Brothers

Sometimes, being a brother 

is even better than being a superhero.  ~Marc Brown

photography by J. Schilreff. 

Sometimes...

screaming just makes you feel better!

photography by J. Schilreff

When we met

"Come with me to a friends house" he said. I went because I had nothing better to do. I was fifteen on Halloween. Too old for trick or treating, too young for a club.I don't know what I was expecting. A house party? A small gathering of upper classmen who would crack jokes at my expense and make me feel small and stupid. Maybe this would be the first time I'd try alcohol? I hoped someone I knew would be there. There is nothing worse than feeling alone at a party. 

 Turned out, I didn't need to worry. It definitely wasn't a party. It was just our small group. My boyfriend, two of his friends, his brother and myself. I felt awkward and I was ready to go the instant I got there. Two little girls -I assumed they lived there- had just got back from trick or treating around the block. The younger one opened her bag and peeked inside. The older one stood in the middle of the room, dumping hers all over the carpet. "I'm looking for Sugar Babies. Those are my favorite", she said. So I got down on my knees and  helped her look for the Sugar Babies. I didn't want to, but I stayed; waiting for my boyfriend's friend to get of work so we could "hang out". 

 About the time we all started thinking perhaps somebody else knows of something we could do on Halloween besides watch school kids fight over candy, he walked in. And suddenly, time was moving in slow motion. All at once I noticed his freckles, his smile, his close set eyes, and his bright blue work shirt. He was wearing a bolo tie and holding a Styrofoam cup. He smelled like smoke and buttered popcorn and he had a smile that was genuine and beautiful. I can't tell you why, but I knew from the moment I saw him that he was one I was supposed to be with. And, suddenly, it felt awkward to be at this person's house with the guy I was dating.

 "I have to go" I said to no one in particular. "Where are you going?" My boyfriend asked. "I'm not sure". But I was sure. I was sure I was about to start a future with the stranger that just walled through the door.

What's up?

If you like songs that make you just want to get up and dance-this is what's up.

Favorite Stuff Friday

I cut back on blogging because my sister in law Katie was getting married, and I was working very hard to help her complete all the little tasks that would  make the biggest day in her life go smoothly and look beautiful. Now that that's over (insert content sigh here) I can get back to my normal routine, like blogging and watching episodes of Real Housewives. You know, the important stuff. So, how about another Favorite Stuff Friday?

1) This is where I leave you-Jonathan Tropper. 

Judd's finds out that his wife and boss have been having a year long affair, his father just died and his last wish was that his (semi-dysfunctional) family sit shiva, and his soon to be ex-wife just informed him that he's about to become a father. This book is so well written, I found myself laughing out loud, on the verge of tears and shocked enough to go back and re-read sentences- all in the same page. It's a pretty quick read, so if you're looking for something to read while sunbathing this weekend, go pick this up. Costco has it on sale for $9.97 this week.

2) Nectar Clothing

This fantastic little boutique is a place I cannot frequent enough. It has everything- shoes, jewelry, tops, skirts, pants, hats...and most items are under $30.00! I never have a problem finding something here, whether its for work or play. I would warn, that it's probably not the best shop for anyone bigger than a size 12, because their items tend to run small, and a good portion of their clothing is obviously meant for the under 30 crowd, but even if you're not into bandeau tops and booty shorts (or shorts at all for that matter), you can still find something adorable for any occasion. The girls in the shop are amazing and always so happy to help you find whatever you need, even if you're really too old to be wearing sunglasses with tiny mustaches affixed to them.

3) The Dollar Tree.

2 packages of Silly Straws, 6 poster board, 4 plastic table cloths, gift bags, bouncy balls, army men, napkins, cups, water balloons, dessert plates, pie tins, bubbles, candy, candy, candy, more candy, and streamers all for $38.00!!!! The majority of the boys party supplies came for the Dollar Tree, and I am so glad (this once!) that I didn't just go to Target :)

This bird can sing

This song is has been on repeat in my mind for days, so I am sharing it with you. I am in love with songs that have great lyrics and this song definitely does. Birdy also does an amazing cover of Bon Iver's Skinny Love.

Dear Charlie Bucket,

We told the boys we were going to name you Charlie before bed one night. We had just finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a couple of weeks before, but we were surprised when Owen asked "We're calling him Charlie, like Charlie Bucket?". And, the name stuck. You were known from that day forward as Charlie Bucket, or Bucket, for short.

Bucket, you're the boss. You decide when the rest of us wake up, when we eat breakfast, when we play, and when we watch Mickey Mouse Club House. You decide who puts you to bed and what song they must sing while tucking you in. The world revolves around Charlie. You are the sun, and the rest of us, planets.

You're quite the opportunist. You never let a moment pass you by. While I am off punishing the other two for doing something ridiculous, you're in the next room coloring the mirror, the desk and the ottoman and yourself with orange marker. It is amazing what damage you can cause in a matter of seconds!! When Owen was your age, I had an 11 month old Oliver (Who, at the time, I thought was a handful. Ha!  If I only knew!!!). The both of them together were never as much work as you are individually. How thankful I am that you came last.

But, oh, the love. The love you give is amazing. You say " I love you" un-prompted and it just melts my heart. Three little words and I have forgotten about pages 24-58 you decided to rip out of Water for Elephants. And, at the end of each day, you request that I put you to bed and sing you a song, and I love that time together. We sing Twinkle Twinkle, ABCs and You are My Sunshine. You know all the words, so we sing it together and I think to myself "Yes, you are definitely my sunshine!"