Wonderful family

I meant to post these a while ago. I wish I had a better excuse than laziness! Honestly, with everything this year, the importance of family is all the more obvious. Kevin and I both have truly wonderful, fun, genuine families and I am so grateful for that!

Here are some family photos from Kevin's graduation weekend.

Kevin's graduation

It is funny how much I feel I am turning into my mother (and lucky I am to have her to turn into). From not being able to work my new phone to (attempting) more gardening to even coming to enjoy entertaining. I still remember giving her a hard time - why would you spend hours cleaning before people arrive only to have to clean again once they leave! Now I get it. I get why she loved having family in her home, feeding them a good meal, making them feel at home.

I tried to do that this past weekend for Kevin's law school graduation celebration. And there is NOOOO way I would have been able to pull it off without Maggie. I think it is safe to say our first real attempt was a success - no one got food poisoning, the house didn't catch on fire and well, (I think) everyone had fun!

Thanks all who celebrated in person and in spirit! Here are a couple photos of the food/beer/cake (SO sweet of Kathy to put my name on the yummy cake - and undeserved for sure). I will post some photos later of the fam together at our place.

Mother's Day

Yesterday, was of course, Mother's Day. Needless to say, we all miss mom so much. Even though as a florist, she was always exhausted by Mother's Day, it didn't make it any easier not to have here there.

We spent another great weekend in Kansas City with family, talking about mom quite a bit. At some point in the (very late!) night, we got to talking about music and what reminds us of mom. These beautiful Jeff Tweedy lyrics, found by Michael, speak more than really I can right now. Just thought I would share...

listen dear mother
I miss you the most
and as I travel
from coast to coast
I feel your love
and I feel your ghost
listen dear mother
I miss you the most


I've been thinking about these lyrics a lot in the past couple of days... they say so much. I do feel her love in the people around me, and in our memories. I feel her ghost, with me, especially when I am wondering what to say or do and her advice will come to me. I feel her when Maggie and I are on walks, when our family is together, remembering and when I am all alone. This summer when we travel, coast to coast, I know I will feel these lyrics and her around us even more. And yes, of course, I miss her more than words can say.

Simple Things

Life really is about the simple, everyday things we do. By this I don't mean things like using the name brand product or wearing the right clothes... but I mean the little things we do for one another to make life better. A simple email from a friend... a colleague helping with work so I can go to St. Louis for the weekend... a relaxing, quiet night reading on our patio with my sister. This is what life is about. Here are a few of the simple things I am enjoying the most right now...

Thursday nights
I would say at least since college, Thursday nights have been my favorite of the week. I used to not schedule class on Fridays, and friends and I would often go out that night. Even now that I have to work Fridays, they are usually a more laid back day with the promise of the weekend right around the corner. Also, although I don't watch many television shows regularly, Thursday nights I do. Ever since the Friends/Seinfeld days I have been all about must-see TV! And Maggie, who watches even less TV than I do, is also a part of the fun.

Even though the summers are usually reruns for shows, I am hoping to liven up Thursdays by having Kev, me and my sis rotate cooking dinner/selecting beer. Last week I cooked for the first time in probably months, making an orzo/shrimp dish submitted to our family cookbook by Amy. It was delicious.

Cooking/eating/reading outdoors

Something about being outside completely relaxes me. I think it is because when I am inside I feel like there is always something I should be doing - cleaning, working on school stuff, organizing, etc. Outdoors - there is nothing to do except sit, people watch and completely clear my mind of all of the day's worries. I think I would eat and read outside every night if I could!

It also helps that this spring I have added some personal touches to our small outdoor space... herbs, some comfy seat cushions and the candles I blogged about earlier.

Planning Europe

While trip-planning isn't exactly relaxing, it is exciting, full of promise and hope. I am so excited to spend two weeks with my siblings, sister-in-law, hubby and dad in places most of us have never been. It will really be an adventure and thinking about it helps me get through the daily struggles of work and life.

What are your simple things?

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DIY: Pottery Barn inspired outdoor decor

This is the first full summer that we have a grill at our apartment, and it has been so nice! There is really nothing better than sitting outside, enjoying a meal, people-watching and breathing in the fresh air.

A couple of weeks ago Kevin, Maggie and me were sitting outside. It was getting dark and a storm was rolling in. We just sat outside and watched... and eventually brought a couple of candles from indoors. When I saw these hanging mason jars in Pottery Barn I knew I wanted something similar so we could have some light for our nights outside.




I bought jars and candles from Hobby Lobby. I already had the river rocks, and thought they were probably more appropriate since we live much closer to a river than anywhere with sand! All together, much more affordable than Pottery Barn and actually a lot larger.

Can't wait for another stormy night to sit outside!

Chicago beer at Busch Stadium!?!

This past weekend we took my brother to the Cardinal's game for his birthday. It was a beautiful day outside and we sat in the bleachers so we had plenty of sunshine. We were also close to a bar that offered some specialty beers (and margaritas for Laura!) in addition to your standard Bud Light and Bud. One of the few options was a Honker's Ale from Goose Island. I love this beer but couldn't get over the fact I was drinking a Chicago beer at a Cardinal's game. It just didn't feel right... especially when I asked where to get Schlafly and they told me I would have to walk around to behind home plate.

A little disappointed, but the game itself more than made up for that! It was one of those games you don't forget, lasting 20 innings, 18 scoreless, with several position players pitching. It was the longest scoreless game since 1989 and the second longest game in Cardinal's history! We had a wonderful time and made it to the 15th, when we got too cold and hungry to wait it out any longer.


We watched the end of the game from the Bridge which had great food and awesome beer. We shared a hummus plate, cheese plate, a couple gourmet sandwiches and delicious chocolate/espresso dessert. I thought the Bridge's beer selection was unique and enjoyed the two that I had (including a Red Rye from Founders, one my favorites). I loved the atmosphere and the decorations. They served water from wine bottles, an idea I love.

A birthday to remember for Michael.