{Printstagram}

After reading this post I decided to order some mini prints of the Instagram photos from my iPhone. Guess what Mr. McFeely delivered today?


My photos in business card form! I received 48 prints for $18 (which included s&h). I can't wait to stick some of these on our fridge or drop them in the mail to the loved ones they remind me of.

They're also the perfect size to put in someone's lunch box or wallet. Nothing quite like finding a note where you'd least expect it.

Let me know if you've seen other creative ways to use Instagram photos. You can also download the app below for FREE! Xoxo

{Fall Creek Boys Chior by James Blake & Bon Iver}

James Blake + Bon Iver = whole bag of win.  {By the 3rd listen you'll be hooked}.
Available on iTunes later this week.

{Husband's Letters]

Husband's Letters: Dear Mrs. Loerke, sometimes you leave me notes in my surgery pocketbook. I love how you think of where I'm going to be and how I might need to be encouraged. Dear Southlake Carroll Football Team, last Friday I stood on the sidelines as part of the medical staff caring for your injured players. You are much bigger than I remember, but you still made me wish I could strap on my pads and play again. Dear Labor Day, I can't wait to go kayaking in Arkansas this weekend with my guys! Fist pumps to my bride for recognizing guy time as an important part to the success of our marriage. Dear Emma, girl time for you is equally as important. I can't wait to hear all about the memories you will make with your Twinner in Cali this weekend. They will be better than moon pies.

Love,
Mr. Loerke

What are your Labor Day plans?

{Weekend Highlights}

Weekend Highlights 1) Riding 20mi at the lake 2) Finding 200 Bubble Tea straws for my breakfast smoothies at an Asian Market for 1 dollhair 3) Watching this movie in my jammers with Tim Tam 4) Eating an alligator & pickled okra taco with Team Tyroch at the Dallas Food Truck Event Saturday night 5) Talking with Twinner about bike camping this weekend 6) Buying our plane tickets to Kansas City for Sept and 7) and reading chapter 4 of this book. Loved this weekend.

Happy Freakin Monday, Homies! What good books have you read lately?

{Dreaming Tree Wines by Dave Matthews}

In case you haven't heard, Dave Matthews is releasing his own line of Dreaming Tree Wines with vineyard guru, Steeve Reeder. You can read more about their project here.

If you're ever in California Team Loerke highly recommends visiting Frog's Leap Vineyard in Napa. It's 100% solar powered and has an organic farm with chickens and goats. Definitely one of the coolest places we've ever been! Do you have a favorite vineyard?

{The Music Never Stopped Trailer}

This movie is destined to be a great story with a phenomenal soundtrack. (Thanks to the 1st of May for finding this gem).

{Fist Pump Friday!}

To kick off this week's photos we have the Alpha Omicron Pi pledge class from Auburn University. This photo was sent in by senior Kelsie Nussel who couldn't be more excited about these new little sisters!


Our next photo is of Lindy (junior at A&M) who spent three weeks hiking at the Maroon Bells in Aspen, CO.  Fist pumps and leg kicks for having the best nannying job EVER.



Next we have roommates Anna Marie and Cecilia (both juniors at Auburn) who threw fist pumps and leg kicks after starting their year by jumping out of a plane. One word for you brave Littles: YOUCRAZY.

Our next photo is of Kristen (senior at A&M) and Katherine (recent A&M grad) who threw fist pumps at their friend's wedding. Pretty sure these two deserve bonus points for steeling Wonka's hat and sunglasses.

Next meet Rachel who threw fist pumps and leg kicks after hiking to the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. I'd say after 16 hours of hiking you deserve one gigantic pine needle nap!



Our next photo is of Melissa, her husband Cace, and Melissa's sister Jessica. I bet some of you might recognize this building from our trip to Alaska last summer! It's made entirely out of drift wood, and we love it that these guys celebrated their time in Skagway with a little tribute to our trip!



Next meet Haley (senior at Auburn) who threw fist pumps with these handsome boys at the Emmanuel Orphanage in Guiamaca, Honduras. Bonus points for loving on those kids and for being an example!

Our next photo is of Anna who participated in this week's FPF challenge! She celebrated her 29th Birthday in downtown Charleston with her best friend while throwing fist pumps and leg kicks by this Vespa. Happy Birthday, cute girl!

Lastly, meet our FPF challenge winner Betsy who's been riding her Vespa across the country this summer. She's ridden her silver beauty all the way from Santa Cruz, CA to Nashvile, TN and will end up finishing her journey in St. Simon Island, GA just before staring a new job doing outdoor education. Talk about AWESOME.

This week's FPF challenge: take a photo of you and your homies throwing fist pumps and leg kicks at a college football game. Bonus points for face paint or tailgating photos. (Of course all other entries will be accepted). Email photos to em{at}todaysletters{dot}com ... it's just that simple.

{Morning Thoughts}

Tuesday night we ran at 6pm. It was 105°. We lasted 2 miles. Then we walked home. It was perfect. We are two flawed and broken people, but we are each other's greatest encouragers. I still can't believe I get to kiss this man everyday. (Like, for real).

Btw, I forgot to mention that we moved all of our MR340 & KAW100 Race Posts to our "Adventures" tab located on our left sidebar. (Just in case you wanted to see cute photos of Branch).

Also, I'd love to know what you're looking forward to this weekend. Rest? Reunions with friends? Baking my Papa's Applesauce Spice Cake? We love getting to know you guys!

Happy (almost) Fist Pump Friday. WARNING: Tomorrow's photos are spectacular.
Xoxo!

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, last week you came home from work with flowers for no reason (other than you like to see me tackle you and kiss your face). Thank you from the bottom of my Gerbers for being intentional to pursue me. Dear WaiWai Kitchen, it's official. Team Loerke thinks you have the best Tom Kha Gai soup in town. Sluuuuuuurp. Dear Discarded Things, sometimes I find you on the side of the road and make Tim Tam carry you all the way home. One man's crap is another woman's craft. Dear Husband, last night you whispered, "Emma, you're my best friend." This was after I said something earlier that had hurt your feelings. Your grace amazes me. Period.

Speaking of flowers, what's your favorite kind? (Insert Gerbers and Queen Anne's Lace right here ... although I think Queen Anne's Lace might be a plant??). And don't forget tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of Patagonia's 50% OFF SALE! (Homies don't let each other miss out on things like sales on outdoor gear). Happy Freakin, Wednesday!

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Mrs. Loerke, you survived the monstrous kick-off of a new season at work. So proud of you for persevering! Know that I think you are beautiful, even when you're exhausted. Dear Dallas Food Truck Night, this Saturday I will take my bride and some of our closest friends to enjoy your goodness. Can't wait! Dear Upper Body, I never knew working in orthopedics would feel like spending 2 hours with Tony Horton. Thanks for giving me a workout without having to go to the gym. Dear Emma, this weekend you made me a snack bin stocked full of healthy treats. Thank you for helping me make good choices even when I'm on the go!

Love,
Mr. Loerke

Did you watch our friend Julie on HGTV last night? She did a fantastic job! It made Emma and I wish we could live in Paris for a month. Where would you live if you could stay rent free anywhere in the world?

{Hand On Your Heart by Jose Gonsalez}

An oldie but goodie. (Inspiration found at 1:03)

{Notebook Tutorial}

Since so many of you emailed asking about the notebook Tim mentioned in his letters last week I decided to write a separate post about it. The idea came after reading a book about organization. I realized that if something were to happen to Tim and I, our family and friends wouldn't have any idea where to find our will, life insurance policy, investments, etc. Our solution? The Loerke Burn Book.

I decided to call it the The Loerke Burn Book because it's one of the few things I'd want to grab in a fire. Of course, our most important documents such as passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage license, etc. are stored in a fireproof box which we think is worth investing in. (You can buy one for around $35.00 at Staples or Target).


Here are the contents of our Loerke Burn Book:
* Zipper pouch with pens, cards, and pre-stamped envelopes for Birthdays
* Yearly calendar of our family's Birthdays
* Emergency Contact List (numbers to Poison Control, alarm code, doctor's phone numbers, and our closest friend's contact information).



* Grocery list with pocket for coupons (I'll explain this one later)



* Internet Passwords & Logins
* Health & Dental Insurance Information (Including a list of non-eligible HSA medical expenses)
* Life Insurance Policy and Beneficiaries
* Will, Power of Attorney & Physician's Directive
* Auto Insurance Policy, Car Titles, and a CD containing all of our car maintenance receipts

* Budget & Student Loan Information
* List of our family's medications & allergies
* Photocopies of our debit cards, credit card, and driver's licenses in case we lose our wallets

To explain the whole grocery list thing ... I decided to included it in our Loerke Burn Book because it's something we access everyday. Plus it has pockets for coupons. I also decided to include a family Birthday calendar and pre-stamped envelopes so I no longer have any excuses not to mail Birthday cards!

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions on things to add to our Burn Book. I can't tell you how good it feels to have all of this stuff together in once place. It's just good to know that if something were to happen to us our friends and family wouldn't be left in the dark!

Xoxo,
Em

PS, we bought our binder here, folders here, and tabs here.

{Running the Sahara Movie Trailer}

Last night Tim and I watched this documentary. Definitely worth adding to your Netflix queue!

{Fist Pump Friday!}

To kick off this week's photos we have Tony & Celeste who threw fist pumps and leg kicks after tying the knot in Colorado. Pretty sure these guys deserve extra jazz hands for their cute wedding attire!

Next meet Julie and Haley and who threw fist pumps and leg kicks while in Rome. Bonus points for being our first FPF submission to feature the Colosseum!

Next meet best friends Chelsey and Lacey who had reason to celebrate after receiving their sorority bids this week. Fist pumps and leg kicks to all of the new Chi O and Zeta Homies this year at Auburn!



Lastly, meet our FPF challenge photo winners Amy, Bess, and Mae from Columbus, MS who threw fist pumps and leg kicks while rocking their Woobie capes. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure Mae's wearing the tiniest Woobie I've ever seen!

This week's FPF Challenge: take a photo of you and your homies throwing fist pumps and leg kicks on a Vespa. Bonus points for sidecars. (Of course all other entries will be accepted). Email photos to em{at}todaysletters{dot}com ... it's just that simple.

{Holocene by Bon Iver}

(Insert Thursday morning happiness right here).

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Mrs. Loerke, lately you've managed to cram our entire life into a 2" notebook. You have our grocery lists, emergency contacts, internet passwords, and probably secrets to nuclear codes. I admire you for seeking to organize our life. Dear 40 Days of 100° Heat, some people are disappointed that you stopped just a day short of beating the record. I am not one of those people. Dear Brandon Avance, this weekend you and your buddies climbed Mt. Rainier. In true Texas fashion, ya'll are my heroes! Dear Emily Richmond Loerke, you've loved me so well these past couple of weeks. There aren't many who would persevere as much as you have to help me face the thorns in my life. Thank you for encouraging me to be the man God has called me to be.

Love,
Mr. Loerke

Who is your biggest encourager? PS, remember awhile ago when Em asked if you knew of anyone living in Paris who could help find our friend Julie a place to live? Well, she ended up being featured on HGTV's show, "House Hunters," so be sure and set your DVR's to record Julie's episode THIS Monday, August 22nd!

{For People Who Love All Things Outdoors}

Tim and I used to work at an outdoor store so we know how expensive gear can be. That's why we always get excited whenever Patagonia has their annual 50% OFF sale. It's like getting an employee discount! {Click on the photo above to check out their shiz}. SALE STARTS TODAY @ NOON PST!

{The Garden by Tiger in A Jar}

"A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit." - D. Elton Trueblood

{Music by Grouper}

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, after driving around neighborhoods looking at houses this weekend I've officially decided that we're on the right track. Paying off your PA school loans before taking on a mortgage will be worth the wait of a front porch swing and a lawn that makes our sneakers green from mowing. Dear Container Store, thanks for eliminating my excuses to do touch-up painting. Your small glass jars make me wanna paint happy little trees all over our living room. Dear Camp Wandawega Treehouse, you are the coolest treehouse I've EVER seen. In the history of the world. OF ALL TIME. That's all. Dear Husband (who always gets two letters), love you more than riding at the lake, the last Flavor Ice in the freezer, and an unloaded dishwasher. Over and out.

Happy freakin Monday, Homies! What's your favorite thing about owning a home?

{September Sponsors!}

Today's Letters is now accepting sponsors for SEPTEMBER! Our little blog receives over 200,000 page views per month and offers ad space as low as 30 dollhairs. We love to support small and local businesses, so be sure and shoot us an email if you're interested in receiving our rate sheet!

:: A Cup of Texas ::
{To see a complete list of our current sponsors and discounts go HERE}

{Fist Pump Friday Photos!}

To kick off this week's bici challenge photos we have Twinner and Danny who threw fist pumps after a grueling ride to the top of Vollmer Peak in Berkeley, CA. I can't wait to go bici camping with these guys next month!



Next meet our cousin Russ and his wife, Dianna, from Maysville, MO. Remember Russ? He raced in the KAW100 with his 4 sons in a homemade wooden pirough. Talk about AWESOME. PS, lovin' that tandem!



Our next bici challenge photo comes all the way from Cincinnati, OH. Meet one of our August sponsors, Jennifer, of JennJill Designs who threw fist pumps and leg kicks after riding in Bellevue Park!



Our last bici challenge photo is of Amanda from Springfield, VA. Fist pumps for riding your bici to work and for rocking sunglasses with a little flair.

Next meet sisters Brittany and Lexie who threw fist pumps and leg kicks a few weeks ago while watching the sunset on the famous Seven Mile Beach in Grand Caymen. Aren't sisters the greatest?

Next meet Jenn, Lindsey, and Meredith on their last day of class at Villanova University. These Homies just graduated from nursing school and will greatly miss one another!



Lastly, meet Molly, Kristi, Laura, Mallory, and Suzanne who recently graduated from Auburn University and threw fist pumps and leg kicks in New York during their first post-college reunion. Could you 5 be any cuter? I think not.

This week's FPF mission: take a photo of you and your homies throwing fist pumps and leg kicks while wearing Woobie capes. Bonus points for rocking footie pajamas. (Of course all other entries will be accepted). Email photos to em{at}todaysletters{dot}com ... it's just that simple.

{Today's Letters & Reason #988}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, before we met I had never listened to "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra, eaten a Fletcher's Corney Dog, or ridden my bike over 90 miles. I love all of the ways you've inspired me. Dear Denim Dilemma, I'd rather eat meatwad (with a side of this wasabi) than go shopping at the mall. True story. Dear Pumpkin Scented Candle, after 48 consecutive days of 100° heat we finally folded last night and enjoyed you. (Insert serious Fall withdrawal here). Dear Timothy James, tomorrow night you agreed to split a meal on our hot date so that we can stay within our budget. Reason #988 why I love Thee. Over and out.

What is your favorite brand of jeans? I need to buy a new pair and I'm counting on all of you college Homies out there to help keep my from buying something with saggy bottoms.

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, this Thursday is the first Cowboy's pre-season game. One word: JASONWITTENWITHASIDEOFTYRONSMITH. Dear Watermelon, thanks for being in season. You are the only way to eat, drink and wash my face at the same time. Dear Pony Express, I've never been so excited to get my new Planet Box in the mail. Three points for making me pack my lunch the night before, four points for making me wish I could play kickball at recess. Dear Husband, you're just like bacon. You make everything better. Over and out.

What was your favorite thing to take in your lunch box growing up? I used to love Squeez-its and hollowed out apples stuffed with peanut butter. Husband = Zebra Cakes. Final answer.

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Emo Lightning, you remind me of this bolt that fills the sky when you are spontaneous. You have grown so much in this area and I find it so attractive. Dear Eric, this weekend you gave up your Saturday night to teach Steve and I how to do an Eskimo Roll in a kayak. We may not have succeeded but we had a lot of fun. Thank you for taking the time to teach us before our trip. Dear Self, you are learning each day about the ins and outs of orthopedics. Sometimes you get discouraged when you fall short. Keep your head up and remember that your mistakes are always your best teachers. Dear Little, you work all day at your normal job, then you come home and blog, cook, clean, do laundry, organize, and love on me. You are quite the woman and your perseverance and work ethic challenges me greatly.

What is something spontaneous you've done lately? This weekend Em and I got snow cones at the last minute with some friends. It sounds so simple but it was perfect. Full schedules often leave little room for spontaneity. Simplify!

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, this weekend we slept in, made crepes for brekky, went Goodwill hunting, found the Nammi Truck on Fitzhugh, hit up TC's for tiger's blood snow-cones, watched this movie, and threw away 4 trash bags of sheet we didn't need. Loved this weekend. Dear Paddling Paws, you are a constant reminder of the amazing adventure these past 7 months have been. I wouldn't trade you for anything. (Not even for these). Dear Fall Concert Line-Up, Bon Iver in September, The Avett Brothers in October, and Feist in November. Can't wait. Dear Husband, last night you frantically searched for our binoculars so you could stare at some birds in the street. This made me A) check and see if you were wearing socks with your Crocks B) thankful to have a recently organized gear closet C) fall more in love with you or D) all of the above.

Happy freakin Monday, Homies! What was the best part of your weekend? Lately I've been on a cleaning / organizing binge and it feels so good to get rid of things that we don't need, use, and / or bring us joy. Sayonara clutter!

{Move, Eat, Learn}

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38,000 miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras, and almost a terabyte of footage = 3 inspiring videos that remind me of this movie. Enjoy.









To learn more about the guys who made this film and why they did it go HERE.

{Fist Pump Friday!}

To kick off this week's photos we have my dear friends Jess & Mike from Fort Collins, CO who threw fist pumps after running the Mont Blanc 10K in Chamonix, France. We met these turkey's back in 2002 when Tim and I worked at Kanakuk!


Next meet Auburn students Paige, Sarah, Peyton, Lacey, and Becca who threw fist pumps and leg kicks at the Great Wall of China. Lovin' those Chi O fanny packs and Chacos, Littles!

Our next photo is of our nieces Ellie and Anna from Tulsa, OK who did leg kicks while jumping on the trampoline in their swimmers. Survey says 10 points for choreography and 10 points for level of difficulty.


Next meet Sallye, Martha Kate, Leanne, Hannah, Jillian, Lily, Kirby, Melissa, Lindsey, Kathryn, Maddie, and Braun from Dallas who threw fist pumps on Watermark's Student Ministries mission trip to Haiti!



Lastly, meet Krystal (bride), Michael (groom), wedding photographer, Kayla, and her fiance Michael, who threw fist pumps and leg kicks at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA on their special day. Congrats!

Since we have yet to receive a bici photo, last week's FPF mission still stands: take a photo of you and your homies throwing fist pumps and leg kicks while riding your bicycles. Extra jazz hands for bici's with baskets or bells. (Of course all other entries will be accepted). Email photos to em{at}todaysletters{dot}com ... it's just that simple.