When Melanie of You Are My Fave posted about the movie Space Camp it got me thinking about my favorite movies from when I was growing up.

Who didn’t love Newsies? I mean, Christian Bale? Come on.

Oh I watched this movie over and over. Sonora was my hero.

But my favorite of favorites is, and always will be, Somewhere Tomorrow. Sarah Jessica Parker had crazy curly hair and what’s-his-name with his beautiful blue eyes. Plus a sweet little love story and singing. My pre-teen heart was in heaven.

What were your favorite movies growing up?

I slept in for three days in a row and it was every bit as wonderful as I imagined it would be.

I started reading Jane Eyre. I highly recommend it but I came very close to not getting anything else done.

I ate lots of pomegranates with Greek yogurt.

I got the cutest. camera. ever.

I caught up with a good friend.

I cleaned.

I painted.

I doodled.

I got a box full of goodies from Camilla’s giveaway.

I said goodbye to my Obie dog. It was beyond sad and Harlow and I miss her terribly.

I look lots of long walks with Harlow and my camera.

What did you do this weekend?

(ps – thank you everyone for your sweet comments on the good news I shared.)

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”
Neil Gaiman

photo credit

Love floods us with hope.
Jareb Teague

If you don’t like cheesy posts filled with lots of love then this is not for you.

In 2002 I met 3 people that I quickly came to love with my whole heart. I was serving as a full time missionary for my church when I met Adalton and his two children Camila and Rodrigo. Just saying their names makes my heart swell up. I love them so.

Adalton, Camila and Rodrigo had come to Minnesota from Belo Horizonte, Brazil to make a life for themselves. Adalton’s wife was supposed to follow shortly after. But then 9/11 happened and getting a visa seemed impossible. Rodrigo was 11 years old and Camila was 15 years old. I can’t even imagine how hard it was on all of them to be separated for so long but they are so brave and strong. I love this picture of them but it should have fireworks and glitter and lights and hearts and awesome music coming from it. Then maybe you’d feel what I feel for them.

Yesterday, I got the sweetest news from Camila. After 9+ years of waiting, her mom has her visa. She’ll be here in a week. Perfect timing, especially since Camila is getting married in June. Here’s to answered prayers.

I cannot wait to see them again and meet their mother. My heart is so full right now it’s leaking out of my eyeballs. I cannot say enough how much they mean to me. And I just have to add how special and sweet Camila is. And even though she’s several years younger than me I admire her so much. Everyone loves her. It’s impossible not to.

Honestly, who cares about stolen bank cards and torrential rain when you have such wonderful news?

… so you get Harlow. Lucky you! I may be biased but I think she looks pretty darn cute in her new raincoat. (Don’t worry, it was $4 at Old Navy) She’s all set for a trip to Utah.

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Why am I so smitten with giraffes? No idea, but I just love them. Maybe it’s their big, soft eyes or their pretty coloring. The pic below is of sweet Gemina that passed away a few years ago. Her neck is crooked but I’ve always loved her.

Here is some more giraffe-y goodness.
I NEED this… bad

photo credit

(where can I find this??)

tiny paperweight

wall art

cute tank

Do you have a favorite animal?

Dear person who stole my debit card info and drained my bank account,
I don’t like you even a little bit. You made me cry on what was supposed to be a very happy weekend.

Dear bank,
You were closed when I really needed you.

Dear Harlow,
Thanks for being my puppy.

Dear Chelsea, Billie and Elyse,
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see your babies.

Dear fridge,
Thanks for being big enough to hold all of my film and even a few groceries.

Dear bed with fresh clean sheets,
You are like heaven.

Dear London,
I miss you today.

Dear Trader Joe’s,
Thanks for the pomegranates.

“little letters” idea borrowed from Rockstar Diaries
photo via paper tissue

Enjoying my one of favorite fruits before they are all gone.

What’s your favorite fruit?

photos by me

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.”
Charles Dickens

My heart is breaking for the people of Haiti. Even if you can only give a little, it all makes a difference. There are so many ways you can help:

For the next 2 weeks Naomi, of Love, Taza is donating proceeds to Haitian relief efforts through Doctors Without Borders

Direct Relief International

UNICEF

Red Cross

Mercy Corps

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul.”
– G.K. Chesterton

I thought I was going to get away with making absolutely no New Year’s resolutions but I think not having goals is probably never a good idea. So even though I’m probably the last one to post New Year’s resolutions, here you go:

Have a “grown up” wardrobe – sadly I think this means no more stocking up on hoodies at the G.A.P. (as Billie would say)

Stop hitting snooze and just get up on the first beep.

De-clutter my home (and life)

Learn French

Buy a bike w/ a basket, of course.

Take vitamins everyday and drink a LOT more water.

Spend at least a half an hour each day reading my scriptures. Man, I’ve gotten lazy.

Take pictures every single day.

And I love this quote by Judy Garland:

“Well, we have a whole new year ahead of us. And wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all be a little more gentle with each other, and a little more loving, have a little more empathy, and maybe – next year at this time – we’d like each other a little more.”

Did you make resolutions? I’d love to hear yours too. xo

photo credit