Some of the most brilliant autumn leaves I’ve ever seen were on our trip to North Carolina in 2008.
(See why I’m posting a photo from five years ago.)

Some of the most brilliant autumn leaves I’ve ever seen were on our trip to North Carolina in 2008.
(See why I’m posting a photo from five years ago.)

Five years ago, my boyfriend (now husband) and I traveled to North Carolina. I was excited for the beautiful fall colors along Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Great Smoky Mountains, gorgeous waterfalls, and quaint southern towns. I got all of that and more – most importantly, a gorgeous “rock.” Jerod proposed to me on top of Mt. Craig (the second tallest peak east of the Mississippi, since the tallest peak – seen below – was closed for construction). Five years seems like such a long time, because it feels like he’s always been a part of my life, yet five years has flown by. I know five years is just the beginning of our journey, but it’s been a great ride so far!


I have one last photo to show from last weekend’s trip to the Kansas City Zoo – an adorable, wise-looking ape.
Check out the other photos in the series:
Sumatran Tiger
Golden Lion Tamarin

Although not the cheapest fall craft I did this year, I love how this turned out. Next time though, I’d make sure all 3 hurricane vases were narrow enough that the cats couldn’t paw out the corn kernels! I would have loved to add twine ribbon & a burlap table runner, but I know my cats too well to think I could get away with that.
Hurricane vases: $16
Peas/beans/corn kernels: $10
Candles: $18
Total for the 3-piece centerpiece: $44

This Sumatran tiger is one of the most impressive animals at the Kansas City Zoo – quite the opposite of yesterday’s photo.

After the Kansas City Zoo Run Saturday morning, several of us decided to walk around the zoo for a while. I highly recommend visiting in the fall – the animals are so much more active, and it’s less exhausting on you when it isn’t so hot, too! This adorable golden lion tamarin (my husband’s favorite zoo animal) must be thinking something great – can you come up with a good caption?
(Read my friend Julie’s blog post about the run here.)

This is part of the fall decor I put up in my home. The only items I purchased new this year were the white pumpkin and the leaf garland. The JRL pumpkins were actually centerpieces we made for our wedding reception! I love having a fireplace mantel, even if it is old, outdated, and in the basement.

I took photos of Brian & Jill yesterday evening, and I can’t wait to sort through, edit, and post a few more. They are such a fun, photogenic couple – especially when you throw in their sweet dog Charlie! Just wait ’till you see the photos we did for their Christmas card – hilarious!

After growing my hair out for about 2.5 years (or rather, not putting any effort into cutting it), I decided to donate 10 inches to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which partners with the American Cancer Society to make real hair wigs for women with cancer. Here are the before and after photos – what do you think? I guess you can call it my new “mom” haircut.


I am by no means a sports photographer (as you can probably tell), but my husband coaches middle school football, so I thought I’d snap a few photos during the most recent game. I’m proud to say his team won 46-6. They played really well, so don’t pay attention to the fact that in this photo, no one seems to be anywhere near the ball.
