Life happens

It's been a little rough around here lately.  Mom made it through six rounds of chemo like a CHAMP only to be knocked around post treatment with what they call "chemo brain" or "chemo fog".  Her vision is causing her some issues, which is a bummer on a number of levels.

One it inhibits her ability to get around safely and easily.

Two the trillium in the preserve have put on the best show since I've lived here.  I'm taking lots of pictures to show her once her eyes have healed.  If you're in the area, stop by, say hi and come see the trillium for her.

Who Knew?

When I look back at these pictures I can honestly say that I must have known.
Fifteen years ago today.
I obviously knew.
We could...would... weather whatever came our way.

Although it was an evil plot by friends to connect us,
I'd say that everything turned out in our favor.
I think it was *sort of* love at first sight/night.

I remember thinking, "I'm not dating this guy - he's got FOUR kids!"
Little did I know that I would actually fall as hard for his kids as I did for him.

THE KISS
I was sooo nervous that when we got down the "aisle"
I immediately went to K and kissed him.
Evidence that we will always just do our own thing.

THE VOW
I'm sure we didn't say "for better or worse" specifically,
but that pretty much sums us up.
My favorite part of this picture is the little one looking up at/to us.

THE TOAST
We toasted to becoming a family.
All I can say is...look at those curtains! ??

Seriously, I love this picture.

This is us in front of our non-wedding cake (way before non-cake weddings were cool).
It was made by my Aunt Barb and was one of my absolute favorite parts of the wedding.
Each tier was a silk covered box that contained individual desserts.
It was nothing short of amazing.

END NOTE: A not-so-well-known-fact about our wedding that isn't photo documented 
K planned most of the wedding.  Seriously.  I was crazy busy at work and he found/ordered/arranged most of the event.  That is why to this day I cannot plan a party without him.  Seriously.

I like to throw parties

If you know me, this is nothing new to you.  So when I was given the opportunity to host my niece Becky's baby shower I thought to myself, "Hot Damn! Let's do it."  And "do it" we did.  I'm going to post the pictures, but much of the credit goes to my family.  It truly was a family affair!

The theme is obvious.  The banners were a team effort.  We used plain old fabric from the fabric store and seam binding.   Owl mugs were from West Elm - but part of my everyday collection to be honest.

Food served:
Individual 7-layer dip with torilla strips, veggies and dips, antipasto skewers and individual mac and cheese cups (pictured below) and the best fig and goat cheese bruschetta (not pictured).

Wood stands were created from firewood in the backyard.  Candles were part of my general household "collection".  That cute white owl is a bank I've had for a while now. We used the favors as part of the decor.  Too lazy to wrap the car seat my Mom gave as a gift, I threw burlap over it and disguised it with a banner!

We had fruit cookie pizzas that were amazing.  Again we used things I had around the house as part of the decor (board is Ikea magnet board I recover again and again and frames I took a picture out of because it fit my vibe).  Blue ball jar is one of my all time favorites for flowers - year round.

Hand Stitched by Mom

Lastly, one of my favorite things was the "wise words" tree.  Each guest got a leaf on which to write wise words for Becky and/or baby.  It too became part of the decor as the party progressed, then she read them aloud.  Much better than a party game, IMHO.

We had the nicest time planning it, prepping, and having this party.  Isn't that what it is all about?  I like to throw parties because they make people happy.  I like to be around happy people.

The Holidays

If you know me, you know I'm not a huge fan of the holidays. I'm not sure when it started or why... I know that I feel totally claustrophobic when the tree is up and a million decorations are out.  So this year I am going SIMPLE.  I might get just a few things out and put up the tree and be done. After all, aren't beautifully wrapped presents decoration enough? Adding just a little something to my everyday red and white kitchen towels works too.

As far as the living room is concerned, I've been picking up a few things and mixing them with other things I have.  The Santa collection won't make an appearance this year (I'm thinking every 3 year rotation might be best).  I'll share pictures of the living room when it's done.

Even though my spirit might be a bit bah humbug regarding decorating, I'm into keeping the real spirit of the season.  Time spent with family and friends. Doing things for others. Making a wish or two come true - no matter how or who... That is what I prefer to spend my time and energy on. That is what really matters.

Cheers!

Hurricane Sandy Visits

I knew it was inevitable. At the very least I believed we'd lose power. We lost that plus half a willow tree in the back.

I was at least grateful that we still had the Halloween decor up and there were plenty of candles out and about to give us light.

Sometimes you have to enjoy the chaos for what it is.