Andrea + Rob Wedding!  | Elizabeth Anne Designs

Catherine + Sean Engaged | Landlocked Bride

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Lately Eric and I have been trying to play more. Last week we put on our walking shoes and strolled down the block not sure where we would end up. We found ourselves at Montrose park on the swing set seeing who could go higher. The laughter and deep joy that bubbled out was almost unexpected. I felt happy. It was so easy. Instantly happy by two simple swings, my love, the setting sun and green grass. We ended our stroll with a ridiculous game of two person tag. I mean who plays two person tag? We do. It was a moment I won’t ever forget. We were racing by couples walking calmly hand in hand on the concrete path while Eric and I were zooming in and out creating a ridiculous scene. We didn’t care. We were laughing, running… playing. I remember running at top speed and hearing Eric laughing like a kid behind me. It was magical.

We came home. The laundry still there, the emails piled up, our obligations and bills present except we had laughed. Together. Like children.

Go play. Its good for you.

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If you frequent her blog, spring is the best thing to happen to her. I smile knowing that she leaves home early to find a garden to wander through. Possibly before she makes her way to you. If so, expect her to have a blossom stowed in a pocket, or a seed riding along clinging to her bag. Try and ignore her squeaky shoes as they are just dew wet. But, do try and notice her smile and her heart a wonderful sigh of calm.

I am starting to realize the little green happy gardens might just be the secret in such a fast life. Thank you Jessie, for working so hard to build this business and our wonderful life, even when its too busy for us both.

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Here ya go!

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I mean can you blame me for falling crazy in love with this guy?!!!

This is the man I fell in love with in 2002. I mean can we talk about this? Those curls, the mischievous grin, geez, I didn’t even have a chance. We were in college and crazy in love.

Many of you have heard crazy Eric stories about his Volkswagen bus, well here he is! (the bus’s name is Stanley for all that think this is important. ) This picture was taken one weekend when we were in Huntsville Alabama visiting his folks and sister Dawn. Eric and his Dad did alot of work to this good ole van. I believe the story goes that when Eric got it there was a huge hole in the side of the van??? Could that possibly be true?

He was the love of my life then , and is even more so today. Pretty cliche but I mean it!!! Marriage really is incredible that way, just keeps getting better and better. Eric is an incredible man and sorry ladies, but he’s all mine!!

P.S. Our kiddos are going to have some fro’s! Combine his curls and mine and we are definitely going to need some detangler.

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They may look familiar, they are all over my website. They are beautiful people, in love and photogenic. Some of the shots from their session have become all time favorites. Especially the swing pic…..

Here’s to you Jenna and Nick. You will be greatly missed!! (ps. you better take me up on your house warming gift)

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Bilingual Ring book that is full of instructional information that is easy to take along anywhere.

Bilingual 94 page book full of detailed instructional information everything from bus routes, common fruits and vegetables, and how to dress for an interview.

Beautifully illustrated bilingual book for children and adults. Story of family acclimating to their new life in the U.S.

This is a project I have been meaning to write and share about. I was brought on board to take photographs for the materials they were producing to help support refugees. What I love the most, is this project was birthed out of relationship and friendship. Four individuals (who happen to be dear friends) began by being friends and “doing life” with a group of Karen refugees and seeing their needs. I know these friendships have changed the changed the hearts of my four friends. When they discovered the “Ideas that Matter” Grant, they got busy. They researched and researched, brainstormed and decided to go for it. And they got it!! They received the grant in June, and WORKED HARD! We as their friends complained of the long hours, but tried to encourage them onward. So many individuals were involved, recruited and happily donated to the cause.

The project is a grant funded initiative that combines well-designed and relative informational and educational printed materials to the Burmease (Karen) refugees of the United States with the hope of expanding the project to other translations and refugees. There were 3 separate pieces produced. The ring cards are a set of ringbound reference cards that communicate every day information that are portable and easy to carry with you. An example, on one page there is an explanation of common fruits and vegetables and the ring cards are made to be small enough to fit in a purse! The book is a 94 page bilingual book, with many pictures and detailed information. The ring cards are like an abbreviated version of this thorough book. Ah Mu Weaves a Story is a wonderfully illustrated narrative for both children and adults that walks through a young family’s acclimation to life in the United States. Check out www.chicagowelcomesyou.org to see how you can get involved and where these materials will be sold. This site will also be updated as more translations are produced!

May I introduce you to these awesome awesome people?! Meet Aaron (top left), Joyce (top right), Jenn (bottom left) and Rick (bottom right). They are dear friends and should be congratulated for all their hard work and to impacting people’s everyday lives.

this is much more "them"!!!!!!

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Thank you friends for being such a obvious example of whom you serve. I am privileged by your love, and full of hope for the days to come, and am so grateful for all the days we have together here.

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