little snapshots.

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{1 + 2} Flowers from our complex's garden. 

{3} His little white paws. 

{4} New stickers for my sweet students. 

{5} The loveliest thank you card I ever did see. 

{6} One of my favorite books from childhood (I'm using it to teach a lesson on the character traits independent, appreciative, and wise).

{7} A sweet little piece of artwork with an even sweeter story. (Jeffrey and I were at Starbucks probably over a month ago when a darling little girl (about 3 or 4 years old) walked up to us and gave us a zarf. We were touched that she was so outgoing and thought we deserved a little gift from her. About 10 minutes later, she walked back out to us and handed us this little drawing. We were floored! It was the sweetest, loveliest thing and we thought her artwork was beyond wonderful. We've been meaning to do something with it and this weekend Jeffrey made a little frame for it and hung it in our house. Don't you just love that?!)

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Thanks for such a positive response on my last post. This weekend ended up being such a lovely one and it surely reaffirmed my love for Jeffrey. Don't you love when that happens? Sometimes I could just be stopped in my tracks with my astounding love for that guy. (How many times can I say love in one post? Love.)

We got chicken Souvlaki, fries, and Coke for lunch on Saturday and it was delicious. We took it to our new favorite local dog park and let Woody roam around for awhile. We finally got him to play fetch with us and watching him run around is an absolute blast. He hops around like a little deer and it's the cutest thing we've ever witnessed. We made chicken tacos for dinner and Jeffrey ran out to buy us some ice cream (this has been fulfilling my craving) and watched a couple episodes of Friends. It's our latest TV show addiction and we're having so much fun watching it from the very beginning!

Yesterday I wrote some more thank you notes (I don't know why this round is taking me so long!), made a quick trip to the mall, and did some cleaning of the apartment. Oh, how I despise cleaning, but I loooove walking into a tidy home. One of my favorite things, I do believe. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, full of only the best. Tell me, what did you do? xo, R.



P.S. Would anyone be interested in a post about some of the really cool goodies we've been picking up for Woody? Every time we get a new treat, I think it's surely the most amazing dog thing ever! I'd love to share, but I'm not sure if anyone else would find it interesting. Please let me know. :)

saturday afternoon picnic.

In my mind, Saturdays are a day to reset and refresh for the upcoming week. I like to sleep in, eat a late breakfast, laze around, and do something fun with the ones I love. This weekend, Jeffrey had some work to complete so we carved out just a small amount of time to pick up some Steak 'n Shake and have an impromptu picnic. I don't often crave cheeseburgers, so when I do we stop what we're doing and go and get one. Since our favorite local place was closed, we settled for the next best thing. We then found one of our favorite spots on campus and enjoyed our burgers there. The whole afternoon was perfectly pleasant. When I graduate in June, one of the saddest things will be leaving this beautiful campus. It truly is a gem.  

FYI: The kids meal is probably the best deal on Steak 'n Shake's menu. Plus, they put your drink in these weird little mini cups, which we sort of got a kick out of.

the day we bought a dog & named him woody guthrie.

I have been a dog person my whole life. I'm entirely certain that as a baby I probably daydreamed about dogs and thought about how absolutely perfect and wonderful they are. I'd even call them magical. It is impossible for me to pass a dog without remarking how cute it is, and if the owner looks friendly I always ask if I can pat the sweet little doggie soul on the head.

Jeffrey and I have been talking about getting a dog for quite some time now. We always assumed that we'd wait until next year, when I was done with school and hopefully settled into a teaching job. Well, sometimes plans don't really matter when you find the cutest dog in the world and know right then that you must — must! — adopt him.

On December 2nd, we were running errands and came across one of PetSmart's adoption days. I initially told Jeffrey that I didn't want to stop because I would get too attached and not be able to drag myself away. I changed my mind (because how could I not visit a tent full of dogs?!) and we walked up to the pet adoption tent. Immediately we noticed that there weren't that many cute dogs available. Forgive me for saying that because I can find a redeeming quality in most dogs, but none of these struck me as meant-to-be. Something you should understand about my family is this: when it comes to dogs, we have a type and it sounds something like a scruffy looking fellow, medium sized, terrier mix, hair/fur that is multi-colored, and expressive features. This sounds like a tall order, but you'd be surprised by how many dogs meet this criteria.

We walked around and saw a few sweeties, but none that needed to be ours. And then it happened. We saw him. Well, Jeffrey saw him actually and called my name from across the tent. And then the clouds parted and a light shown through and an angelic voice said, "This is your dog and you must rescue him." We agreed, but we're not irrational. We have self control! We're responsible! We don't make rash decisions! So we left and ate lunch at Tijuana Flats.

We couldn't sit still. We were bouncing with the thought of that sweet little dog and we just knew that he needed to be ours. We hopped in the car (after we ate, of course) and ran to the tent, certain that our little one would be gone (Who wouldn't want that darling little fur covered sweet pea?!). He wasn't! He was there! His little eyes looked up at us and said, "ADOPT ME."

We're no fools, so we did! And then we named him Woody Guthrie. Because every dog deserves to be named after an American legend. xo, R.

a love letter to my almost-husband.

Dear Jeffrey,

I got so lucky when I found you, my match.
I am so thankful that you came at just the right time...that our love story started no sooner or no later than it did. Timing like that is certainly orchestrated from above.
After five and a half years, you still look at me like I'm the most beautiful girl in the room. I know you'll still do that 60 years from now.
Thanks for telling me everyday that you are proud of me...for actually stopping me in my tracks, holding my shoulders, and looking me straight in my eyes to send that little message of encouragement. It means so much to me.
Thank you for still dating me, pursuing me. I love going on dates with you.
I am so appreciative that you help me not to worry about everything. That you tell me to stop and take one deep breath because it will all be okay. Sometimes you just stop me in the middle of the house and hug me. Sometimes I am rushed or impatient about it. Thanks for hugging me anyway.
Thanks for helping me to be a better person, for always challenging me to be better.
And sometimes, when I need that little bit of tough love, I thank you for being strong enough to give that to me. For reminding me that I am better than that and for not accepting any less.
Sometimes I look at you or think about you and wonder how this could all even be possible. How is it that I got you, the one person made solely for me? It warms my heart to even contemplate it a little, little bit.
You are you and I am me and we are for each other. It is my favorite feeling in all the world. Marriage to you will be so sweet.

Yours, Always,
R.

san francisco.

Jeffrey and Derek ended their bicycle tour in San Francisco. After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, they would be finished. I think riding over the Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most spectacular way to end such a memorable event. It was such an honor and a pleasure to be there as they finished a tour they had been dreaming of and planning for for such a long time. As they crossed over the bridge, it was really cold and foggy. It remained that way for the rest of our time in the city. We spent a couple days sightseeing and popping into places my sister had recommended (Tartine, Ike's Place, Paxton Gate). We rode on the cable car, saw the sea lions (there was only one), stopped into City Light Books and enjoyed being a part of the hustle and bustle of the city. xo, R.

P.S. More posts from this trip.

happy thanksgiving.

I hope you have a happy, healthy, lovely Thanksgiving. This year I am thankful for so many things; it's difficult to put it all into words. I am thankful for the love and support of my family. I am thankful for the companionship and adoration of my Jeffrey. I am thankful for the friendship and kindness of my sister and her husband. I'm thankful for the encouragement and reliability of my friends. I am thankful for the cuteness and fuzziness of my sweet pup. I'm also thankful for you, my sweet readers. Thanks for sticking around. What are you thankful for? xo, R.

P.S. The Thankful Week :)

butterfly rainforest.

 

About a month ago, my sister, Jeffrey, Mark and I went to the butterfly rainforest as a treat from our parents. We rode our bikes there on an especially hot day and we were immediately met with some of the most beautiful butterflies I have ever, ever seen. The surroundings were incredibly lush and green — the perfect spot for a happy butterfly to live. There were so many butterflies fluttering around us that we even had to be careful where we were stepped! It was such a lovely day and I was happy that I brought my camera along with me to capture it.

P.S. A random fact about me: I don't like butterfly paraphernalia of any kind — tshirts, accessories, trinkets, etc. However, real life butterflies are an entirely different story. These pictures are proof!

five years.

Jeffrey and I have been a couple for five wonderful years. I just don't know what I'd do without him. He brings the sunshine right into my life and I am thankful for his kind soul and generous heart every minute of everyday. I do believe I am a lucky girl to be called his. Happy Anniversary, my love. I love you so, so much!

P.S. A post I wrote recently just for him and our engagement story. :)

when your heart's on the road.

A little over two weeks ago, Jeffrey left for a bicycle tour. For a year, he has dreamt this idea up and finally he got the opportunity to go after it. We have been excited over this for quite some time now. The weeks leading up to Jeffrey's departure, I got really sad. I pride myself on being an independent person. I love spending time alone and without that coveted time, I get claustrophobic. I need to be by myself now and again. Jeffrey is one of the people that understands this need and gives me some of that time to myself. He never takes it personally, he just lets me be. But when it came right down to him leaving, I felt it in the pit of my stomach. Does it ever scare you to think about how much you love someone? Because sometimes it scares me...scares me that I have put that much of myself into someone else and invested so much of my love in another being.

Honestly, Jeffrey is my match. I believe with every fiber of my being that we were made for one another. That it was written somewhere that we would find each other and bring out the very best in one another. I think that's what true love does. Jeffrey brings out every part of me that is good and requires me to examine the parts that need improvement. He does this without trying. It is just by being around him that I feel the urge to be my best self.

Jeffrey carries such a big part of my heart that I feel off kilter without him here. My happiness is my own, but he certainly magnifies it. When he travels, a part of me travels with him. It is the biggest gift and honor to know that I will marry him next year. That he and I will solidify our love during a ceremony in front of our closest loved ones. It all makes my heart want to burst with happiness and gratitude. I am so grateful that I found my counterpart when I was so young. That we have had the blessing of growing up together, of experiencing some of life's milestones hand in hand. He has watched me change and grow and has still stood by my side, my biggest support.

Missing him is hard, but when I finally get to see him I know it will be worth it. That moment will reaffirm all the most precious things I hold in my heart. The little rememberances of Jeffrey that I carry around with me — his smile, his laugh, his all-enveloping hugs. All these things and more. My love forever.

father's day + bike tour.

On Father's Day we took Andy to the dog beach and read about some must-see destinations for our trip out West. The weather was absolutely stunning and the water was so calm! Andy enjoyed himself (obviously) and lobbied pretty hard for some scraps of bagel. He won. He always does.

Jeffrey has been planning a bicycle tour of the West (from Portland to San Francisco) for over a year now. This summer, he and a good friend of his are finally on their way. As a matter of fact, they're already out there, about to head out on their bicycles for a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I'm so excited for them! On Father's Day they were out on their bikes doing some training and we happened to see them, so we stopped at a beach plaza and said hello. I love, love, love running into Jeffrey randomly! It would happen on campus every now and again and it always made my day.

I'm so proud of Jeffrey and his friend for going after such a big dream of theirs. When I think about the two of them on their bikes, I can't help but smile. It's very special to watch a dream hatch from something small and very distant to something tangible! I'm also excited to meet him out there (our paths will only cross for a day or two) to offer some extra support. Jeffrey is so committed to going after his most vivid and important dreams. It's one of my very favorite things about him!

happy birthday.

Five years ago, Jeffrey invited me to his birthday party at Olive Garden. We had been school friends since the fifth grade, but this was the first time he had ever asked me to anything outside of school. The afternoon of his birthday party I went to the mall with a friend and picked out a new shirt.

I was nervous and giddy and anxious and excited. I found a black tank top that I layered under a green cardigan with dark wash jeans. I wore my hair down and straight and put on a necklace I had worn to homecoming the year before. I chose everything I wore so meticulously, wanting to look effortless, but painstakingly paying attention to every detail.

That's what I'll call the beginning of it all. I think we both knew in those moments that we were very much into each other, but it would take us another month to make it official. And here we are five years later, preparing for marriage, starting our lives together, and loving every minute of it.

Happy Birthday, Jeffrey. I love you.

sunday picnic.

On Sunday afternoon, Jeffrey and I grabbed our favorite new soda, corralled some cherries, carrots, and pineapple, grabbed a baguette + some cheese, and biked onto campus for a lovely picnic. Just as we left our picnic spot it began to rain, and we rode home in delight. How was your weekend? xo, R.

graduation snapshots.

Graduating from college is a special occasion. However, it is the people that surround the graduate that make her feel really special. I felt extremely fortunate to have my closest family members present to celebrate a big accomplishment in my life and shower me with words of kindness and compassion. Without their love and support over the last four years, my college experience would not have been as fun, rewarding, or memorable as it was. I will remember this time in my life as one of growth, self-discovery, and pure joy. It's hard to find the words to sum up such a momentous occasion, but I will never forget the days leading up to my graduation from college and the love and support I felt from those who know me best.

thankful.

Jeffrey and I have spent the entirety of our relationship in the same town, at the same school. It has been one of the strongest and most centering aspects of our relationship. For the better part of our relationship, I have never taken that for granted. But every now and then I forget. I forget that I am blessed and lucky to spend my days beside my one true love.

But last week, he went to Seattle. On a trip. For one week. And I remembered. Remembered what it felt like to be apart for a few days. I walked into our apartment after he left and felt a sudden surge of loneliness. Me, the independent one who craves time alone. I walked to his closet and touched his shirts. I was that girl for one minute, wallowing in my own self-pity and feeling perfectly justified in it. As I stood in front of his closet, I thought to myself, Well, this is certainly over dramatic. And it was. Oh, it really was. But it felt good. It was nice to remember what it felt like to be without him for a bit.

Why? Because it reminded me that I can't be without this person. I made a commitment to spend the rest of my days by his side and this is why. Because I love him. And I get sad when he leaves for a week. And when we're reunited, I'll be thankful that I can sit in the kitchen while he cooks dinner. I'll be thankful to do his laundry now and then. I'll be thankful to clean our house. I'll be thankful for it all if it means I get to hug him whenever I want.

*image.

the flying biscuit cafe.

On Sunday morning, Jeffrey and I headed to The Flying Biscuit Cafe (which my mom and sister had recommended). At this point, I was already feeling a bit sappy and a delicious breakfast at a charming cafe was just what I needed. Jeffrey and I sat and talked about the fun we had at the concert, admired the sweetest little toddler who had already mastered the act of dipping her biscuit into gravy, and split a Southern scramble and French toast with raspberry sauce and creme anglaise.

It was the kind of morning I wanted to grab and put in my pocket so that I could take it out later and remember its sweetness. Then, we went to Starbucks, ordered a Chai to split, and hopped onto the road. When we got home, we danced to Andrew Bird's new CD and did a bit of house cleaning. Although it was just an ordinary evening, it all felt pretty special to share it with the guy I love. I tell you what, I got really lucky when Jeffrey asked me to hitch my wagon to his.