The Happiest Place on Earth!

So we finally did it...We bit the bullet and booked our trip to Disneyland! 

 

{I could most definitely use a visit to the happiest place on earth!}

 

We are pretty excited, to say the least! I feel like a little kid myself all over again, and cannot wait to see the look on Emma's face when she gets to see the Princesses {and other characters} up close and personal! To see that sparkle in her eyes, that I know will be there, is going to be absolutely priceless! 

Especially since this will more than likely be a once-every-ten-years type of thing! 

 

The best parts about this trip, are that #1 - we will be there over Mother's Day weekend, and #2 - we will be going with two of Em's best friends from school, and their families, and #3 - this will be our first {official} family vacation! We will all be staying at the same hotel, taking the same flights, and meeting up sporadically during the trip. I have no DOUBT this is going to be a blast! 

 

We are going to officially tell Em on Christmas, which means we will be having a Disney-themed Holiday in our home! Her gifts will mainly consist of things she can take on the trip, such as toys, dress up outfits, PJ's, books, gift cards, etc...Also, since we don't travel that much, this will be her very first time in an airplane! So that should be interesting...to say the least! 

Anywho, I just had to share this exciting news because we have been talking about it for awhile, and finally decided to just do it! The initial shock of the bill is still sinking in for me, but I'll get over it! 

 

This just means that I now have an excuse to go check out the new Disney store at Bellevue Square!

Unanswered Questions

This past week has presented to be quit difficult for a lot of people in my life.

{...deep breath...}

The first of many unfortunate events took place on Monday - my husband's grandpa's passing. We all took this very hard. He was a much loved man, who in many ways, reminded me of my own Papa. He was such a sweetheart. He had a truly kind soul, and a heart filled with love. We are all going to miss him deeply.

 

Then on Thursday I received a call from a very good friend of mine. She informed me that her and her husband had lost their precious twin babies at 20 weeks. The pain that they are feeling is unfathomable to me. I want to help them however I can, but for something like this, there is unfortunately not much I can do. Except for what I have been doing - being a friend, and being there if {and when} they might need me. My heart has broken for them, and the pieces left behind ache for them. 

Then that same night, I found out about two other people I know who had miscarriages that same week. And recently I found out that another friend of mine lost her job last week, and a friend of hers passed away. Not to mention, yet another close friend of mine had her best friends brother pass on. Seriously?

I understand that things happen for a reason, but this many? All at once? Sometimes I feel like these people being associated with me may have a cause in this - silly, I know. But what are the chances of all of these things happening, at the same time, to people that I care for and love? 

 

I for one, am exhausted for watching bad things happen to the best of people. Why do the good people need to suffer? And why with this amount of pain? 

I know that there are no answers for the questions that I have, but the only explanation that I can come up with is this: It is not fair. As childish as that may sound, it is simply the truth. 

 

 ...In time...

Inspirational Photography: Day 7, Food

FEAST your eyes on these delicious delights! If these photos don't make you work up an appetite, I'm not sure what will!

{All images found HERE and HERE}

Inspirational Photography: Day 6, Fashion

For today's theme, I decided to choose something striking. Something that is so posed, it turns out fabulous: Fashion. Whether it be high-end fashion, modeling, magazines or just plain old snapshots, the dramatic flare that this theme brings to a photograph is undeniable. 

{All images found HERE and HERE}

Inspirational Photography: Day 5, Black & White

There is something so...timeless, about black and white photography. It has such a classic, dignified feel to it. Something about this style of work truly captivates me. I have been leaning closer and closer to it myself, with my own art...

{All images found HERE, HERE and HERE}

Inspirational Photography: Day 4, Rustic

Today's theme for my inspiration is all things Rustic. My favorite style!

There is something so dreamy, homey and welcoming to these photographs. The colors are deep and rich, just the way I like them! 

{All images found HERE, and HERE!}

Inspirational Photography: Day 3, Female Celebrities

For today's theme, I have chosen female celebrities. There is something so classic, and timeless in these photos. They have truly captured my full attention! I hope you can agree with all the images found HERE!

Grace Kelly

Rachel McAdams

Evan Rachel Wood

Liv Tyler

Marilyn Monroe

Zooey Deschanel

Miranda Lambert

Adele

Florence Welch {Florence + The Machine}

Kate Hudson

Gwen Stefani

Kate Beckinsale