Photo of the Week: Sara

We are in the throws of moving so I won't be blogging much the next couple of weeks, but I absolutely could not resist sharing a couple photos of my gorgeous cousin, Sara, who tied the knot with Andrew this weekend in NJ.

We were fortunate enough to be able to steal away some time to make the trip north, & had a great time with our big extended family. I'll share some more photos later... probably in mid-June when I get around to blogging about a host of other things... including Lori's maternity shoot... hopefully I'll beat the baby on that one! Congrats Sara & Andrew!

Wedding season is certainly upon us! In just a few days, Matt's brother Tommy will be marrying the love-of-his-life, Caroline! Congratulations also to Caitlin & Mike (Cait is a Vero friend) and Katie & Matt (Katie is Matt's cousin) who also got hitched this past weekend. Wish we could of been at all of those weddings (Florida, Minnesota & New Jersey).... but alas, we haven't figured out how to be in 3 places at once! Darn!

Photo of the Week: US!

I love taking photos, which means that I am usually behind the camera instead of in front of it. That was the case for most of Saturday evening when I did a (not-so-mini) photo shoot for my preggo friend, Lori, and her hubby, Dave. I had a BLAST shooting Lori & was really pleased with the results (don't worry.... I'll blog all about our maternity shoot later... I have whittled 500+ photos down to my favorite 163, but I still need to get down to a manageable number to share here on the old blogsky!), however, what I was most surprised by were the a few photos that Lori snapped of us at the end of our evening - including the winner above. Maybe I'm biased but....isn't it cute?!?!? Isn't my hubby handsome?!? It's probably one of my favorite photos of us since our wedding! Thanks for letting us step in front of the camera for a few shots, Lori!

Photo of the Week: Fireworks

So.... I wrote this post last week prior to a big-time blogger crash. My draft post disappeared for a few days & then magically reappeared (making this lady very happy). Sorry this is a tad bit outdated, but I hope y'all enjoy the photos!

We went to a Durham Bulls game last Friday night two weeks ago to see my little bro's friend (Alex Cobb) pitch & enjoy what turned out to be a beautiful spring night (after a brief rain delay). Alex pitched a great game (the kid has come a long way since his little league days with brother Mark) & we had a blast, thanks in part to great seats, courtesy of Alex, & wonderful company, courtesy of our friends, Lori & Dave! The Bulls put on a fireworks display after every Friday night game, & I tried my best to take a few fun shots (hello slow shutter speed). I think the photo above was a success! Here are a other few favorites from our fun night with friends....

After a rain delay (our seats were sheltered)...it turned out to be a beautiful night at the ballpark!

I love a night at a baseball park.

The girls.

The guys.

Thanks for the tickets, Alex!

Alex made this Vero Beach native proud!

Bulls homer!

Friends.

I love me some fireworks.

What a great night.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday to Dad Lo who turns 57 today!
(Dad's looking good for a 57 year old grandpa! Truth be told, this photo was when taken when he was a young 53 year old whippersnapper with no grandbabies yet...just a daughter about to get married...)

But seriously.... my dad is a pretty awesome guy. Everybody - & I mean everyone - respects him and the person that he is. He is honest, trustworthy, hardworking, steady, faithful & selfless. Dad also has a reputation for being a planner (where did you think I got it from?!) & has been know to work out the behind-the-scenes details more than once.

Maybe it's because he's the oldest of four, but he also cares incredibly well for everyone in his life - his wife, kids, grandchild (please...if you don't click on any other links...click on this one & this one!), his mom, sons-in-law, siblings, friends, coworkers - and asks for very little in return. Most importantly, my dad loves the Lord & taught us (primarily by example) of what it looks like to be a humble servant of God.

Dad, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I can't wait to give you in-person (instead of virtual) birthday wishes in just a week! We love you!

Love, 

SJ & Matt, too!

Happy Mother's Day!

We love moms.

You already know how much we love our moms (you can read about mine & Matt's in the blog archive).... so in celebration of Mother's Day, instead of a lengthy post recounting their lovely qualities (hopefully they already know how we feel about them!), I'm just going to share some favorite photos of my favorite moms! Each one of these ladies holds a special place in our heart today.   

Happy Mother's Day to Momma Lo, Momma Mac, Grandma Shirlee, Grandma Gerry, Margot, Katie, Aunt Beth, Aunt Nancy, Aunt Becky, Lori, Shann, Nicole, Carol & Stacy! We love you & are so thankful for you today!!!

Psst... 2 of our good friends are also celebrating birthdays today...scroll to the bottom to find out who!

On the left: 3 generations of Lohuis ladies: my mom (Nana), my niece (Hannah) & my sister (Katie or "Momma" to Hannah!)

 .......

One of my favorite mom-memories: Mom helping me put on my wedding dress [June 2007]

I adore my mother-in-law, affectionately just "mom" to me (I'm lucky to have 2 moms!) [June 2007]

My big sister, Katie, is such a great mom. [November 2010]

Grandma Gerry & I have always been close. I love her to pieces. [June 2007]

Grandma Shirlee holds a special place in our heart, too! [June 2007]

Did I mention we love my mom? [June 2010]

Katie & her girl, Hannah. Aren't they beautiful? [June 2010]

We're also so thankful for Margot today! [June 2007]
 

This photo just melts my heart. Matt loves his momma. [June 2007]

I'm lucky to have Aunt Beth & Aunt Nancy as godmothers! [June 2007]

It's impossible not to love our Aunt Becky... she's a gem. [June 2007]

Another all-time favorite photo of my mom... getting down at our wedding! Momma has moves! [June 2007]

Stacy and her sweet girls (minus their new addition!) [June 2007]

Grandmas :) [June 2007]

Hannah & Nana are best buds, can't you tell? [November 2010]

Heidi & her boys. [September 2007]

I miss my Champaign-mom, Carol. She took such good care of me (& everybody else!) [June 2007]

Liam is oh-so-lucky to have Nicole as a mommy. [November 2010]

...As are Belle & Graysie to call Shann their mom. [March 2011]

I'd be remiss without celebrating mom-to-be, Lori (& one of my favorite NC friends)! I have no doubt that she will be an amazing mother! Her little guy is blessed (so is pup, Rylee)! [March 2011]

Not only is today Mother's Day, but 2 special people are also celebrating their birthdays today! 
Happy Birthday, Mary & Mike!!!!! We love you guys & hope you both have very special days!!!!

I spy Marclar (hint: peaking in the left-hand corner) [June 2007]

"M" is for Mike & Mary. 2 great friends celebrating their birthdays today! [July 2010]

I'm telling you, it's impossible not to love this girl. [June 2007]

Jenny & I are lucky to be married to these dudes. [July 2010]

[I have to give credit where credit is due: Our gorgeous wedding photos were taken by the talented Scarlett Lillian... and our dear friend, Liz Fay is responsible for the photo of Mary! The rest were taken by yours truly! Thanks for stopping by!]