Let's take a ride on my emotional roller coaster, shall we?

We closed on our house on Friday, May 6th. Getting the keys and stepping foot in our house was very exciting. We spent the weekend completing projects and made a lot of progress on the house. I cannot WAIT to move in for good.


I attended Mother's Day brunch last Sunday, and I am really glad that I did. It was difficult at the time, but the few pangs I felt were totally worth it. I was able to spend time with my grandmother, which ended up being very important, because she passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday at the age of 77. After brunch she (and the rest of my family) came over to our new house and we gave her the grand tour. She was so happy for us and called all seven of her sisters afterward. They all told me about her calls at her wake on Friday. Her death was very shocking and I miss her so much already. She was the most wonderful, caring lady and a joy to everyone that knew her. We did not take any pictures at Mother's Day brunch and I am so upset about that. I can't remember the last time our picture was taken. Here she is with my grandfather, father, and brother on my wedding day and one of AJ and me with all of my grandparents:


After attending my grandmother's funeral on Saturday, AJ and I drove back to DC so that we could attend his law school graduation on Sunday. It was very difficult to leave NY and switch emotional gears, but we did, and we enjoyed the day as best we could. I am so proud of my husband and all that he has accomplished in the last three years.

While we were in NY, I received phone calls for two interviews in two different school districts in NY. I am flying back to NY tomorrow night for my first interview on Wednesday morning. I am really hoping to land this job. It is in the town next to where we will be living and in the same town as AJ's law firm. The other interview is next Friday, also known as moving day in this household. We haven't quite figured out how we are going to fanangle that, but somehow we will make it work. Best case scenario...I land the first job and don't even need to interview in the other district. Fingers and toes crossed!

So that is my life in a nutshell. You understand why I haven't posted in a while now, right?

Keys to Success

The keys to a successful weekend living in a mountain home with your parents and in-laws:

• Two dogs that never tire of walks
• A hot tub
• Apples to Apples and other games
• College football
• A casino
• Ruth's Chris Steak House
• An outlet mall (especially when you go twice)
• A celebrity scandal (it gives everyone something to talk about!)
• Thick skin (because someone is inevitbly going to say something that is offensive and/or annoying)
• Lots of wine

The Thanksgiving Plan

Next week AJ, Kona, and I are venturing up to the Poconos for Thanksgiving weekend. Last year we drove back to NY for both Thanksgiving and Christmas and it was just too much. This year we decided to rent a cabin with both sets of parents and meet half way. I am excited about being holed up in the woods for a few days, but am also freaking out about all 6 of us (and 2 dogs) spending 4 days together....crazy, right?

We hosted my parents, my brother, and AJ's parents for Thanksgiving in North Carolina two years ago and that was a success. We had a nice Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, the guys played golf while the ladies went shopping on Friday, we all went to the ECU football game on Saturday, and everyone parted ways on Sunday. However, our parents were in hotels, so we all had our own space and could part ways if need be.

Everyone gets along pretty well, but there are a few distinct differences between our families. My brother usually provides comic relief when things get tense or awkward, but he has to work and won't be joining us this year. I am hoping we can all get along and that there are no major issues. Otherwise we're all in for a loonnnng weekend.

Changed

AJ and I went on an impromptu date at Matchbox the other night. We ordered a pizza to share, and before I ate my first slice, I sprinkled a little Parmesan cheese on top.

Why is this significant? Before I met AJ, I never ever ever ever did this. As I was sprinkling away, AJ asked if I had told my dad that I now like Parmesan cheese and I replied that I hadn't.

We then began talking about how both of us hide certain things from our family, for fear that they will be upset that we have both changed as a result of our relationship. Does that make sense?

One of the simple things that my dad and I have always bonded over is our dislike of grated Parmesan cheese. One example....One night I was eating at my favorite Italian restaurant with my family. The man sitting at the table next to us was putting Parmesan on his pasta for almost 2 straight minutes. He literally would not stop putting cheese on his food. The smell was so strong and my dad and I were laughing so hard at how this guy was being ridiculous. It is our thing.

And now, I feel bad telling him that AJ has introduced me to the wonderfulness that is Parmesan cheese. A part of me realizes this is silly, but still...I can't help but feel a little guilty that I am not the same daughter I was a few years ago. This is obviously a really trivial example, but it got me thinking about marriage and how you change as a result.

Have you experienced this?

Schooooool's Out For Summer

Okay, school in my district actually ended on Thursday, but today is the first day of MY summer. I stayed up until 1 in the morning last night and slept in until 10 today. Heaven!

The sad part is I don't get off the entire summer, but hey, at least I get a small break, right? I have off until July 7th, and then I go back to work for all Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in July. I have off again the first week of August and then go back for good on August 11th. Why the crazy schedule, you ask? I have to work 15 days over the summer, but I get to choose which days. Most people choose to take off the entire month of July, but since AJ is working all summer, I decided to take off the weeks at the beginning and end of summer and work in the middle. This allows us to head back to NY this week and maybe take a beach trip in August. Plus, a three day work week isn't bad.

So, first up in my summer plans.....

We are heading back to NY tomorrow to visit our families and attend my dad's family reunion. We've got a lot planned over the next week so hopefully I will get a chance to blog while we're away. In between the multiple family gatherings I am hoping to get some sun, play some golf, read The Beach House by Jane Green and The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and maybe squeeze in a few runs. Gotta love vacation!

Memories

My brother is in town for a few days; he has an interview at some place in DC (I am an awesome sister and clearly know all the details). He is crashing on our couch because he recently graduated college and my parents would rather us be all holed up in our teeny, tiny apartment than pay for a hotel. Our mom did send money for our dinner last night, so I guess that makes it okay.

Anyway, we all headed out for some drinks tonight after work. To preface the scene at the bar, let me just tell you that my brother may or may not be the biggest smart ass in the entire world. He always has a witty comment and is quick to make judgments on anything and everything anyone says and/or does.

With that said, I cannot remember ONE THING that I wanted to blog about. He literally said 923597 things that were blog worthy, and hear I sit not recalling one of them. Why does this always happen? I guess I am getting old and need to start writing all the funny stuff down. Welcome to my mid-twenties?

Surprise!

This weekend we traveled up to NY to surprise my dad with a 50th birthday party. My mom planned a dinner cruise on Skaneateles Lake with our family and some of my dad's friends. We had a great time and it ended up being an awesome, quick get away for AJ and I.


The day began with my dad, brother, and two of my dad's friends from work golfing at a course near Syracuse. My mom and the other wives then surprised them at a restaurant in town and told him that the 7 of them were going to take the dinner cruise and spend the night on the lake. We arrived on Saturday afternoon shortly after they sat down for a late lunch. My dad was so excited to see us and literally jumped out of his seat!

We then spent the afternoon in my parents hotel room and on their balcony. This is where all the fun started! My dad's secretary and her husband were in the room next store and he almost saw them when we were hanging out on the balcony. People started arriving and had to be shooed away because they were going to ruin the surprise! It was so funny. Here we are hanging out on the balcony. Note our attire. It was only 60 degrees on the lake! Gah, I do not miss NY weather!


We then headed down to our hotel room to get ready, when we ran into some family. They were all hiding out in another hotel room!


Here is my dad when we are heading towards the boat and he realizes all his family and friends are in town! I am so glad the surprise party was a success!

Being on the water was amazing, and luckily it wasn't too chilly on most parts of the boat. I still had to wear a sweater over my dress, but at least I wasn't freezing the entire time.

One of my college roommates is from Skaneateles, so she and her boyfriend met up with us after the cruise. It was so great to catch up and spend time with her! I always forget how much I miss my friends until we are reunited again. I love that we can fall right back into place after not seeing each other for almost a year.

Obviously, I had a great weekend and I hope you all did too!

Recharge for the Weekend

I opted to stay home tonight while my husband headed to a party with his law school friends. We have been out EVERY night this week and I need my body to recharge before a busy weekend. I wanted to go to the party, but my desire to lounge in my pjs, snuggle with my puppy, and finally watch the RHNYC reunion and RHNJ premier won out. I am also knee deep in The Associate by John Grisham and wanted to read a few more chapters tonight. I am loving the book and pick it up at every free moment. It will be a very relaxing night!

As for our busy weekend, my parents and brother will arrive tomorrow and we have a lot of celebrating to do! We've got my graduation, my brother's college graduation, my dad's 50th birthday, mother's day, and AJ's completion of 1L. A little something for everyone!

What are your weekend plans?

Weekend Recap

Since we knew my parents would be here for Valentine's Day, Alson and I exchanged gifts earlier this week. He surprised me with a dozen red roses on Thursday and I gave him Yours & Mine (it was on super sale at CVS a few weeks ago) last weekend. I also got breakfast in bed everyday last week! Nothing fancy, just my favorites (cereal, English muffin with PB, Eggo's), which made it extra special. I am definitely not a morning person so this really helped to start my day.

Why is it that long weekends fly by faster than normal weekends? My parents and their new doggy arrived around 6:30 on Friday night. Isn't Norman so sweet looking?


He has the cutest under bite! He is so good with pictures and does not need to be tricked into looking at the camera. Quite different than taking pictures of Kona!

After meeting Norman and getting settled we headed out for a bite to eat. We didn't have reservations because we weren't sure when my parents would arrive, so we walked around the area to find a place that wasn't packed. We ended up at a little pub on Connecticut; it was really yummy and laid back. Alson claimed the fish and chips rivaled ones he had in Dublin. I think that means we will be heading back there for more fish and chips.

On Saturday we spent the day at the dog park, Whole Foods, and just hanging out in our apartment. After some shopping, Wii, naps, and reading we got ready and headed to Clyde's at Gallery Place for dinner. It was okay, nothing to rave about, but since we had to get last minute reservations (my parents didn't decide they were visiting until last week) we didn't have many restaurants to choose from. Here are Alson and I before dinner. We need some sun (or bronzer)!


Yesterday we ate breakfast at a restaurant around the corner and hit up the farmer's market before my parents headed back to NY. After that Alson and I lounged around and enjoyed some quality time with Kona. I think she was jealous of all the attention Norman was getting!

Today Alson and I thought it would be fun to rearrange our bedroom because we are getting a new mattress this week. We moved ALL of our stuff, including the furniture, into our living room and then vaccumed and dusted the nooks and crannies we don't get to on a weekly (monthly?) basis. After attempting to rearrange we determined it wasn't possible to set up our bedroom any other way and accepted defeat by putting everything back where it was initially positioned. Ugh. At least we cleaned? This really made us realize we DO NOT have enough space and definitely would like to move into a bigger apartment. We of course have to wait and see where/if I get a job, but hopefully we can move out to the Alexandria area. I am looking forward to closet space and dog friendly establishments! Let's hope the stimulus plan creates more jobs in the public schools!

It was so nice to have today off and hopefully this week will fly by as well. I have a sneaking suspicion that it will....we have two birthdays to celebrate and mock trial to prepare for in our house. Busy busy!

Hope you all had a fun and exciting weekend as well!

Family Vist Part 1

My parents are coming to visit this weekend! I can't wait, it should be a lot of fun. Not only are they coming, but they are bringing their new dog, Norman!

Look familiar? Yes, my parents got a dog that looks very similar to Kona. They are too funny. Norman is a maltese, so he is smaller than Kona, but other than that they could be siblings! I can't wait to meet the little rascal, apparently he is a handful. Should be interesting having two dogs in our apartment!

And yes, the title of the post is Family Visit Part 1. That is because Alson's parents are coming to visit next weekend, so we will be entertaining again!

Home

We finally returned home from our two week trek in New York. Although it was great to see our families and do all the holiday related things, I was definitely ready to leave. There is nothing quite like spending some alone time with MY little family in front of the fireplace in our tiny apartment (and yes, I am being serious..even about loving our little hole in the wall). And sleeping in our own bed last night was the icing on the cake. It feels so good to be home!

However, going back to work and semester two of law school starting tomorrow are another story! I must go enjoy the last day we have together before all the craziness begins again.

Holiday Vacation

Happy holidays!

We ended up leaving DC the Saturday before Christmas so that we could avoid all the snow storms that were pounding the northeast. We arrived in NY fresh off the Friday storm that left everything blanketed in beautiful white snow. It snowed again that Sunday, adding to the already high piles. That snow has since melted as a result of a 50 degree heat wave from this past Saturday, but last night a new layer fell and all is white again. I have lots of pictures to share once we are back in DC.

As for what we have been doing....

We spent a few days at my parent's house, a couple nights at Alson's parent's house, a night visiting Alson's college roommate and his wife, and are now back at my parent's house. Busy busy! In between all our travels we have spent a lot of time reading, playing our new Wii games (on my parent's new Wii), learning Spanish (yay Rosetta Stone!), shopping, eating, sleeping, snuggling, and playing in the snow. So relaxing!

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays as much as we are!

Weather Whoas

My parents were supposed to visit us this weekend, but they are currently getting socked with snow. The forecast is calling for 12 inches overnight and they probably will not be able to drive down from NY. Although I am sad they won't be making a winter trip to DC, at least I get to see them in less than two weeks when we are back in NY for Christmas!

ETA: The storm wasn't too terrible where they live (Northeast standards, of course) so they were able to leave later on Friday and make it down for the weekend!

Hodgepodge

I have so many things I want to share about the past few days that I think I will write one big hodgepodge post.

• At work on Thursday another intern and I ended up having a two hour lunch with a few of the second year school psychologists. We didn't intend to sit around chatting for that long, but once we started we couldn't be stopped. It was great! I really felt like part of the staff instead of the new person who only gets asked your name, where you are from, and where you went to school. We really got to know each other. We ended up talking about a lot of work relevant stuff so we didn't feel too bad about our lack of "working". Plus, since kids don't come to school until tomorrow, we didn't have much to do last week. Anyway, our conversation made me feel a lot better about my job, especially things regarding the district I work in and the kids that we serve. I admit I was jaded by the end of my graduate coursework and was not really looking forward to internship. The girls gave me hope and helped re-spark my interest in working with disadvantaged children.

• My BFF Michelle came into town on Thursday night. We will always be the sisters we never had (we both have brothers named Matt) and we just connect in a way that is hard for people to understand. It's like we have our own little world that we live in when we are together. It's great! We first met when we cheered in a church league together way back in middle school. We were in different school districts despite sharing a zipcode (in NY districts are by town, not county) so we kind of lost touch during high school. We then reconnected during college when we coached that same cheer team we were once a part of. Some of the girls on our team and a close friend of mine from high school then convinced us to join our college cheer team together. Oh, and we were roommates in college. So needless to say, we've been through a lot. Here is a picture of us from my wedding day.
  
  On Friday we walked to the White House, the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and along the Tidal Basin so Michelle could get the requisite tourist pictures. Look for a more extensive recap (with pictures) on her blog in the next few days (after she gets all settled in her new place in Charlotte!). We then stumbled upon the Holocaust Museum. Since she was a history major in college and will be teaching social studies to high schoolers someday, we decided to go in. I had heard that the experience is very moving and sometimes makes museum goers uncomfortable, so I was a little apprehensive. I am ashamed to say that I was not well versed in the Holocaust before my visit to the museum (I maybe learned about it for like a week in history class back in high school), so I didn't really know what to expect. Let me tell you, it was informative, shocking, moving, and disturbing and you should definitely check it out if you are in the area. Just the experience of being in the museum will have an effect on you. The permanent exhibit requires tickets, which are free and seemed to be readily available. We arrived at the ticket counter and were given tickets for right then. If you do have a wait there are special exhibits that you can visit in the meantime. I have become a little obsessed with reading more about the Holocaust, so if you want a refresher, you can learn more here. Onto happier topics...
  
  
• On Friday night we all watched Elf. This is most definitely one of my favorite movies, and it still gets me laughing so hard that I cry. Michelle and I probably watched Elf once a month back when we were in college, it was always our go to movie when we needed cheering up or recovery from a rough night out. I caught the last half of it last month when it was on TNT for Christmas in July, but before that I hadn't watched it since last Christmas. Just the other day Alson commented on how we hadn't watched it in a while, so we made sure to incorporate it into our weekend. Funny Elf story...one day a while back I texted Alson an Elf quote, so he texted me back a different Elf quote....and we went back and forth for probably a good hour. Good thing we have unlimited texts and a lot of free time :)
  
  
• Last night Alson and I went on our first date as a married couple. We had dinner at JoJo Restaurant and Bar on U St. and it was excellent. We first went to JoJo's the weekend we moved in and loved it then as well. My mom's name is Jo and she picked up JoJo as a nickname when some of my cousins called her that back when we were little. Like you probably realized from these three posts, I have lots of little cousins so the nickname is still used by all 20 something of them...even the older ones. We thought it was funny that there was a restaurant called JoJo's, especially since it is so close to our apartment, so we had to take my mom there (she helped us move in). From the outside JoJo's looks a little like a dive, but the inside is immaculately decorated and has an amazing atmosphere. It is perfect for a date or an intimate group dinner. The food is delicious (the online menu is not up to date or as big as the actual menu, so don't get discouraged); my favorite dishes are the caprese appetizer and the lobster ravioli. The prices aren't too bad, I'd say most entrees are probably $12-18. Check it out...and tell us if you want some company because we will definitely go back!
  
  
• As a result of all the TV watching we have been doing during the Olympics, I am quite the commercial critic. Have you seen that Harris Teeter commercial that introduces the cruise giveaway? It makes me want to boycott HT until they take it off the air. So stupid and annoying. I also wanted to complain about the Secret Flawless commercial, but luckily, notsojenny discussed it so I don't have to. When What Women Want (another favorite movie of mine) came out a while back, I wanted to be Helen Hunt and have her job as Creative Director at an advertising firm. Obviously I didn't actual go that career route, but I still think I could have done a better job than the people at HT and Secret. Readyyy... better advertising pronto.
  
  
• Yesterday we headed to Northern Virginia for Long John Silvers and the dog park. Yes, I admit that I love LJS. Sometimes I need greasy fish and chips in my life...I blame it on my Irish heritage. Luckily it is in Falls Church, so the distance will keep me from eating it often. The real reason we went to NoVa was to take Kona to a dog park, LJS was just an added bonus. She had a ball running around with the other dogs and playing with her daddy. She was so dirty by the time we left. The girl loooves to roll around in the dirt. But, at least she was happy and is still tired and thus more well-behaved! Needless to say, she needed a bath when we got home.
  
  
• Last night I got a Facebook message from one of my friends I worked with at camp saying that her and her husband (also a friend of mine from camp....they met at camp and got married two summers ago) are coming to DC to run the Marine Corp 10k at the end of October and were hoping to get together while they were here. After hearing about them, Britni, Heidi, Lexi, Melanie, our neighbors, and pretty much every other person in the world running some kind of race or taking up a running regiment, I felt like the laziest person ever. Alson and I were running pretty regularly before the wedding and our move, but then stopped once we got so busy this summer. Well my friends, I registered us for the 10k today and we start training tomorrow. I am so thankful to everyone who helped motivate me through their blogs, and especially my friends for that final push to get me off my butt and on the road (well, I suppose it would be the sidewalk here in DC).
  
  
• I can't believe I haven't posted about the summers I spent working at camp. They were some of the best experiences of my life and it has really shaped who I am today. I will definitely try to get on it in the next few weeks.
  
  
• I am scared to see what kind of searches will bring people to my blog as a result of this post. Oh wait, I still don't fully understand how to work Google Analytics so I will probably never know ;)
  

The Cottage - Day Two

I can't believe how many pictures I took at the cottage! Here is a synopsis of the rest of the weekend...

More fishing:


Alson and I went kayacking before the motor boats hit the lake:


I finally got to meet Carmel! How cute is she?? :

After seeing all the fish that were being caught, I was afraid to get off my tube...of course that meant everyone tried to push me in:

My dad wanted his clean up to be documented (gross). It was a joy to find this picture on my camera the next day:

Carmel stole Kona's toys:

The dogs chased each other:

We played games:

Grant was so excited to get Yahtzee:

The guys went out for a little more fishing before dinner:


And my dad caught a monster....according to Grant "It's a shark!":

After posing for a picture, they threw it back....No more swimming for me:


Such a fun weekend...thanks to everyone that helped make it special!

And for good measure, another picture of Kona, who may or may not have felt neglected because Carmel got all the attention.

The Cottage - Day One

I have many fond memories of trips to my grandparent's cottage as a kid. It is maybe 30 minutes from our house, so we were always able to go for a week, weekend, or just the day if we wanted. While it is not exactly roughing it....there is electric, running water, and bathrooms...it still forced us to get outside and play and swim, or stay inside and play cards or other games because there is no tv, internet, etc. It is my mom's parents that own the cottage, and she comes from a family of 6, so needless to say, there was, and still usually are, a plethora of grandchildren at the cottage at any given time. My aunt and uncle also bought a cottage next door, so now there is even more room for everyone to congregate there during the summers.

Since I spent my summers living in NYC and NC during college and then moved to NC after graduating from college, Alson had never been! So we planned a trip to the cottage for a weekend, and we both really had a great time. Two of my cousins, my aunt and uncle, and their new puppy(!) were there for the whole weekend, and another one of my cousins, her friend, and my aunt came out both nights. My mom stayed with us at the cottage, but my dad was on call that week so he could only come out randomly throughout the weekend. Oh, and obviously my grandparents were there! It was great to have a bunch of people to hang out with. Here are some of the things we did...in picture form of course.

Alson and my cousins swimming:


Airborne! :

We tried jumping on a trampoline, but it wasn't quite blown up enough...or perhaps my weight made it lopsided (sad face):

So we decided to use it as a launching pad:


I got some distance this time! And Grant took a nose dive, poor thing:

They went fishing:

Kona got to ride on the boat:


Grant got to drive it:

Hanging out on the boat:

My dad was so excited to catch a fish:

I didn't realize how many pictures I have....so I guess I will have to continue posting another time!

Fun Times with My Cousins

When we were back in NY last week, we spent Thursday night at my Aunt and Uncle's house. Among other things, it was fun to see how they handle their crazy, but so adorable children. And it helped remind us newlyweds that we certainly aren't ready for any of our own. Here are some of my favorite shots of the night.

Everyone loves steak on the grill, especially my husband:


Kona was so happy to be able to run around with their dog:


My cousin drew Alson and I this chalk portrait...she wanted to lay down next to "us" for the picture:

I was trying to get a shot of the dogs playing, when this was suddenly in my viewfinder:

I was so excited for Wegman's bruschetta, until I saw little hands in it:

When I said "ewwww" I got this face (which is why she gets away with everything):

My cousins hamming it up:

They are so cute! I have tons of other pictures because they were always doing something photo-worthy. Boy are they BUSY!

Photos from the lake to come.....

On The Road Again

Instead of sticking around DC for the weekend, Alson and I decided to pack up the car again (we were in NC on Monday and Tuesday) and head back to NY for our last getaway of the summer.

We are going to my family's cottage in Northern PA on Friday and Saturday and playing in a golf tournament on Sunday. It should be a fun weekend!

We rationalize spending money on gas because we won't pay for much else the rest of the time we are in NY. My mom's new favorite quote: "When your dad and I were first married we didn't have much money so grandma and grandpa would always help us out with food and stuff. Someday you can do it for your own children too." Plus, it will be the first time we will be back in NY without a laundry list of wedding related things to attend. I know everyone will be happy to sit back, relax, and just enjoy each other's company. And who doesn't love hanging out with their family!?

A Monkey Wrench Has Been Thrown

We are getting married in 20 days. Yesterday I was excited, today I am wishing it was 200 days away.

My dad called me this morning to tell me he and my mom spent all day yesterday in the emergency room.....my mom blew out her knee. OMG, WHAT? Apparently she was just walking yesterday and heard a pop. As quick and simple as that.

She has had a lot of problems with her legs and feet in the past; she had surgery last May (we thought the problems had been corrected) and has been going to physical therapy a couple times a week after she started having pain in her knees a few months after the surgery. Also, she now only wears orthopedic approved shoes (something that no one can be happy about).

She cannot put any weight whatsoever on that knee, and because of the problems she has had in the past, and the potential for blowing out her other knee if she puts too much pressure on it, crutches are not an option. She is currently in a wheelchair, which will likely be her method of transportation for the next few months, and doped up on Vicodin for the pain. There is no possible way she could have the surgery she now needs and be healed in under three weeks.

I can't believe this happened so close to our wedding, now I feel terrible and as if she won't be able to enjoy herself. I guess no more unity candle because she won't be able to get up on the alter, no dancing at the reception (big sad face), we probably shouldn't leave our hyperactive dog with them while we are on our honeymoon (she looooooves dog sitting), I doubt we will be able to have our mother/daughter spa day the Wednesday before the wedding, all the pictures with the constant reminder of the injury and how it changed her participation in the wedding....the list goes on and on.

And now the text she just sent me has me reduced to tears:
"Just want to let you and Alson know everything will be fine. I will not let you two down. Lots of peeps to help if needed! I will do the wheelchair rock if I have too!"

So I guess that the wedding plans will be turned on their head a bit, but hopefully our family (both old and new) will be able to persevere and still make it as special as we always dreamed.

Exposaroonie Weekly Photo Challenge

Clearly I am bored today. I am without a car (as we sold Alson's yesterday and he has taken "ours" to work today) and I don't feel like packing, the only other thing on my to-do list. Hence three posts (so far) in one day.....

This week's challenge at Exposaroonie is to take a photo of a bad habit. Although I have many bad habits to choose from, I settled on letting Kona sleep in our bed. I know that lots of people say this is a no-no, but she's just so cute and snuggly! And she doesn't shed. Okay, enough rationalizing....here is my submission:

And some other shots:

Straddling our freshly washed and folded laundry

Sleeping the day away

Thanks to my models :)