California

I'm sorry I've been so sporadic in my posting lately. My work travel has been keeping me busy and so I've haven't had much time, but I have the entire weekend free, so I hope to have some good new projects to post about next week!

Until then, you may remember me telling you about my trip to California for work. I wrote this post last night before receiving news of the record earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It's amazing that now that I post it, the California coast is bracing for a possible tsunami. It makes me grateful to have been in California on such a peaceful weekend. I'm praying for all those impacted in Japan. The devastation is heartbreaking.

Usually when I travel for work, there is little down time, but this trip was slightly different. Matter of fact, I had Saturday late afternoon and evening completely free, so rather than staying in my hotel room, I decided to get out and explore.

I took a trip down to Laguna Beach, which was only about 30 minutes from where I was staying. It was a gorgeous 80-degree day! So, I spent about two hours walking the beach and exploring the shops along the shore. 

One of my favorite shops was a beach decor shop called Cottage Furnishings.

If I had, had room in my suitcase, I definitely would have snagged something to bring home!  Check out their website to see all the fabulous things they offer: www.cottagefurnishings.com.

I must say that I do love California. It is truly unique, with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. I couldn't live there, but I definitely enjoy visiting. I'm hoping to one day go with Landon, so we can explore California together (Oh, and take a trip to Disneyland!).

Crime Scene

One day last week, Landon came home to find a crime scene in our dining room. Take a look ...

That little green monkey didn't stand a chance. My dogs, Bug and Mitsu, fully gutted it. This is about what all of our dog toys eventually end up looking like. They just love to pull out stuffing, squeakers or anything else which might be inside.

The Best Six Years of my Life

Six years ago today I married my best friend! I honestly can't believe six years have gone by, but I can tell you they have been the best years of my life!

Landon and I met in seventh grade English class. We sat across the room from each other, but as is typical of most seventh graders, we didn't talk much. Landon's family had just moved from Florida, and a few months after the school year began, they began attending my church, Tulip Grove Baptist Church. That's when I really started to get to know Landon. 

We grew up together in classes at school as well as church and became good friends. Throughout high school, we watched each other date other people -- many of which were our friends. Our senior year of high school, we became even closer friends, partly due to leading a discipleship group together at our church. To be honest, we didn't have many in the group, so many Sunday nights were spent talking with each other. 

Landon asked me to senior prom "as friends" because he wanted a date he "could have fun with" (those were his words). I'll be honest and say at that point, I did not want to be "just friends." But, when I brought that up, it just didn't go well, and that's when Landon went from a great friend to someone who frustrated me. My college roommates can attest to this, because I shared this frustration in our freshman year -- even though Landon and I went to colleges two hours away. Clearly, he was on my mind. I laugh at this now!

By spring break of our college freshman year, I came home to Nashville only to find that the only other person with the same spring break as me was none other than Landon. We spent most of the week hanging out, and before we knew it, those sparks were back. The timing was finally right, and we went on our first "official" date. A couple of months later, it was clear that Landon would be in my life for a very long time.

I think our parents had been hoping this would happen for a while. My mom used to tell Landon, "I have three daughters, and I don't care which one you marry, but you need to marry one." In addition, Landon's dad had tried to get us together many times, including bribing Landon with some really good hockey tickets if he would take me (which he did). His dad told him I was a "good catch." 

Well, their wishes came true, because within just over a year, Landon proposed to me on my family vacation to the beach. He had already asked permission from my parents, and I'm pretty sure everyone knew this was happening, because I recall them all telling me how much fun they hoped I had. 

Landon's intention was to wait until the Fourth of July, but he was too nervous. So, a few days before, we took a walk on the beach, and he got down on one knee and popped the question. I'll never forget a group of people out on the balcony of a condo behind where we got engaged began cheering at the site. 

Over a year and a half later, due to my needing to finish college, we got married at the same place where our friendship blossomed - Tulip Grove Baptist Church. 

A lot has happened in six years. We have ...

• Lived in five different homes
• Moved more than 700 miles away from our friends and family in Nashville ... twice
• Changed jobs ... many times
• Grown our family by two ... dogs, that is
• Dealt with death
• Made some difficult decisions
• Cried a little
• Laughed a lot

The list could go on, but that said, I'd do it all again with Landon by my side! I can honestly say that I could not have married a better man! I love you, Landon!

Home Sweet Home

Well, I made it home from Nashville on Tuesday evening around 9 p.m., and in about an hour, I am leaving for California - the Orange County, to be exact. My work travel goes in ebbs and flows and this just happens to be a busy time. So, I had a bit of time at home but not much time to get to any of my projects. It looks like it will be another weekend without any work, but I'm sure I'll make up for it next weekend! 

Perhaps I'll have a little time to shop around for some inspiration while in California, if I can get a bit of time away from working. Here's some of my past "California" inspiration, which may come in handy for my "beach" themed sunroom.

Have a great weekend!

"Lost" Lampshades

I have a pair of "lost" lampshades that I bought over two and a half years ago right before we moved to Nashville. I say they are "lost" because I have never found a home for them. 

They are from IKEA and were originally bought with the intention of going in my living room, but when I got them in there, they just seemed too small. Since moving to the new house, they still have not found a proper "home." 

I think the best place for them would be the sunroom, but I'm not sure that will go with the "beach" theme I had envisioned. What do you think?