A Quote from my Aunty M

"Sometimes we fall into annoyance. Sometimes we dive in. Maybe sometimes we can choose differently. Give people "the benefit of the doubt." On a beautiful walk in the park early this morning, I must have picked up 40 or so little cellophane juice box straw cover things. Never cared for litterers. Today, I picked them up differently. Thought of the people who might have picked up after me at times. Saw the Momma's who might have been tending to one child while another pair of little fingers opened their straw for the first time. Saw in my mind the sudden breeze that made it dance away. Made me feel differently. Give each other the benefit of the doubt. It works with big things, too; but maybe helps to practice on the little ones."

Reality check

Spent a good 3 hours panicking when little miss Meg was MIA after a 6-hour car trip from PA (turns out her phone just broke, and being the responsible girl she is, she went straight to the store to get it fixed.) that really shook me up. Stuff can happen in the blink of an eye, and the "not knowing" if a loved one is safe is nauseating.

Beepa was admitted to the hospital this am (he's fine, they are keeping him overnight for observation). He is, of course, laughing and flirting with the nurses.

Tyler got home safe & sound last night, tired, but had a blast.

Now, can someone remind me WHY I would EVER waste ANY energy worrying about silly trivial things like wedding decor, cakes, etc.? 

Thankful & grateful the ones I love are healthy & safe. Hugging everyone extra long today, just 'cuz. You should, too.

A Prayer To Start The Week

Thanks, dad.

Oh Lord, I am so tired.  It seems like the lists of to-do's get longer each day, the frenzy in my home each night gets wilder.  It seems like the holidays have barely started and already I am behind. 

Help me, dear Jesus.  Let me feel your loving arms wrap me tightly in the warm embrace of your endless love. Teach me to make choices about my time, to remember what is important this season and to say "NO" whenever my Yes would take me away from your peace.  Fill me with patience, love and a sense of humor. Remind me of your deep love for me and let the fire of that love be something I can share with everyone around me.

The Obligatory Thankful Thanksgiving Post

... but I am feeling particularly thankful this year. And I love this holiday - no gifts, and other than black friday (oh, the joys of living by walmart... not!), not much commercialization. Just family, friends, and reflection.

We had a great time at my moms this year... a very LOUD great time. And my Dad sends me little texts throughout the day "are you full?" or "santa came!... oh wait" to let me know he's thinking of us... I'm not sure if he knows, but I always feel a twinge of sadness on holidays that I'm not with one parent or the other, and his texts sure make me feel better about it all.

The night after turkey day Tyler & I went and saw the Trans Siberian Orchestra - holy moly, it was AMAZING! Completely surpassed our expectations. The lights, the music, the talent! SO much fun, I hope this turns into an annual thing! We even got to meet them & get autographs afterwards. 

So, to put out into the universe that I am oh-so-thankful for my blessings, here is a list.

• Friends: I am thankful to have each & every friend in my life. You mean more to me than you know, because I no longer let in people who aren't good for me. So thank you for being you, and for teaching me how to be a better friend.
• Family: Oh the crazys. I wouldn't be who I am without my extremely diverse family, and for them, I am thankful.
• Ebony: I am thankful for the sweetest little thing on four legs who knows exactly how to snuggle when I'm sad.
• Our home: I am thankful for warmth, security, and that the tiniest spots can be "home" to us.
• Our health: I am oh so thankful for heath into the new year.
• Tyler: My favorite Thanksgiving thankfulness: to my husband-to-be (280 days!), a day does not go by that I am not thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, and let the Christmas countdown begin!!!

Halloween weekend

We didn't do much for Halloween this weekend - but we DID have my dad & Carolyn over for dinner & to see our new apartment!! We are really proud of our new place, so I was looking forward to this alot.

the boys playing wii & me clearing snacks before dinner!

 I set out some snacks, but the real treat was what I made for dinner. I know I cook a lot, but when I knew I was having "company" I could not for the life of me think of what to make! My favorite things to make are soups, but I knew my dad wouldn't want to just have soup for dinner. So, I made engagement chicken, roasted potatoes, butternut squash, sweet potatoes & carrots, and Kim's corn casserole.

YUM!



It all turned out pretty good! Next time I would have attempted mashed potatoes & gravy, but I can never get my mashed potatoes perfect...



Ebony REALLY wanted some...



I also made "Dead Brownies" for dessert, which were a hit! And Carolyn brought some delicious and ADORABLE cookies from The Danish Pastry House

It was a really fun night.

In wedding news, we've booked our DJ! We are so excited to have Chris from Next Level Entertainment for our big day - he seems like the perfect fit for us. 80s, country, party jams - yahoo!!
My mom & I also ordered our save the dates! They are going to be super sweet - I told my mom I felt like a "bridal princess" at An Elegant Affair, with both consultants showing me different bridal books filled with designs & fonts. It was overwhelming - in a good way. Next, we are looking for a photographer, JOP, and florist. Sigh... lots to do. I know it's going to start getting overwhelming (and expensive) so I hope I can step back once and awhile and remember what this is all about.

Anyone have any HONEYMOON reccomendations?! I think we are going to go to a travel agent.

Chatham.. the first few days in pictures

We had such a great time in Chatham this past weekend! Me, Tyler, my mom & Peter, Brad, Beepa, Dana & Michael all drove down on Thursday. Dana & Michael were only able to stay through Friday afternoon, but we filled the first day with the beach, lobsters, oysters, drinks, ladder ball & sunshine.

I think we are all at perfect ages to go on vacation together - we're all "adults", and it was so great being able to all hang out together.

Greetings from Cape Cod!

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"Having a great vacation in Chatham. We spent all day today at the beach, and have been eating nothing but oysters, lobsters & yummy drinks. Will be posting more later! Happy summer :-)"