A Tyrannosaurus Rex Named Sue

When we were in elementary school I remember our music teacher put on a show for the families about Dinosaurs. 

We worked for weeks making giant dinosaurs out of paper, learning our songs that we would sing for our parents, and practicing the choreography. On the night of the big show I remember dressing like a Flintstone, having my mom pull my hair as tightly as she could into the highest pony tail possible and wearing an outfit that a respectable cave girl would have most definitely worn...leggings and an animal print top. 

I distinctly remember the song about the Tyrannosaurus Rex.  I remember belting it out at the top of my lungs thinking it was the most amazing song I had ever sung, "TYRANNASAURUS!!! REX REX REX REX REX REX REX!" We put our elbows close to our bodies creating tiny T-Rex arms and slashed them in the air.

Occasionally my twin sister and I will still belt out the Tyrannosaurus song while driving in the car or walking through the grocery store. 

This week it was Free Educator's Night at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. If you want teachers to come to anything, just make it free and we're there.  I always love going places with large gatherings of teachers...it's one of the best places to people watch.  

haha I love it

We got to experience the new exhibit about a T-Rex named Sue (the oldest T-Rex ever found) and explore the museum without doing a head count of our students every two minutes...1, 2, 3, 4, 5...wait where's Juan!!?  

It was pure bliss. 

A September Shower

Today we celebrated my big sister, Elizabeth, and her little boy, who will make his appearance soon into this world. 

It was such a special weekend filled with family and friends...our sister Kate even got to fly home from Florida for the special occasion! Kate and I have been planning the shower for months now, planning every detail, making sure everything was perfect. 

I got these adorable straws here

It's so amazing to see my big sister preparing for the role of motherhood. She is going to make an amazing mother, I know this because she has practiced on Kate and I for the last 26 years :)

She looked so beautiful today...it's true what they say, pregnant women really do glow. I imagine it's because they are filled with so much happiness and joy it just oozes out of them. 

9 more weeks! 

people are friendlier in the midwest

I just got back from a very special wedding.

Remember these two adorable people?

A few weeks after I took Meg and Cass's engagement pictures they asked me to travel to Nebraska and be their wedding photographer for their September wedding. I was excited, scared, nervous.  Taking someones wedding pictures is not something to be taken lightly. I felt a little...well somedays a lot unsure about having said yes. I practiced and practiced, read everything I could and finally the weekend had arrived. 

The moment I got to the church I was welcomed into their families with great big open arms and lots of food. Seriously, midwesterners are the NICEST people I've ever met.  Strangers say hello to each other, they feed you lots and lots of food, and on one of the biggest weekends of their life they are asking if you need anything.  As my mom and I drove to the church on Friday evening, we noticed a little white haired lady strolling down the sidewalk. A car passed her and she stopped, turned, and gave them the biggest wave her small frame could muster.  Then a motorcycle passed ten seconds later and again she stopped and waved.  When we got closer to her I wondered if she just knew everyone in the neighborhood or if we would get a friendly wave too. 

We got a friendly wave too. 

I'm pretty sure if you were to wave to people walking down the street in Denver they would think you were a crazy person. There's just something special about small American towns. 

The weekend went by quickly and before I knew it my mom and I were driving along I-80 once again through wheat field after wheat field.  It was a beautiful weekend, full of beautiful weather, beautiful people, and a beautiful wedding. 

27

Today is my husband's 27th Birthday.
Another year gone in the blink of an eye. 


I can't believe how much Martin has been through in just one year...changing careers is a big decision and I'm so glad he followed his heart. I know this next year will be good to him :)

{I've always loved a man in a uniform}


I remember when I first met Martin.  He had just turned 17 and we were slowly becoming friends. It's amazing to think that we've celebrated 10 birthdays together. 

I wonder what Martin would have said if he had been told that ten years from when this picture was taken he would be an amazing chef and be married to the girl sitting next to him?

When you meet someone so young you are lucky enough to watch them grow into who they want to become.  Ten years later Martin is still very much the guy I met in high school.  He lives his life each day to its fullest...never dwelling on anything negative. He beats to his own drum, which is what I love about him, never caring what others think. He walks with his head held high and a big grin on his face.  He's goofy and silly and he makes me laugh. He has worked so hard to be where he is today and I am so proud of him.


Happy Birthday to my dearest husband. I can't even begin to imagine my life without you.  You make everyday...every moment better and I am so blessed be by your side year after year. 

i love this room

Here it is :) My older sister's nursery. 

Perfect for a baby boy.  

It fits my family's motto that my mom has instilled in us since we were little...simple, yet elegant.