Monday, November 7, 2011
Seriously effed...
I seriously effed up my back this weekend. I have no idea what I did or how I did it but it lead me to the doctor's this morning. I'm off work until Wednesday (two day work week? Um YES PLEASE!) and I have to see a chiropractor. And no running/jogging for at least 7 days. After that, take it slow. Oh well. Lots of time to do light housework and catch up on the soaps, right?
Friday, November 4, 2011
I can "run" (aka jog/walk) the 2 km around my block in 22 minutes. That means I am getting closer to my goal of a 5K!!
For those of us that aren't up to date on my situation - I will be doing a 5K with some wonderful women (who I met ONLINE *GASP*) in February. Now, I know that I've said before that I don't have the body of a runner...and I don't....but a jogger, well maybe that's me. I just feel better about this. I feel better about me. I feel...empowered. ha! Anyways, to go with my empowerment, here is something that describes my running life. Enjoy;)
Thursday, November 3, 2011
SOLD OUT!!!
Kick it Up has SOLD OUT!! I am SO thrilled! wo0ho0!!
Thanks to anyone who was interested, supported us or bought tickets. I'm so pumped we're sold out so quickly!!
Thanks to anyone who was interested, supported us or bought tickets. I'm so pumped we're sold out so quickly!!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Where did my life go...?! Some thoughts on volunteering
It's been hectically busy in my life. I feel like sometimes it's not my own. I've taken on a LOT of volunteer positions and moved on from some others. Basically, I'm working on expanding my resume (with causes and events that are near and dear to my heart) through volunteer experience.
Being a volunteer is an amazing thing. I've always believed, and I think this is my parents and grandparents doing, that volunteering is the best way to give thanks and give back to your community. It is a concrete way of using your skills and knowledge to help members of your community. It's something that I have always done and I will continue to do.
I actually told Mr. Dan the other night that I couldn't wait to be retied (says the woman whose just starting her career) so I could volunteer at all the places I wanted to. So I could be as dedicated a volunteer as I wanted to be. Mr. Dan just smiled and nodded. He knows how much I want to take on - and he also knows I can't do any of it while working a full-time job. But a girl's gotta pay the bills, right?
Anyhoar, the bills are getting paid (thank you employer!) and the volunteering is continuing to happen. Right now I'm working as a volunteer Media Coordinator for a Dress for Success event (more info on that in the coming days), waiting for the Bluenose Marathon Organizing Committee to get up and going again (I'm co-chair of Public Affairs), being an Advisor for Junior Achievement (my kids are AWESOME!) and working with some ladies to do a fundraiser for our pug group. They're all great events/causes and I'm excited to share the deets, as they come along, with you all (even though I'm still suspicious there's only one of you, dear reader). So for now I say: Get out there and volunteer! Go to the food bank and spend an hour, visit your SPCA or read to some kids. Every volunteer is valuable. Every skill you can bring to a committee or event is valuable to your community. Get out there and DO IT!
Being a volunteer is an amazing thing. I've always believed, and I think this is my parents and grandparents doing, that volunteering is the best way to give thanks and give back to your community. It is a concrete way of using your skills and knowledge to help members of your community. It's something that I have always done and I will continue to do.
I actually told Mr. Dan the other night that I couldn't wait to be retied (says the woman whose just starting her career) so I could volunteer at all the places I wanted to. So I could be as dedicated a volunteer as I wanted to be. Mr. Dan just smiled and nodded. He knows how much I want to take on - and he also knows I can't do any of it while working a full-time job. But a girl's gotta pay the bills, right?
Anyhoar, the bills are getting paid (thank you employer!) and the volunteering is continuing to happen. Right now I'm working as a volunteer Media Coordinator for a Dress for Success event (more info on that in the coming days), waiting for the Bluenose Marathon Organizing Committee to get up and going again (I'm co-chair of Public Affairs), being an Advisor for Junior Achievement (my kids are AWESOME!) and working with some ladies to do a fundraiser for our pug group. They're all great events/causes and I'm excited to share the deets, as they come along, with you all (even though I'm still suspicious there's only one of you, dear reader). So for now I say: Get out there and volunteer! Go to the food bank and spend an hour, visit your SPCA or read to some kids. Every volunteer is valuable. Every skill you can bring to a committee or event is valuable to your community. Get out there and DO IT!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wedding Maddness!!!
So now you may be expecting a big post about something...but you're about to be disappointed. I'm just going to do a little AW about this wedding. I'm so happy for them! They deserve a post;)
So... CONGRATULATIONS KAT AND ANDREW!!!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Post Thanksgiving Deets
So as you may or may not know...this Monday (aka yesterday) was Thanksgiving here in the magical land of Canada. It was lovely!
Anyhoar, Mr. Dan and I were unable to head to the relatives due to him being on-call for work all weekend. No matter to me...I decided I could cook a perfectly good Thanksgiving dinner on my own (see post here for my menu). And it went REALLY well. We didn't do turkey (why get a huge turkey when a small chicken will do?!) but we did do all the fixin's. From potatoes to veggies and even some bubbly - we had it all. And the one thing that Mr. Dan (and our two friends that showed up to help us eat all this food) said was AMAZABALLS was the cheesecake squares. So I decided that, in the spirit of Thanksgiving...and deliciousness, I would share the recipe. I found it on allrecipes and then did some mod's to make it work for us.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares
What you'll need:
What you do:
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I'd rather be a whale...
I caught this story on Facebook today and it really caught me. Big or small, flat or full chested, ghetto booty or not; I'd always rather be the whale.
A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"
The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:
"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.
They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.
Mermaids do not exist.
But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?
Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.
At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.
We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "
A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was "This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?"
The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:
"Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness.
They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia.
They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on cds. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.
Mermaids do not exist.
But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish?
They would have no sex life and could not bear children.
Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad.
And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?
Without a doubt, I'd rather be a whale.
At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.
We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies.
We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated.
Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
How did that happen?!
Holy carp (yes, like the fish!), Mr. Dan and I have been married ONE MONTH today! wo0t wo0t! It seems like just yesterday that we were standing in front of my Grandfather (our minister) and our family and friends saying "I do.". It's still an amazing feeling to me to wake up every morning and hear him call me his wife.
Happy 1 Month, Mr. Dan! I love you;)
Happy 1 Month, Mr. Dan! I love you;)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October!
Fall is here...it's in the air! I can feel it and smell it...and that means it's ALMOST FREAKING THANKSGIVING!! AHHHH!! Now I know you Americans don't get Thanksgiving when we do but ours is HELLA early this year. Actually it's next weekend. Now I'm going to have to work so I've been doing a little research and planning the menu for Mr. Dan and I. Usually we'll spend time with the folks but I'm working Sunday (dammit!!) so we're doing our first solo Thanksgiving. It's going to be good.
Anyone care to see my menu...?
Anyone care to see my menu...?
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| Fancy champagne and strawberries! NOMMM |
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| So I'm not doing turkey because I prefer chicken annnnd I'm not buying a huge turkey for the two of us. So roast chicken it is. |
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| We're going to have some DELICIOUS cheesy-bread...NOMMM |
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| Roasted veggies! NOMMMMMM |
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| Delicious garlic and herb mashed potatoes! |
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| Annnnnnd we'll finish it off with some pumpkin cheesecake squares *drool* |
What are you having for Thanksgiving?!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Window Shop Wednesday!
It's another edition of...WINDOW SHOP WEDNESDAY!!!!!! YAY!!
This week...Pottery Barn!
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| I LOVE this Sumatra bed. |
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| With these!! |
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| This new TV stand would be killer with our new TV!! |
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| Since we've got that new TV and stand we better get some drinks and dispensers... |
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| And some mason jar mugs to drink out of! |
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| And some mood setting lanterns |
Friday, September 23, 2011
Mr. Dan is getting old!
Hey Mr. Dan...IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday to my wonderful (and crazy) husband, Mr. Dan <3 <3
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
This post is for Earl...
Earl Cook was a young Winnipeg hockey fan who battled life-long health problems but remained a steadfast fan, a jovial person and an amazing Canadian. I never had the pleasure of meeting Earl, he lived across the country from me, but I've heard his story(or stories!) often. Earl batled fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the foster care system (before his wonderful foster mother, Debbie, brought him home 7 years ago), Asperger's syndrome, Tourette syndrome and cancer. Through it all he remained a steadfast and sure. He was going to fight. To read more about Earl's story visit : http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2011/09/18/winnipeg-earl-cook-hockey-obit.html
Earl inspired me. I have a sister who has faced many challenges similar, but different, to Earl's and his story really touched my heart. Earl was an inspiration for Canadians of all ages. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I was devestated for his foster mom, Debbie, his friends in the NHL and hockey community and ,selfishly, myself. Everything I ever read, heard or saw about Earl he was smiling, he was jovial and he was the kind of kid that people could and DID look up to. In his short 23 years I can tell you he touched people from across the country. My love and thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. This post is for you, Earl.
Earl inspired me. I have a sister who has faced many challenges similar, but different, to Earl's and his story really touched my heart. Earl was an inspiration for Canadians of all ages. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I was devestated for his foster mom, Debbie, his friends in the NHL and hockey community and ,selfishly, myself. Everything I ever read, heard or saw about Earl he was smiling, he was jovial and he was the kind of kid that people could and DID look up to. In his short 23 years I can tell you he touched people from across the country. My love and thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. This post is for you, Earl.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I swear to you, it will get better...
How is it that today, in 2011, we're still dealing with people who are bullying others? How is it that in our "advanced" society that we have CHILDREN KILLING THEMSELVES?! How is it that the so-called ADULTS in our world continue this behavior in the work site, ignore or defend the actions of their of children and do NOTHING to help our children...to teach our children right from wrong...to do ANYTHING to help these children understand the pain that they're inflicting on other people in the world. I want to tell the kids of today that it will stop. It will get better...you are STRONG....
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1264080.html
This poor kid. I know how he feels. I'm big. I always have been. I've been bullied. But I didn't give up - I fought back because I knew it was wrong. I knew I had support and I knew it would get better.
I knew that some day it would get better. How did I know that? I don't really know...I just felt it in my heart. I knew that was no way that this would go on for the rest of my life. I knew there was something I could do to change it. So, do you know what I did? I decided to tell them how it was, and it was going to be. I said, at the age of 14 to the people that tormented me, something like this:
I AM smarter than you are. I AM stronger than you are. I AM braver than you are. And one day, in the future, I will be more educated, better adjusted, loved by my true friends, loved by my family and at peace with the choices I've made in my life. Some day, I WILL be your boss. And then maybe you'll realize that all this shit, all this crap you've put me and countless others through will have done nothing but proved that you are a small, unhappy person.
I just want to reach out to all these other kids that feel how I did...I want them to know that it DOES get better. Stand up, speak out, be yourself. Because someday, you could be their boss. And then you can show them the compassion that they never showed you. Gay, straight, fat or thin, black, white, Asian or pink, it gets better. It does get better.
xo
http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotia/1264080.html
This poor kid. I know how he feels. I'm big. I always have been. I've been bullied. But I didn't give up - I fought back because I knew it was wrong. I knew I had support and I knew it would get better.
I knew that some day it would get better. How did I know that? I don't really know...I just felt it in my heart. I knew that was no way that this would go on for the rest of my life. I knew there was something I could do to change it. So, do you know what I did? I decided to tell them how it was, and it was going to be. I said, at the age of 14 to the people that tormented me, something like this:
I AM smarter than you are. I AM stronger than you are. I AM braver than you are. And one day, in the future, I will be more educated, better adjusted, loved by my true friends, loved by my family and at peace with the choices I've made in my life. Some day, I WILL be your boss. And then maybe you'll realize that all this shit, all this crap you've put me and countless others through will have done nothing but proved that you are a small, unhappy person.
I just want to reach out to all these other kids that feel how I did...I want them to know that it DOES get better. Stand up, speak out, be yourself. Because someday, you could be their boss. And then you can show them the compassion that they never showed you. Gay, straight, fat or thin, black, white, Asian or pink, it gets better. It does get better.
xo
Monday, September 12, 2011
Pics...or it didn't happen!
As anyone who knows me will have heard me say: Pics, or it didn't happen. So today I present you with a smattering of (non-pro) pics from the wedding.
It happened.
Told you it happened.
It happened.
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| Chillin' in the hotel room |
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| Waiting for the music... |
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| Dad and I |
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| Signing my life away. (That's my Grandpa!!) |
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| Mr. Dan signing his life away |
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| We're murried!!!!!! |
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| Mrs and Mr:) |
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| First dance |
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| Hello Gentlemen! |
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| Mmm...cake.... |
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| Bouquets! MIL made mine and MOH and I made the rest:) |
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| Miiiiine! |
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| Let them eat cake! |
Told you it happened.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Murried!!!!!!
So I know you've all been dying to her about my amazing, fantabulous, AWESOMELY SPECTACULAR wedding...and so I give you the wedding recap:
Sunday morning was lovely. I couldn't sleep much past 5:30 but that was fine. All the ladies (mom, BM's, aunts, a few girlfriends and I) ate breakfast in the hotel then the BMs and I relaxed in the room. We had champagne and OJ, played on Facebook, ordered pizza and just chilled out. Everyone kept joking with me that I was too relaxed, but honestly I just was. I had this wonderful sense of calm. No nerves, no jitters, just calm. It was AWESOME.
At 2:45 mom came and got us for the ceremony. We all went down and the music started. Girls went in and when it was time for us Dad just grabbed my arm and looked at me and said "Steady now. We've got this one." And then smiled at me and we were off. The ceremony was great (I kept grabbing looks at Mr. Dan) and only 10 minutes!! We signed the papers and then waited for Grandpa to come pronounce us....3 minutes....4 minutes...finally my aunt went over and then Grandpa comes back "My daughter told me I should now pronounce that we have Mr. and Mrs.Paige." I almost bust out laughing. Then all you hear is our photog yell "KISS THE BRIDE!!!" and the people in the seats start yelling "Yeah! Kiss her!!" "KIss Kiss!!"! Too funny! After it was just a blur of hugs and kisses.
Pictures were awesome! We went to the Public Gardens (beautiful!) with our family and the wedding party. Then just Mr. Dan and I headed with the photogs to another park, some woods, a pond and some random train tracks. I think we're going to have some AMAZING pictures. AND my photogs were amazing! Karen kept checking on us, Brian was bringing us drinks and setting up shots without us even knowing it. They made it so easy! (http://www.brianlarter.com/)
After that we met up with the wedding party and had a drink in our suite. Then we headed down to the reception. I could hear my brother annoucing us but no music. I thought it was weird but Drew (banquet manager) said it was okay and we'd just go with it. I was okay. So we get annouced and cheer and yay and suuuuch and then sit down. And I look over to see no DJ. Uh...what? So I grab Drew (who was AMAZING the entire night! He made sure everyone was taken care of, nothing went wrong or if it did he fixed it, and he kept getting us beer ♥ ) and ask. He says he'll figure it out. 60 minutes in to the reception (and while we're eating) the DJ shows up. (NOt sure what happened BUT he made up for it with the dance.) Speeches were AMAZABALLS. Dan's dad didn't want to speak but he wrote something and read it to us privately part-way through the reception. I'm getting copies of the speeches so I'll share later♥
Anyhoar: My brother was seriously an awesome MC. He was funny and quick and witty...just like I always tell him!! lol! He even said he really enjoyed himself. And everyone kept commenting saying "I didn't know your brother was so funny!" "How did I miss his sense of humour?!" It was GREAT!
The food was AMAZING! Like seriously some of the best food I've ever had. We got so many compliments on it. And zomg I agree...NOMMMM! Mom thought it would be funny to annouce to each table with kids that the candy buffet was now open. 15 minutes later there were only a few candy sticks left. The glow braclets were a HIT! Look at our cake pics and you can see that I had two on...I forgot to take them off for those pics...OOPS! lol
The dancing was wonderful! Our first dance was so nice, we just chatted and laughed and really enjoyed it. Dad and I had a blast too. The parrrrrrty was rockin'! Everyone was out on the floor and we all danced and partied...it was seriously the best party I've ever been to! Everyone said they enjoyed themselves(which is really what we wanted!) and I can't believe it's all over now!
It was seriously this amazing, wonderful, beautiful time! It went by quickly but we drank in all the details. It wasn't a blur...it was like a dream though. Everything was relaxed, and perfect. It could not have been better.
Sunday morning was lovely. I couldn't sleep much past 5:30 but that was fine. All the ladies (mom, BM's, aunts, a few girlfriends and I) ate breakfast in the hotel then the BMs and I relaxed in the room. We had champagne and OJ, played on Facebook, ordered pizza and just chilled out. Everyone kept joking with me that I was too relaxed, but honestly I just was. I had this wonderful sense of calm. No nerves, no jitters, just calm. It was AWESOME.
At 2:45 mom came and got us for the ceremony. We all went down and the music started. Girls went in and when it was time for us Dad just grabbed my arm and looked at me and said "Steady now. We've got this one." And then smiled at me and we were off. The ceremony was great (I kept grabbing looks at Mr. Dan) and only 10 minutes!! We signed the papers and then waited for Grandpa to come pronounce us....3 minutes....4 minutes...finally my aunt went over and then Grandpa comes back "My daughter told me I should now pronounce that we have Mr. and Mrs.Paige." I almost bust out laughing. Then all you hear is our photog yell "KISS THE BRIDE!!!" and the people in the seats start yelling "Yeah! Kiss her!!" "KIss Kiss!!"! Too funny! After it was just a blur of hugs and kisses.
Pictures were awesome! We went to the Public Gardens (beautiful!) with our family and the wedding party. Then just Mr. Dan and I headed with the photogs to another park, some woods, a pond and some random train tracks. I think we're going to have some AMAZING pictures. AND my photogs were amazing! Karen kept checking on us, Brian was bringing us drinks and setting up shots without us even knowing it. They made it so easy! (http://www.brianlarter.com/)
After that we met up with the wedding party and had a drink in our suite. Then we headed down to the reception. I could hear my brother annoucing us but no music. I thought it was weird but Drew (banquet manager) said it was okay and we'd just go with it. I was okay. So we get annouced and cheer and yay and suuuuch and then sit down. And I look over to see no DJ. Uh...what? So I grab Drew (who was AMAZING the entire night! He made sure everyone was taken care of, nothing went wrong or if it did he fixed it, and he kept getting us beer ♥ ) and ask. He says he'll figure it out. 60 minutes in to the reception (and while we're eating) the DJ shows up. (NOt sure what happened BUT he made up for it with the dance.) Speeches were AMAZABALLS. Dan's dad didn't want to speak but he wrote something and read it to us privately part-way through the reception. I'm getting copies of the speeches so I'll share later♥
Anyhoar: My brother was seriously an awesome MC. He was funny and quick and witty...just like I always tell him!! lol! He even said he really enjoyed himself. And everyone kept commenting saying "I didn't know your brother was so funny!" "How did I miss his sense of humour?!" It was GREAT!
The food was AMAZING! Like seriously some of the best food I've ever had. We got so many compliments on it. And zomg I agree...NOMMMM! Mom thought it would be funny to annouce to each table with kids that the candy buffet was now open. 15 minutes later there were only a few candy sticks left. The glow braclets were a HIT! Look at our cake pics and you can see that I had two on...I forgot to take them off for those pics...OOPS! lol
The dancing was wonderful! Our first dance was so nice, we just chatted and laughed and really enjoyed it. Dad and I had a blast too. The parrrrrrty was rockin'! Everyone was out on the floor and we all danced and partied...it was seriously the best party I've ever been to! Everyone said they enjoyed themselves(which is really what we wanted!) and I can't believe it's all over now!
It was seriously this amazing, wonderful, beautiful time! It went by quickly but we drank in all the details. It wasn't a blur...it was like a dream though. Everything was relaxed, and perfect. It could not have been better.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Wedding Hiatus
Sooo, as you may have noticed my posts are few and far between lately. Well...I'm getting married on SUNDAY! So they will continue this way until the crazy has subsided. I promise I will be back.
xo
xo
Monday, August 15, 2011
Congratulations, from the Queen!
Mr. Dan's grandparents have been married for 60 years. That's 6-0. 60. And they are as much in love today as they were then they got married. They make me smile at the thought of being with Mr. Dan for that long...
So Nanny and Poppa's family had a big to-do this weekend to celebrate their anniversary. They rented out the community centre and had an open house. Complete with wedding decor, arches, diamonds (because your 60th is your diamond anniversary), ceremony arch, photographer and a wedding cake!! Poppa even wore the shoes he got married in.
So Nanny and Poppa's family had a big to-do this weekend to celebrate their anniversary. They rented out the community centre and had an open house. Complete with wedding decor, arches, diamonds (because your 60th is your diamond anniversary), ceremony arch, photographer and a wedding cake!! Poppa even wore the shoes he got married in.
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| The fam jam! |
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| They're in love! |
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| Congratulations...FROM THE QUEEN!! |
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