This is why I hope I have girls...

Because this moment is too cute.

& Because every girl needs a sister.

My sister posted this gem on facebook today, titling it "best friends". I couldn't help but smile, tear up a little and immediately make it my profile picture- only to realize that she had already done the same thing. I love my Leanie Beanie. She truly is my best friend and I am so thankful to have such a fun, outgoing, beautiful little sister.

Yes, Every girl needs a sister.

Homeowner Headaches, Take 1

This week we discovered that a charming pair of birds had decided to nest in our dryer vent. This was discovered and rediscovered the half a million times that I walked out the back door only to have birds fly out of the vent, cutting me off, causing hysteric screams for Brandon to "call the landlord!"

Our new tenants also moved in today and we discovered that we are completely unable to find the floor drain for their washer underneath the thick layer of linoleum and cement that some genius decided to put over the spot where the drain should be. A big thanks goes out to that guy/gal, wherever she/he may be.

Ah, the joys of owning a duplex. How many times have I threatened to sell it today? At least a million. if not more. But truthfully, it's a little bit satisfying to work on a project this big with Brandon (who is the true landlord) I'm glad he's a pretty handy guy. He masterfully fished the bird's nest out of the vent with a hanger while I watched supportively, eating mass amounts of Cheetos in between asking him if we could "go yet?". So thankful for that guy. For his patience and hardworking attitude, for his kindness and willingness to help. I am truly the lucky one in this relationship, but I'm pretty sure that's obvious.

Since we are novices at this homeowner business I'm sure we have quite a few more headaches ahead of us. The birds are probably the least of our worries. To tell you the truth, if they would have been lining their nest with dollar bills (or fives, tens, twenties, etc.) I wouldn't have minded them. I would have considered them our littlest tenants. Little freeloaders.

Time for Tea

Happy Birthday Miss Sariah!

Such a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Fact.

I am obsessed with swimwear.

& this year I want every swimsuit I can get from downeast.

$223.00 on new swimsuits... that's not so bad.

Right Brandon?

.........

Brandon?

April Fools...

Need a good prank? look no further... But don't show Brandon! He's gonna be getting a call from J Lo (his "celebrity crush") tomorrow. Such a great holiday.

Tired.

There is nothing worse than when Brandon has a late night soccer game. He's out scoring goals while I'm up dreamily looking at houses and snacking on too many oreos way past bedtime. Brandon likes to point out that I could just go to bed, but it's hard to sleep without him. He argues that I've never really tried. I argue that I do try... just not very hard.

Since Brandon isn't home yet and I am now out of oreos I figure I had better blog. Since I am yet again trying to blog more often.....

It's officially 2011.

No major plans yet for the year but I'm loving the possibilities and honestly I am glad to say goodbye to 2010. It was a roller coaster.

So far this year:

We're back in school. ugh.

Brandon & I won an ipod nano at his company's work party.

Miracles are happening.

we're still looking at houses (With our lovely and most talented realtor, Ledah Andrew!)

I helped throw a baby shower for Ledah (so excited for you!)

We have a new, beautiful niece. Litte Ms. Victoria Bradshaw. Yay!

We're still playing indoor soccer (& loving it!)

We still have the best families two people could ask for!

We've already hung out with the infamous Nick & Mariah Barker.

All in all, we're off to a pretty fantastic start!

Hope your start has been just as wonderful!

Fair....

Wise words from a wise woman...

"There are only two kinds of fair. Bus fare and the State Fair, the rest is just a boobie prize. Make lemonade, eh?"

- Cambriah Heaton

Thanks for my new favorite quote, Cam.

Lately, I have been amazed at the strong lemonade makers around me. On days where I all I want to do is cry and over indulge on chocolate because my life is less than perfect I am constantly being humbled by the great examples in my life. Examples of strength, patience, kindness and faith. Examples who smile despite life's challenges, who realize the beauty in all that they've been given...

& are beautiful themselves.

So thankful for these amazing women.

Thankful...

Love Thanksgiving.

Such a great day for reminding ourselves how blessed we are.

With all the choas and madness in the world it's too easy to let life get you down. I'm thankful for the people in my life that brighten my day and lighten my load. For all of the examples of kindness, strength and goodness that I am continually amazed by. For my wonderful family that loves me always. no matter what.

I am a lucky girl.

Whoa, Dream Big!

My Father-in-law once told me that people who have big dreams achieve them more often when they tell people about them. So here I am. Telling you. I am going to write a novel, from start to finish. No matter how rough my first draft is I'm going to plug through it.

All semester long I've been asked why I write. I've finally decided it's because I have a stories to tell and words to write. So write I will!

Spooky...

Things are getting a little spooky around the Free house lately.

What can we say,

We loooove

HALLOWEEN!

stay tuned for more tricks & treats...

Why live anywhere else?

These beautiful photos were taken by my amazing little sister Lena and I thought they were too pretty not to post. Such a photographer.

It's gorgeous outside right now, one of my favorite times of the year.

I think this calls for a hike...

Sicks

Also featuring music from Brandon Free.

You won't want to miss it.