Goin' Back to Cali', Cali'

Random? For some reason that song was the first thing that popped into my head when I started the post.  I am actually going back to Dallas, but I could not think of a clever song title for that. (Help a SISTER out!)
I am leaving at first light to spend the weekend with my friend Susan in Dallas- sans kids. Hers AND mine, to be precise.  We have planned five majorly strenuous activities:
Shopping
Eating
Sleeping
Thrifting
Dallas Cowboys game
Which appeals to you?  'Cause now you know most of my weaknesses.  I can't even tell you which I am most excited about!
Don't I look Dallas-ish?!

Top: F 21
Jeans: Gap Straight Leg
Shoes: Gianni Bini, Dillards
Earrings: Anthropologie

I got me some Allie shoes. Remember these?

This top has been around the block a few times. I got it and wore it, then my sis in law snagged it (it looked WAY cuter on her), and gave it back to me. I love it, but don't wear it often enough.
What are you all doing for the weekend?
(Don't forget to enter the Blogaversary Giveaway, I will draw tonight.)

Apologies and OOTD Catch-Up's

I realize I have been out of commission for a while. I had my bff Freda here for a long visit. It was wonderful to have her in my new home. As I was driving her to the airport yesterday, she said, "It feels like I am leaving my other home..."  What an awesome compliment. I so wish for my home to be a comfortable place.  I miss Freda and the girls already.

Julia

Emma

 Although I was not posting much, I did take a few outfit pictures. This one is from last Sunday. We went to church, and then Freda and I had a girls day with lunch, pedicures, and a movie.  It was so relaxing. (I think she needed it more than I did! :)

Shirt: Gap
Sweater: F21 (old)
Skirt: Anthropologie Araca Pencil Skirt
Shoes: Anthropologie Stacked Strap Heels
Bracelet: Anthropologie Omnifarious Bracelet

Here are a couple of pictures of my new hair cut:

A blown-out style

A curly style

I am working on a hair tutorial. Anyone interested?
The day before Freda arrived, I got a random text from someone saying, "We are in Kansas City until 5pm, can you come up?"  I just got a new phone, and have not transferred all my contacts over, so I had no idea who was texting me. Also, I was in the drop off line at my daughter's school.  I asked who it was, and it turned out to be my girlfriends from Virginia Beach. They were in Leawood, Kansas for the memorial of one of the SEALS who was killed in the helo attack. When I found out Michael and Allie were with them, along with Meiling, I ran home and showered and jumped in the car and drove up. I was able to spend a few hours with them, and catch up with everyone.  It was a very sad occasion to be at, but they are all close and comforting each other in such an unbelievable way.  I was able to connect for a few minutes with Meiling, and find out how she is doing with the loss of her husband (in the same attack). She is very strong, and was able to articulate the things she is most sad about, and as well as what she is grateful for.  The service at Arlington was this past week, and now they are all home, and hopefully experiencing some down time.  Here are a couple of pictures snapped on my iPhone.

Me and Allie

From left: Susanne, Me, Allie, Meiling, Holly, Kelly, and MaryLynn

My time was too short, but it gave me such peace to be able to see them in person, and to reassure them a little- I hope.  It also makes my heart ache for missing them so much. I am thinking about a quick trip home in the fall.
Here is this past Sundays outfit (grabbed on my cell phone, sorry they are dark):

Shirt: Anthropologie Folded Wings Tee (Navy)
Skirt: Anthropologie Diamond Flame
Shoes: Anthropologie Within The Lines Heels
Bracelet: Banana Republic
Pin: Thrifted
Belt: Thrifted

And lastly, here is today:

Shirt: Banana Republic Zip Back Tank
Sweater: Old Navy, gift from Peggy
Shorts: J Crew Chino
Shoes: Anthropologie Rose Remnant Sandal
Necklace: Anthropologie, gift from sis in law(s)

I have lots more to tell you, and ideas to share, but I will save that for the next few days.
Also, in case any of you are still hanging on for house posts, I will finish those up. I rearranged some furniture, and I am very happy with the results.
Bye, Ya'll!

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

Last night was my going away dinner with the Bible Study girlfriends.  My buddie Allie hosted, and not only did she do an absolutely lovely job hosting, she was beautiful too. She wore my favorite shoes, so I made sure to take some pictures of her to share with you.  Funny thing: Allie called me the other day to get me on my laptop to look at something on the J Crew website she wants to buy.  She said, "You are the only one I can call and talk to about this stuff."  And then we talk about in depth stuff, and then back to fashion. I love that!  Allie has pushed through my tendency to build a wall around myself, with her outgoing personality and her eagerness to meet people and befriend strangers.  I am challenged and amazed by her.  And I am going to miss our daily interactions tremendously. (Insert fat tears here.)

Allie dressed up for me!

And these are my favorite shoes.

My sweet friend.

I rode with my girlfriend Susan of Susan's Coffee Chronicles, and I am also going to miss her dearly. She, too is moving- to TEXAS. SO not fair.  That is where I was supposed to be going (in my mind!), but she gets to go. However, we are already planning a getaway to Austin. A place I have always wanted to vacation. Susan has been my trusty side-kick and Bible Study helper. Anything I have asked her to do, she has done with a smile.  She and I both share a rabid love for coffee, and love to get together for coffee meet-ups. I am so going to miss her.
Here are some pictures of the evening:

Lovely Michelle

Michael took a group shot from the stairs.  Love these ladies.

It was 101 degrees here in V.B. yesterday.
Allie's air conditioner could not keep up with
all the extra hot air that many women brought
in with all the chatter. We were dripping sweat.
Poor Terri was soaking wet, and the sight
of her with a towel wrapped around her
was cracking us all up!

Look how cute Sara was!
She looked like she just stepped
out of the Urban Outfitters catalog.

It was a beautiful evening, and I am so thankful to know each one of these girls, and so very sad to leave them.
I popped the tags off of the Fluid Form I got while in San Francisco (thank you, Jay!), and I am so glad I did. I love this dress:

Dress: Anthropologie Fluid Form
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Earrings: Touchstone Crystal
Bracelet: Tiffany Venetian Link

I love the bow on the neck.

I'd Rather Be....

...lounging by the pool. But instead, I cleaned my entire house today for someone to come look at it. And they didn't. show. up.  Really.  (This is me giving them the stink eye.)
It was 101 degrees here today. I cleaned in my swimsuit, hoping to be done in time to go lounge in the pool.  But noooooooo.
Today was our last day of Bible Study before summer break.  There aren't words to express just how much I am going to miss them all.

Dress: Surf brand from Corner 24
Belt: J Crewlet
Sweater: Gift from Peggy
Necklace: Banana Republic
Sandals: Thrifted (at an awesome shop in Asheville)

Tonight was my going away dinner at Allie's house with the Bible Study girls. It was so fun, and Allie did a beautiful job hosting. Pictures forthcoming....

Saying Goodbye

Last Friday night, our Adult Bible Study leaders David and Kay hosted a going away party for Jay and I and our great friends John and Kim- who are also leaving the area to open a Geico office up in the Harrisonburg area.  It was a beautiful evening out on the deck with our friends.

It is so hard to leave this group of fellow believers. These are the people that we share our deepest thoughts and learning with. Jay and I have grown as a couple and as Christians with David as our leader. He and his wife Kay have supported and encouraged our family in so many ways. David officiated our Vow Renewal, and Kay served as Mistress of Ceremonies. David has helped us and guided us in our college/schooling decisions with our teenaged sons. These friendships can not be undervalued.

It hurts to leave, and would be impossible without the sure knowledge that we are doing God's Will for our family.  Friday night was a bitter-sweet reminder that our lives are changing quickly, and new things are on the horizon.

David chatting with Kim

Sweet Kim

We are never far away from the food table!

My Allie chatting with my sweet friend Connie.

Our Michael with my Jay.

Michael and Allie

Michael and Allie chatting with Dave and Kay

Our friends Andy and Angie

Allie and Me

Silly

Jay, Me, Michael and Allie.  Our awesome friends!