3.20.12

Our Apartment

After we got married, we had to rent for a multitude of reasons.  Once we decided to throw down roots up here, we knew we wanted to own.  While it has been tough to save on a teacher and musician's budget were were surprised that this dream could possible be a reality.  Had it not been for a wake up call from a friend, it would have probably continued to be a far off dream.

It all started when a good friend from church, who is also a relator, started talking to us about interest rates.  He encouraged us to go talk to our bank.  Dane and I smiled and thought, "You have no clue how far we are from that point!"  A couple days later he sent Dane the names of a few mortgage brokers. We decided to make an appointment, at lease then we would know where we stood. 

After meeting with one of the brokers, we were shocked to realize that we might actually be able to buy a place.  So now we are off hunting, searching, and inspecting, hoping to find a place we can call ours!

3.19.12

Civic Opera House

I love how grand the Lyric Opera stage looks.  I can't help but loose my breath a little each time I see it.  What better way to frame such a grand performance.  I will admit, opera was an acquired taste for me.  before I met Dane I really couldn't grasp the hard work, passion, and beauty that goes into it.  He has definitely taught me a lot about this art form.  While I know the main selling point is the gorgeous singing, being a visual person, I constantly fall in love with the elaborate costumes and sets.  It makes it seem like I'm watching another world.  A world that has stood the test of time.

3.18.12

Chicago Skyline

I know I've mentioned this before, but I love driving into the city after I've been away.  There is always a sense of excitement.  Today could not be any more beautiful.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky.   Chicago has blessed us with so many memories these past four years.  It's hard for me to imagine our life without the backdrop of the city, which is saying a lot coming from a country girl.  When we leave our downstate homes, we are always wishing we could be closer, but when we see the skyline there's an excitement and hope that reminds us we are exactly where we need to be.

3.17.12

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Seriously, how cute are these!?! No one would even think of pinching sweet baby Anna while she's celebrating St. Paddy's day with this much style!  I truly treasure these brief moments with our "home" friends.  They are always filled with laughter and love.  Dane and I refer to so many places as "home." We'll leave our home friends in Peoria to go back to "Sweet Home Chicago," while another weekend we will be heading home to the farm.  I've come to the conclusion that home is where our hearts fill with love.  Dane and I are blessed to have so many places that not just fill but overflow our hearts.

3.16.12

Sidewalk Chalk

Friday + Nice Weather + Sidewalk Chalk = Free Art Day!

Now that the weather is getting nice, I'm not sure who wants to be outside more...the kids or me!  After listening to my PE teacher friend brag about how nice it has been for the past week, I decided to bust my kids outta the art room and onto the sidewalk.  They were giddy with excitement when they saw the sidewalk chalk.  To be honest, they created some pretty beautiful drawings.  I love the fragile, short life of sidewalk drawings.  If you don't enjoy them while they are there, then they are gone...until the next beautiful day.

3.15.12

Birdhouse

As much as I hate to admit it, poor Bella doesn't get the long walks she deserves.  Silly life gets in the way.  So I treasure the long walks we do get to go on.  When we do, I try to slow down and take in the little details around us.  As she pulled me along, (we're working on loose leash, but c'mon she's a Boston) I noticed this sweet little bird house.  I just loved how the afternoon sun was hitting the side and the harsh highlights and shadows inside.  It almost seemed to glow.  So as Bella inspected the tree, I day dreamed about what a sweet little home it would make.

3.14.15

Sooo ready for spring!

I know it's only a few days until it's officially spring, but I am soo ready for nice, not coat, sandal weather.  Once I tried to claim to Dane that I didn't have that many shoes.  He didn't believe me for a minute.  The thing is I love all of the colors, textures, and styles.  Considering I'm a potter, I love the idea of taking something practical and making it beautiful and exciting. So I will continue to sit here on the train and dream about all of the fun spring and all of the fun shoes that come with it!