I really wanted to make a mix CD this morning. I honestly think all of you will love these songs as much as I do. Enjoy!
10.24.2010
10.22.2010
Five Question Friday
Just like last time, feel free to answer these as a comment or post to your own blog! As the weather cools off, I am reminded of the fact that winter is right around the corner...so I guess that's where the questions stem from today:
1. Do you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
2. How would you rather spend your snow day; bundled up inside with the hot drink of your choice and a good movie? Or bundled up outside sledding and making snow angels?
3. When it's the middle of winter, where do you like to (or wish to) vacation?
4. Do you like snow on Christmas?
5. What is the number one item on your Christmas list this year?
1. Coffee
2. Kinda of a combination of both I guess. I'd like to go sledding and then come home and cozy up with Ryan and watch a movie.
3. Florida has been our January destination several times...this year it will be Vegas!
4. I LOVE snow on Christmas, I love snow in general. Don't hate me, but I'm already excited to see the first flake!
5. Sewing machine
1. Do you prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
2. How would you rather spend your snow day; bundled up inside with the hot drink of your choice and a good movie? Or bundled up outside sledding and making snow angels?
3. When it's the middle of winter, where do you like to (or wish to) vacation?
4. Do you like snow on Christmas?
5. What is the number one item on your Christmas list this year?
1. Coffee
2. Kinda of a combination of both I guess. I'd like to go sledding and then come home and cozy up with Ryan and watch a movie.
3. Florida has been our January destination several times...this year it will be Vegas!
4. I LOVE snow on Christmas, I love snow in general. Don't hate me, but I'm already excited to see the first flake!
5. Sewing machine
10.19.2010
Chasing Tails
I know dogs chase their tails, but do cats? Simple answer, you bet they do! Here are some pictures of my awesome cats, as requested by one of my pen pals, Kam!
Meet Peter, a totally chill cat; let's say, a gentle giant. :) Peter is not full-bred, but mostly Maine Coon. He can jump really high, but despite his large stature, he is surprisingly agile. He has an odd little habit of sucking on the top of his paw when he's happy, the vets say it's because he was weened too soon as a kitten. I never got to meet Peter as a kitten, we adopted him grown up! But my guess is that he was probably the cutest kitten ever! We didn't pick his name, he was Peter Pan at his old house. We tried to change it, to Sawyer, even just to Petey, but as odd as it sounds, he's just Peter. Peter is the type of cat everybody wants, we get offers for him all the time. Sorry! He's mine :)
Meet Cali, an ornery little creature. She is, as you can see, a tortoise/calico. If you don't know a lot about cats, tori-calicoes are bipolar and sometimes you don't know why you keep them, but then they turn around and do something so cute you remember why you love them. LoL. Cali will be enjoying a lovely lap session and then turn around and bite you for no reason and run (and I mean RUN) down the hall and hide. She always thinks she's in trouble, so when you walk towards her, she usually runs away. That being said, she almost is always in trouble...she's always knocking over stuff, chewing on things (like carpet and cords!), or attacking Peter. But she makes me smile and trust me, she is the softest cat you will ever pet.
Meet Peter, a totally chill cat; let's say, a gentle giant. :) Peter is not full-bred, but mostly Maine Coon. He can jump really high, but despite his large stature, he is surprisingly agile. He has an odd little habit of sucking on the top of his paw when he's happy, the vets say it's because he was weened too soon as a kitten. I never got to meet Peter as a kitten, we adopted him grown up! But my guess is that he was probably the cutest kitten ever! We didn't pick his name, he was Peter Pan at his old house. We tried to change it, to Sawyer, even just to Petey, but as odd as it sounds, he's just Peter. Peter is the type of cat everybody wants, we get offers for him all the time. Sorry! He's mine :)
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| Just chillin' on the kitchen table, as per usual |
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| Being purdy |
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| See Cali in the background? |
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| Always trying to get to the highest point, this is on top of our hutch |
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| Chasing her tail |
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| Aw, she got it! |
10.17.2010
Sunday Special - Brooke D
Brooke is my newest friend, and I am so glad to have met her! We met while working at "the bank which must not be named" last summer. We started on the same day and became fast friends! I was, and still am, so grateful for that dreadful bank because I wouldn't have met Brooke if it wasn't for that job. However, something tells me we would have found each other...haha. I know that's cheesy, but that's totally how we talk about each other. :)
When I got my new job, at a much better bank, I helped Brooke get an interview there too and of course she blew them away, so I get to work with Brooke again! Unfortunately, we are at different locations, but we get to email occasionally and sit together at meetings. But of course, more fun than work, we do FUN stuff when we have time to get together outside of work! For example, one random night out led to a night of bar hopping in a limo! We started a book club, yes just the two of us, and have read some wonderful books...though we really need to start that up again, with Ashley! Also, we have attended a couple concerts together, most recently Carrie Underwood (which was AWESOME).
It has been so fun hanging out with you Brooke. Whether it's Panera date night, a movie, a concert, or a limo, I always have a great night when we're together. Thank you for the good times, let's have some more of them soon!
When I got my new job, at a much better bank, I helped Brooke get an interview there too and of course she blew them away, so I get to work with Brooke again! Unfortunately, we are at different locations, but we get to email occasionally and sit together at meetings. But of course, more fun than work, we do FUN stuff when we have time to get together outside of work! For example, one random night out led to a night of bar hopping in a limo! We started a book club, yes just the two of us, and have read some wonderful books...though we really need to start that up again, with Ashley! Also, we have attended a couple concerts together, most recently Carrie Underwood (which was AWESOME).
It has been so fun hanging out with you Brooke. Whether it's Panera date night, a movie, a concert, or a limo, I always have a great night when we're together. Thank you for the good times, let's have some more of them soon!
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| Playing Rock Band at RIBCO |
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| Hanging out at 11th Street |
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| When we were sooo in love with my new camera |
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| Being goofy |
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| Brooke did my awesome hair! |
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| WEDDING DAY! |
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| At the Paramore concert |
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| At the Carrie Underwood concert! |
10.15.2010
Five Question Friday
One of the blogs I'm following (from my pen pal list!) does a simple series every Friday called Five Question Friday. I figure I'd join in because I need more inspiration to write more often. So here's how it works, I post 5 questions, and I answer them for myself, and then you put your answers in the comments OR post it to your own blog. Happy Friday and happy blogging!
1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
2. Do you fold your socks?
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?
4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?
5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself? (And, just for fun...if your significant other is around, ask him/her what 3 words they would use to describe you!!)
1. Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins!
2. Yes...well I roll one inside the other
3. We all look forward to the "real world" after college, but no one tells you how much you'll miss the college world because, even though it was hard and you spent way too much money, you'll never have all of your friends in one place like that again...and that's really hard.
4. He is way more responsible with money. :)
5. Caring, outgoing, a planner (meaning I plan way too far in advance!) Yes, Ryan gave me these three words.
1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
2. Do you fold your socks?
3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?
4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?
5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself? (And, just for fun...if your significant other is around, ask him/her what 3 words they would use to describe you!!)
1. Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins!
2. Yes...well I roll one inside the other
3. We all look forward to the "real world" after college, but no one tells you how much you'll miss the college world because, even though it was hard and you spent way too much money, you'll never have all of your friends in one place like that again...and that's really hard.
4. He is way more responsible with money. :)
5. Caring, outgoing, a planner (meaning I plan way too far in advance!) Yes, Ryan gave me these three words.
10.11.2010
Enjoy Every Moment
As we kick off this Monday, I am reminded (as I try to be every morning) to enjoy every moment and appreciate everything I have. As of yesterday, I have been married to my husband for six months, and next month, I'll have been with him for 6 and a half years! We didn't do anything special yesterday to celebrate, but I love that when I let myself actually feel how much I love him, I still get butterflies...and all it takes is a glance, a smile, a brushed touch against my arm. The little things; those are the things we need to remember to be grateful for.
I got this story off of another blog, but I wanted to share it with you all too. This blog is also where I found the pen pal project I started this month! Here's the story; I hope you take as much away from it as I did:
*****************************************************************************************
Washington Post Experiment In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by Gene Weingarten from the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. Weingarten won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for feature writing for his article on the experiment.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made … How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by Gene Weingarten from the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities. Weingarten won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for feature writing for his article on the experiment.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made … How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
you can read the article here
you can watch the video here
10.09.2010
Fantasy Football - Week 5
The match-up:
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| Glitter Kitten vs. Ridiculously Swagger |
It's a tough call this week...they both have 1-3 records, which makes them the perfect match-up! G.K. has a pretty solid line up with Frank Gore as his leading running back, as well as Austin Collie and Chad Ochocinco, "child pleez"! But fans of G.K. beware, R.S. has all the tools she needs to win this match-up. Obviously, Drew Brees will lead the team as quarter-back, and R.S. has the best tight end in the league, Antonio Gates. She is taking a gamble playing LeSean McCoy, who has a projected 0, but trusted sources believe McCoy will be back and better than ever at Sunday night's game against the 49ers.
It's a tough call, Glitter Kitten could have a secret weapon up his sleeve. Perhaps a rockin' trade, or maybe a star on his bench. You'll just have to tune in Sunday to see where this match-up goes. When it's all said an done, one of these teams will be 2-3 and one will be 1-4, just above Team Crap...and that's not the end result G.K or R.S. wants or deserves. The competition is hot, the anticipation is building...it's on!
10.07.2010
My tattoo
Today marks the 3 month anniversary of losing TJ and I realized I never posted or explained the tattoo that I got. I think I kind of want to clarify how I feel about TJ and losing him first. I know that TJ was not my best friend and that I hadn't seen him in a year, nor talked to him in a few weeks prior to his death...but TJ was the nicest, kindest, funniest, most amazing person I have ever known. I sometimes confuse myself as to why it hurts me so much, why it hurts almost as much as I imagine it would feel to lose a true best friend. I think what hurts the most is that not only did I lose a friend, but the world lost one of the true good people. We lost a person who didn't pass judgment, worked hard, liked everyone, and made the most of every day. That is what makes losing TJ the hardest, and it makes me regret not having talked to him more often. I hope he knows how I really feel and that he's watching over all of us right now.
OK, so my tattoo. About six years ago, our group of friends did a Christmas gift exchange...I think it was supposed to be a secret santa exchange. Well, I drew TJ's name and I totally blew the secret and let him know I had him, but that I'd like to get him exactly what he wanted for Christmas. So TJ came over one night after school and took me to a website where he picked out a belt buckle. It was pretty sweet, so I ordered it for him. From then on, TJ wore that belt buckle almost daily. Throughout college, we'd always crack jokes about it, we even took a picture with it.
That buckle is one thing that will always remind me of TJ and make me smile. I know it is little, but it means a lot to me because I know how much he loved it. So I know that TJ's favorite flower is a carnation, but for me, I always think of a rose when I think of TJ. That is how I decided what I was going to get for my tattoo.
I already had a tattoo I got a few years back with my sister and I truly could not think of any other place on my body for a new tattoo, so I added on to it. The cross I had with the original tattoo had a little "L" inside of it for my childhood best friend Lindsey, who passed away when we were in high school.
I kind of came up with the design, but I'm no artist. Once I saw what the tattoo artist drew up, I was very happy with the look.
When I got home, I was pretty emotional...this is forever...TJ is gone forever. I will never forget him, or our memories, or that belt buckle. But with the knowledge that TJ is in our hearts and would want us to be happy, I can remember him with a smile on my face.
I miss you TJ, thank you for all of the good times. You are so loved <3
OK, so my tattoo. About six years ago, our group of friends did a Christmas gift exchange...I think it was supposed to be a secret santa exchange. Well, I drew TJ's name and I totally blew the secret and let him know I had him, but that I'd like to get him exactly what he wanted for Christmas. So TJ came over one night after school and took me to a website where he picked out a belt buckle. It was pretty sweet, so I ordered it for him. From then on, TJ wore that belt buckle almost daily. Throughout college, we'd always crack jokes about it, we even took a picture with it.
I already had a tattoo I got a few years back with my sister and I truly could not think of any other place on my body for a new tattoo, so I added on to it. The cross I had with the original tattoo had a little "L" inside of it for my childhood best friend Lindsey, who passed away when we were in high school.
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| The design |
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| It actually didn't hurt too bad, and it was well worth it. |
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| Halfway through...outline only |
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| Filling it all in |
I miss you TJ, thank you for all of the good times. You are so loved <3
10.05.2010
What a glorious fall weekend
Friday marked the first day of October, so Ashley J and I kicked it off with a scary movie night! We both had to work Saturday morning, so we couldn't really go out with all of of our friends from out of town. For dinner, we began with a delicious $5.99 pizza from domino's. Yes I recommend it, and yes I sent my pic in to domino's :)
We rented Paranormal Activity and Halloween. I had never seen Paranormal Activity before and heard a lot of good things! I had also heard a lot of people couldn't sleep through the night after watching it, so I'll admit it, I was a little nervous to watch it.
I actually really liked the movie and want to go see the second one in theaters, but I definitely had a hard time falling asleep that night.
The next day was a lot of fun, minus working. Ashely M and I enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Azteca and then we picked up Emily and went thrifting! Ashley & Emily were both looking for different kinds of vases for their weddings and let's just say we hit the jackpot! It was a lot of fun, even though I didn't buy anything. I love helping my friends plan and shop :)
Then it was time to get ready for the main event of the day, Amber and Steve were getting married! It was brisk, outdoor extravaganza, but it was so much fun! It was kinda "old-timey," vintage themed, so it was great seeing all the guys with their ridiculous facial hair and awesome clothing choices.
At the reception, the food was great! Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheesy potatoes, and green beans...yum! They had several tents set up for seating, one which had a TV tuned in to the Iowa game. They also had a photo booth, which ended up being VERY entertaining! And we all had a lot of fun playing BINGO!
We watched Amber and Steve enjoy their first dance as a couple and we all enjoyed a little dancing ourselves!
Once the reception was over, a lot of us headed out to Al & Gerry's in Eldridge. We got some looks, that's definitely a townie bar. But we had a lot of fun :)
I drove us home at the end of the night, did I mention I was the DD? I had tons of fun and nothing to drink...so keep that in mind all your calorie counters :)
On Sunday, I unfortunately did not take my camera out, but we had both of our families come over for a chili dinner and Sunday night football! I always have a lot of fun hosting and I think we all had a great time. The disappointing part was seeing the bears lose horribly! That's OK, they are only my SECOND team, mostly because their Ryan's team. I'm ready to watch the Vikings tear it up this weekend =) hehe....
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| Mmm pizza |
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| Movie night! |
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| Make that Scary Movie night! :) |
The next day was a lot of fun, minus working. Ashely M and I enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Azteca and then we picked up Emily and went thrifting! Ashley & Emily were both looking for different kinds of vases for their weddings and let's just say we hit the jackpot! It was a lot of fun, even though I didn't buy anything. I love helping my friends plan and shop :)
Then it was time to get ready for the main event of the day, Amber and Steve were getting married! It was brisk, outdoor extravaganza, but it was so much fun! It was kinda "old-timey," vintage themed, so it was great seeing all the guys with their ridiculous facial hair and awesome clothing choices.
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| Ashley, Andy, Nick, and Emily |
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| BINGO! |
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| One of the prizes we won playing BINGO |
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| Steve & Amber |
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| REUNION! Tammy, Laura B, Laura S, and me |
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| Ryan & Me |
On Sunday, I unfortunately did not take my camera out, but we had both of our families come over for a chili dinner and Sunday night football! I always have a lot of fun hosting and I think we all had a great time. The disappointing part was seeing the bears lose horribly! That's OK, they are only my SECOND team, mostly because their Ryan's team. I'm ready to watch the Vikings tear it up this weekend =) hehe....
10.03.2010
Sunday Special - Emily D
Emily Dawson is someone who becomes a better friend everyday. We have known each other since high school, but not very well since we were at different schools. But the very first time I met her, I remember thinking she was so nice because without even formally meeting me, she offered me a piece of gum and that made me happy :) I started to get to know her more once we were in college. I have always really liked Emily and always wished to become good friends with her. Well, these past couple years have been great years for our friendship and Emily has become one of my closest friends. She is also engaged to Nick, who is a good friend of Ryan's and mine, so we always have a great time when we can all hang out together.
Emily is an extremely talented designer who always impresses me with her work. She has cute accessories in her etsy shop, which you should check out! She also has an amazing eye for fashion and interesting pieces which you can check out in her other etsy shop. It was so special for me when she agreed to make my headpiece that I wore to my reception on my wedding day. It was absolutely stunning, I received so many compliments, but more importantly, it meant a lot to me to have had my good friend be a part of my special day.
Emily and I are currently facing off in Fantasy Football today, I hope she's prepared to lose! ;-) I love you Emily, I can't wait to see where our friendship goes over the next few years. We undoubtedly have many many more years of fun to look forward to and I can't wait!
Emily is an extremely talented designer who always impresses me with her work. She has cute accessories in her etsy shop, which you should check out! She also has an amazing eye for fashion and interesting pieces which you can check out in her other etsy shop. It was so special for me when she agreed to make my headpiece that I wore to my reception on my wedding day. It was absolutely stunning, I received so many compliments, but more importantly, it meant a lot to me to have had my good friend be a part of my special day.
Emily and I are currently facing off in Fantasy Football today, I hope she's prepared to lose! ;-) I love you Emily, I can't wait to see where our friendship goes over the next few years. We undoubtedly have many many more years of fun to look forward to and I can't wait!
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| Sophomore Year at ISU |
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| Apparently I like this pose...lol |
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| <3 |
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| Mmm...engagement cake! |
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| GUESSTURES!! |
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| I love this pic of us! |
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| Don't mess with Emily! |
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| The hairpiece she made me :) |
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| YAY wedding day! |
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| Cannot wait for their wedding next year! Nick & Emily |
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| Picture we took last night <3 |
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