love for one another bounces between them, while their sweet words, laughter and smiles leave happy impressions on the lives they touch. It's a true love, pure happiness, unbelievably natural and so right. These two have known one another forever, David being one of Cassie's brother's best buddies. (He even admitted to a hint of nervousness at divulging his feelings for Cassie to his friend). They both agree- their togetherness just happened. I love a good, simple love story. Their wedding will, undoubtedly, be a beautiful, blessed beginning!

We shot their engagement photos at Homestead Park, on the hottest day of the year (so far!). They were such good sports, we had a great time! (And just to give David some pre-husband brownie points, he toughed out the heat and my girly ideas with answers such as, Whatever Cassie wants to do is A-Ok by me!)

It was difficult to narrow down the selection to include here, they are both SO photogenic, and make a gorgeous couple!

She is going to make a stunning bride!

A personal favorite. THIS is love.