Wardrobe Freedom

I'm taken back to the days when I had to wear a uniform.

Every single weekday, from kindergarten to senior year of high school.

First day of kindergarten proudly sporting the jumper

Except now, my daily uniform consists of a one-piece swimsuit, STAFF t-shirt, athletic shorts, and grungy tennis shoes. (And zero makeup.)

So, in light of the monotony of wearing the same thing every day, I am dreaming of cute summer outfits that I really only have the freedom of wearing on the weekends. Because let's be honest, I am so exhausted from my weekdays between working all day and hitting the books at night, that I use my weekends to rejuvenate all of me (including my wardrobe).

Outfits I'm currently drooling over...all from ModCloth of course!!!

New England-esque Weekend!

I desperately needed this weekend.

And by weekend, I really only mean yesterday because today has been a day of STUDYING starting the moment I woke up. And Friday was spent catching up on some snoozes.

But yesterday, we had the most FANTASTIC day in Nantucket! It is seriously everything you think of when you think classic New England: quaint cottages, cobblestone streets, lighthouses, dining on beach patios, bikes with baskets etc. etc.

We had such a good time with great friends...although...our wallets didn't have the most fab of times. In fact, our wallets are making us pay (quite literally). But, I'm not even going to think about that. :) I'm just going to relive the beautiful day by sharing some pics. Enjoy!

Last Minute Trip

WOW.

This week completely FLEW by. And I have a feeling the rest of the summer is going to go by equally as fast. Bummer.

I'm completely wiped out from the week's events. But...

We decided to take a last minute day trip to Nantucket!!!

I'll be sure to fill you in - Hope you all have a FAB weekend!

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Shake your sillies out

Oh my goodness.

Exhaustion is an understatement.

I'm so tired, I truly do not remember my own name.

And I can't seem to get the Ants Go Marching, Old McDonald, or She'll Be Comin' Around the Mountain out of my head.

I love my little 5 and 6 year old Bumblebees (the name of our camp group), but they use up every ounce of my God-given daily energy. And even though I am exhausted at the end of the day, I somehow still manage to struggle with restless sleep due to my horrific dreams about about never-ending boo-boo's, whiny fights over who gets to be the line leader, and monotonous games of Simon Says and Mother May I.

My Bumblebees need my constant attention at all times of the day. I mean, constant attention - and I deal with crying and complaining at least 85% of the day: "I need a band-aid. Can you open my milk? I don't want to go hiking today. I hate camp. I'm hot. I have to go to the bathroom. Sophia said she isn't my friend." (You get the point). These little boogers take up so much of my energy and attention, that when I come home, I have none left for poor Mr. Ruby. :(

But I really am loving my job. And I know it's still the first week of camp, but I think my previous thoughts of not wanting to teach kindergartners is being confirmed. I love them. I really do. But, I'm just not sure that I could handle teaching kindergartners when the time comes for me to begin teaching. Maybe...but I just don't know. I've always wanted first through third graders, but we'll just have to see what opportunities are given to me.

Any-hoo. As I type with my eyelids drooping, I have to go do laundry and write a paper.

Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!!!

Rescue Update

It felt like Cesar Millan's household yesterday: Rescuing a dog. Socializing our dogs with the rescued dog. Taking three dogs for a walk.

But, I'm happy to announce we found sweet Lucky's home!!!

The owners got in touch with us yesterday and Mr. Ruby took him home sweet home. He was a sweet little guy, and we were happy to save him...but if we couldn't find the owners, three dogs would have been way too much!!! (Although Mr. Ruby would most definitely disagree).

Speaking of rescuing animals, it is seriously in my blood.

I can't stand the thought of a lost, homeless, injured, or needy animal.

I'm a sucker, really.

And I was reminded of this as I got an e-mail from my best friend last night.

So picture this: I went home for a wedding a few weeks ago and my best friend and I were driving to the rehearsal dinner. We had our cute little sundresses and high heels on. When suddenly I notice something up ahead crossing the road.

I yelled, "STOP, I think it's a turtle".

My best friend chuckled and replied, "We are not stopping in the middle of the highway for a turtle."

I begged. And begged.

So, my bff pulled on over and of course grabbed her camera. What a sight, right? Blond girl dressed up in heels pulled over on the side of the road to rescue a turtle.

That's exactly what I did. I went to the middle of the highway, stood for a minute contemplating how to pick the thing up, finally picked up the turtle, and rushed him to the side of the road.

How did the little guy thank me?

He peed.

The poor thing was so scared, he peed. All over. Like, everywhere.

I could absolutely not make this up if I tried.

Weekend Success

" Then we sat on the edge of the earth with our feet dangling over the side...and marveled that we had found each other."

- Erik Dillard

That is the beautiful quote painted on the unique picture frame Mr. Ruby gave me for our anniversary. The frame was painted by a local artist and found at my favorite adorable shop downtown - we LOVE supporting the local artists!

And the hubs wrote me a letter to go along with my gift. In good Mr. Ruby Fashion, it was on random scratch paper and written in pencil. My, oh my, It's been awhile since he's written me a letter. That used to be the only form of communication we had for months at a time while he served overseas. That time (thank the Lord) is over...but I wouldn't mind some handwritten letters every now and then.

So there I was, sobbing in the middle of the restaurant - in good Mrs. Ruby Fashion.

The rest of the weekend was just as fantastic.

Friday night was pretty low key and spent with FAB pals downtown. Of course we dined al fresco, considering the weather has been sheer perfection. Then, we topped off the night by walking around and finding an ice cream joint. I kept finding myself saying, "This is what summer is all about!" (No really, one stranger much to my surprise even said, "I totally agree!!!"

And yesterday, we went for a nice looong bike ride on one of our favorite bike paths. Right along the water.

Oh, and finally, we rescued a dog. Can't help it. We have a severe problem (runs in both of our families). We just go rescuing things. We found this little guy running frantically through the street...so we put him in our car, and now we're trying to hunt down the owner. Although little Samson has gotten quite attached...uh oh.

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend. Oh, and thanks for the incredibly nice comments on my anniversary post!!! :)

Say a little prayer for Lucky...still trying to find his owners.

Summatime

Summer, My Friends, is in full swing.

And I totally feel like a kid again.

My entire summer will be consisting of the following:

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That is right. I am a summer camp counselor.

And yes, I am aware that I am 26 years old. And all the other camp counselors youngins who are home for a few short months spending their college summer break away from lecture halls, dorm rooms, and term papers.

But I am absolutely thrilled. Cheesy camp songs. Adventures on the hiking trails. Teaching the little guys how to swim. Canoeing and Kayaking. And, I've even got the cutie-pie 5 and 6 year olds in my group. Love me some little ones.

This is quite the change from last summer when I was attending a work conference in Vegas, traveling every week for recruiting events, and preparing for presentations for big wig executives.

And I couldn't be happier.

All in pursuit of my dream to teach. Just truckin right along on this amazing journey. :)

Four Years!!!

Warning: For those who are Lactose Intolerant, you may want to avoid this post. It is full of cheese.

I can't help it.

I want to shout it from the rooftops:

HAPPY FOURTH ANNIVERSARY TO MY AMAZING HUSBAND!!!!!

I can honestly say that marriage keeps getting better and better. Who knew? I mean, this past year was even more wonderful than the first three years. I didn't think it was possible. I truly thank God every single day for my husband - who is my other half, my best friend, and the one who completely balances out my crazy self. I am the luckiest girl in the world, and I can't wait for many years to come with my cutie pie hubby!!! I am so blessed.

Take a peek at just some of the exciting things (i.e. starting a "family" with the pups, living in four states in the span of one year, traveling, and making some of the very best friends ever!!)the last four years of marriage has brought:

Taking a vow (that's Mr. Ruby's dad marrying us)

Newlyweds taking a stroll...(cheese!!)

Honeymoonin' in Puerto Vallarta

New life in the desert (29 Palms, CA)

Our first date as a married couple - Palm Springs, CA

One of our weekend trips to San Diego

Celebrating new jobs in Dallas, TX

Our first baby: Little Samson

Rooftop brunch in Dallas

New addition to the family: Sienna

Visiting our bestie in Chicago :)

Biggest move yet: Dallas to Rhode Island

What is this? We live near water?!?!?!

My first visit to the Big Apple

Providence Waterfire

My first Red Sox game...SO FUN!!!

Camping in Vermont

Ya know, just a regular summer day at the beach

Skiing at Sunday River, Maine Resort

Fourth of July in Washington D.C.

Anniversary trip to Bar Harbor, Maine

Climbing Acadia Mountains in Maine

St. Martin: One of our cruise stops

Time to CELEBRATE wedded bliss!!!