Sam

My best friend.
My therapist to listen to all my problems.
My pillow.
My warmth on chilly nights.
My laughter.
The root of an unclean house.
My protector on dark nights when I am home alone.
The addition to our family Christmas cards.
My portrait model that never whines or complains about smiling too much.
My spoiled rotten baby.

Sammy, I love you ole boy. You make Mama proud.

Apologies

I am sorry that I have been absent for the last week or so... but I have a lot to catch you all up on later.

And here's a preview:

(prom!)

Have a happy rest of the week and weekend.
-suzyQ

Magic is...

family dinners crammed into our busy schedules

shouts of the neighborhood boys enjoying this "summer preview" weather, even though it is way past bedtimes

late nights, followed by getting into bed with the warmth of a sleeping sibling on the sheets

having the sun as an alarm clock...peeking under the curtains with the warmth of a new day

quiet early mornings after good sleep

a smile from across the lunchroom

overcoming a tough week, followed by a weekend of pancakes, sunshine, and green grass

coming home after a long trip, the smell of home as you open the door

building sandcastles, sandy fingernails, and digging for seashells with the late day's sun on your arms

Digging up

Because my mind is still on spring break mode, I decided to go deep into my archives and dig up an old favorite post that I feel didn't get its time in the spotlight... I am also celebrating my 101st post! So I am sorry if you have seen this post before, but it is one of my all-time favorites...

Chicago, Chicago

We drove 14 hours- all five of us packed in one car, luggage and all. The best trip of my life.

Chicago.

Car horns. Busy sidewalks. Suited-up men talking on their Blackberrys. Brief cases. Shopping bags. Taxis. Gum on my shoes. My mother freaking out as we cross the busy street- holding each of our hands. Wind-soo much wind. The Magnificent Mile. The Sears Tower. Navy Pier. Lattes. Darling boutiques. Wonderful dining on every corner. The feeling of excitement the city brings to me. Mine and my sister's plans to move up to Chicago as soon as we graduate college. New clothes, and much bragging to look forward to when we got back home.
...
Yes, I am a small-town girl who dreams of an internship at a major advertising firm in New York. Who dreams of being able to go shopping on a whim. Who dreams of going out and actually having a place to go. Who will be on top of every new city trend out there... and the list goes on.

But for now, I am perfectly content with my sleepy street, 30 classmates, neighborhood parties, and the sound of crickets as I fall asleep.

I will save the city for later.

Springy Easter

I think this one and the first one are my favorites..

These are various pictures from my lovely Easter weekend. Don't they just gleam "spring"?!
I hope you all had a beautiful Easter as well, and I hope that feeling carries you through this week..

(I am on Spring Break, so mine will be perfect!)

Much love,
suzyQ