PA Bridal Shower Pics

As promised, here are some pics from my recent shower (please excuse my hair in these photos...it was a very rainy day!).

My little cousins and Aunt Ginny wait for my arrival.

Here I am surprised as I walk into Lauren's house. Note John's amusement in the background!

Opening gifts!

The mixing of my family and John's was one of the best parts of the day. Everyone got along so great.

One of the games involved me answering lots of questions about John. If I got one wrong they added a body part to the hangman board. I came close to hanging him but still won!

Diving into cake, one of the best parts of having another shower!

Dance Fever

Last night I watched the season finale of Dancing with the Stars, partly thanks to my gracious fiance' who let me hog the television for 2 hours (yes, we only have one TV). I was a bit bummed to see that Mel and Max, my favorite couple, lost but happy for Helio as he was entertaining to watch throughout the season. I was mostly thankful that horrid Marie didn't go any further than she did! My sweet mother doesn't like to hear me speak this way as she grew up watching the Donnie and Marie show, but I have to speak the truth :)

I love dancing. I will at weddings, in clubs, even the grocery store, as long as I'm feeling the music. Wouldn't say I'm that great at it but that's neither here nor there. For now I will continue to remain a loyal DWTS fan as I live vicariously through these B (and C) list celebrities. Bring on next season!

Graduates

Last night John and I finished Pre-Cana! We have officially graduated from the pre-marital required Catholic classes. Woo-hoo! We of course still need to show our priest copies of our baptismal certificates and three copies each of affidavits from family members stating we weren't married before, but the major part is over.
I diligently filled out my survey card at the end of the night so we could give constructive criticism as well as positive feedback on our overall experience.

Tomorrow we have our cake tasting (can't wait) up at Peddler's Village. I'm getting excited and nervous that we are now just 4 mos. away from the big day. I will say, though, that taking these classes made us more prepared for the marriage that we face ahead of us instead of just the wedding itself. That helped me get some more perspective and so I'd say that in the end it was worth it.

Food and Family

I had a really nice Thanksgiving and I hope everyone else did also!

We went over to John's mom's house in Reading, PA for dinner. There was so much to eat that I collapsed on the sofa promptly after my second helping! There we were joined by his brother Andrew, wife Sue and their adorable baby Victoria along with John's other brother Chris and girlfriend Stacey (far left).



John and I both have a ball with his little neice. Sometimes more than she does!



Andrew and Sue stayed at our house Friday as well and we had a fun dinner at the Outback and John's Mom came down to babysit last night so the four of us could go to a movie afterward. We saw "No Country For Old Men" which was wonderfully acted but a dark story. I happen to like that sometimes so I enjoyed it but can't say the majority of people would.

I'm going to head out and brave the shopping malls tomorrow but right now I think I'll just relax and enjoy the holiday weekend!

Gobble, Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know it's still Wednesday, but I'll be busy eating like a pig tomorrow with my future in-laws so wanted to take the time to let everyone know how thankful I am.
It's been a busy year, but I'm so grateful to have a loving and supportive family, thoughtful friends, an adorable fiance', goofy dog, humor filled days and a home to call my own :) I hope that everyone has a great Turkey Day and lots to be thankful for as well! Travel safe!

Surprise Shower

I had a huge shock today! John and I headed over to Lauren's to watch the Eagles game after church. We were in a bit of a hurry so got over there late. Then I rang the front door, it opened and heard everyone yell 'surprise!'. All my dad's side of the family as well as John's greeted me with a surprise bridal shower. I was shocked and so glad we came from church so I was semi-dressed up!
I had a very nice day of opening presents, playing wedding games and mingling with my family and family to be. It was a great way to spend a Sunday, especially when you weren't expecting it! Everyone talked and got to know each other. You couldn't have asked for a more relaxed time.

I got a lot of wonderful gifts but loved my Crate and Barrel silverware from John's aunt and grandmom, pots and pans from Peg, mani/pedi gift certificate from my aunts and a coffee table wedding album made by my photographer after our wedding from Lauren, Liv and Carolyn. I also received tons of gift cards so I get to continue shopping at the stores I adore.
I'll be sure to post the pics when they are sent to me :)

What the...!

I'm sorry, but is this for real?

Matt Damon the Sexiest Man Alive? Who is working over there at People magazine? I mean I guess he's 'cute' but sexy? No way.

Not even in his younger days was he sexy. If you disagree, feel free to comment but I'll just think you are nuts. HA!

Dress Success?

Last night I had my much anticipated first wedding dress fitting. I was joined by Livy, John's Mom and his Aunt. I think it was a success as I still love it, I was able to pick out a veil and realize that my shoes are a good fit. I was however slightly disappointed in the 'tightness' of my top half. I have known for some time that my chest has grown and my arms are flabby but it was totally magnified under the three way mirror and bright flourescent lights. The seamstress was nice and told me that I could lose a little weight or not, it was up to me, and she could make it work either way.

Let me just tell you, though, that I got home last night and John and I took Duke for a looooong walk. He held the leash and I used my little weights while strolling. It felt good. I plan on feeling that way more and more as the months dwindle down.

Two Down, Two To Go

Last night in Pre Cana (our Catholic classes) we actually got a few things out of it which is surprising, considering the regular interest level on the part of my future spouse. Anyway, there was a married couple who was talking about the ways in which we communicate with our partner and how we should try not to use the word "You" when starting a sentence as it can be accusatory and put our spouse on the defense. They also talked about the way in which we can use actions, words and touch in order to show the other person how we care for them. For each individual it's different but we got a chance to look at the ways we feel affirmed in the relationship as opposed to what might work for the other person. Basic stuff but not always thought about in the context of every day life.

I have to tell you though, the funniest part came at the end (of our two hour class) when we were told to stand up, turn and face each other and hold hands. Then just stare silently into each others eyes while a 3 minute prayer was said out loud to us. That was when I thought it probably got a little ridiculous for us. I was near tears trying to hold back the laughter as John made goofy eyes to me the whole time. I think some things just are a bit too much for even sensitive me!

Moo

I know there is a thing about eating too much dairy, but I LOVE it. I just woofed down half a container of cottage cheese at lunch and had to stop myself from going further! It's soooo good. It makes John want to vomit that I eat/drink that much cheese, sour cream, milk, etc. but I can't help it. I could be a Dairy Farmers of America spokesperson. If I truly had an idea of how all these products are made, I might feel less strongly about it but it's probably best I don't think about stuff like that for now. Too much on the brain as it is these days.

Go Me

Boy am I having a good day! Not only did my Eagles pull off a win against those stupid Redskins, but I also finished my ribbon board place card holder project (the place cards for each guest will rest on the rows of ribbon).
I feel pretty darn great.

Here's a pic...

Wah, Wah...

I'm having the worst luck trying to purchase things for the wedding online! First I ordered favors but when they arrived they were the size of a cell phone and totally cheesy. Not at all like I had seen online. So I sent them back to the vendor only to fight with them most of yesterday on getting my money back in my account. They finally did but not before I found myself transfered to this one or that one 3 times and completely out of my mind!

Then yesterday I was all pumped about ordering these cool pink, glass votives for the tables. I placed my order after reviewing their cuteness with Adrienne and my Mom, only to come home and discover an email from the website telling me that they have been discontinued. Geesh! Not sure what will become of my online shopping from this point out.

Luckily, I had a great night when I met John's aunt Marie and his cousin Teresa and her daughter Amanda at David's Bridal for flower girl dress shopping. I picked out an all satin ivory dress with a Truffle (brown) satin bow and when she put it on she was absolutely adorable! I was so happy and thankfully so was Amanda :)

I also picked up my shoes for the wedding while there (see below) so I can cross two more things off my never ending list.

Christmas Yet?

I got to say, nothing gets me into the holiday spirit quite like the Pottery Barn catalog. I look forward to it naturally as I get tons of ideas on decorating from the pages, but all the cheery colors and warm images this time of year make me feel like wrapping and drinking cider. Currently, we are still working on trying to make it home (AZ) for the holidays, specifically Christmas. It's a little tough with all the saving that we've had to do but we'll continue to watch the flights to see if they come down any. To me Christmas is weird if the temperature isn't 80 degrees outside! ;)

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Here is another example of how I know I'm getting older...

On Saturday night we went to see the movie American Gangster (which was actually really good, long in parts but great acting and overall entertaining) and behind us was a row of about 8 teenagers, none of which looked older than 16. Anyway, one girl kicked my seat twice while getting up during the previews and continued to talk in the most annoyingly loud voice to her friends. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and John proceeded to turn around and ask her to stop kicking. She did but not before giving it one last nudge. During the movie all these kids decided to get up multiple times and walk in and out of the theater. One even answered their phone! It was very distracting. John and I had this long discussion on the drive home about how certain people today must be raising their kids to be so intolerant of others. I'm writing about this today because we see it all the time. This incident on Saturday just irked me so much. Where is the respect for those around you anymore?

I think if we do decide to have children one day that I'm going to try to raise them to be good human beings first before anything else. I pray all of you hold me to that!

Happy Birthday Indeed

On Friday night John surprised me by taking me back to the restaurant that we got engaged at last year, Friday Saturday Sunday, for a very romantic dinner. The food is outstanding there and the atmosphere perfect for a nice dinner for two. I then thought we were headed back up to Hatboro for bowling, but instead pulled up to the super fun and swanky Lucky Strike bowling alley in the city where my cousins and John's brother Chris and girlfriend Stacey as well as friends Beth and Bob met us. We had a fun night of beers and bowling. I was probably the worst of the bunch, but had a great time trying.

Lounging with the girls...Me, Lauren, Liv and Beth...



Liv and I get ready to bowl...



Me thanking my very thoughtful fiance' for all his planning...

2-8

Today I'm 28 years old. Feels kind of weird because it just snuck up on me after the whirlwind year I've had.
This morning I woke up at 7:30 AM and John had my present and card set out for me. He is too funny sometimes. He won't tell me what we are doing tonight to celebrate, but knowing him it will be great (remember my last birthday I got engaged!).

Here is a photo of my loot from this morning. He got me a bunch of 'The Office' themed post-its and pens as that is our favorite show and a sterling silver necklace shaped like a heart with the words "Be Mine" on it from my new favorite jewelry designer Jessica Elliot. Also note that he underlined Jacobi as he has written my full name on my cards since day one and Jacobi isn't going to be around that much longer!



I got a pretty arrangement of flowers from my Dad and a very creative set of 'non wedding related' gifts from Erin, not to mention wonderful cards, calls, emails and sentiment from all my friends and family. I truly feel blessed to know that many people love and support me. I'm incredibly sentimental so I hope each person knows just how much the little things mean to me.

I'm sure I'll have some more photos and stories from tonight so check back this weekend :)

P.S. Nan, I'm so glad you know how to write comments now as it makes me smile