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Love

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Learning from her Mistakes... and Successes

 

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I've recently had an epiphany.  I think it's been a long time in coming, but yesterday it really hit me.

Yesterday while talking to one of my girlfriends, I had the most humbling realization... we're all alike.  We were discussing our marriages... and what we hate and love.  I know, sounds kind of heartless, but I think this kind of blatant honesty is sooooo wonderful and really very healthy.  We were chatting about the issues we feel are at the top of our "complaint lists."  There were more, "Oh my gosh, me too!!" s and "We do that too!"s than I ever imagined possible!  Not only did I walk away from the conversation feeling like Kory and I are a very normal couple with VERY normal "problems" that every couple deals with, but with a whole new appreciation for those frank and honest chats that girlfriends share.  Without this 30 minutes of raw honesty, I may have continued to think Kory and I were never going to live to call our marriage a success... instead I realize that we are a very typical couple with very common and manageable obstacles and I think my friend would probably tell you that she was able to draw the same conclusion about her relationship.  (And I was even privy to a few hints and tips as to how to overcome these common, every day issues.)
I realized how essential my close girl friends are and how vital it is to share not only the wonderful times, but also the struggles - for their sake and mine... and more than anyone, for the sake of our husbands and marriages! 

So as much as I would like to think that we are so unique in our squabbles, I'm realizing that we're about as normal as the next couple. What a relief!  : ) 

PS. Watch Perfect Couple on Thursday nights.  We find it hilarious... because it is like we're watching ourselves on TV!

Calling All Carpenters

Kory and I have been trying to figure out a way to turn our smallest bedroom into both a second guest room and a functional office.  Like the rest of our home, our tiny 3rd bedroom offers very little in the way of space... a critical ingredient in our recipe.   In our quest to maximize the room's functionality and space as efficiently as possible I came across "murphy beds."  You know, those super awesome beds that fold up onto the wall into a compact cabinet.   Bingo.  The problem, we need sleeping room for at least 2 people... likely 2 little people.  The room is not even big enough for a full sized bed that folds away.  Then it hit me... what would fold away, sleep 2, and make us the world's coolest aunt and uncle?  Drum roll please.

Murphy-style Bunk Beds!

 The problem is that these nifty beds are almost always custom built.  For those of you who don't know, anything following "custom" also follows with extra "$$" signs.  So now we just have to figure our the cheapest, simplest way to design and construct this brilliant solution!  Calling all volunteer carpenters...

Steelers Frenzy

GO STEELERS  GO STEELERS  GO STEELERS 

When we moved to Pittsburgh, I never could have imagined how the entire city would find unity and camaraderie in one thing - their beloved Steelers.  I noticed in August that at any one time, in any setting, you could find at least one person sporting Steelers apparel.  Now, that they are set to play in the AFC Championship and may very well be Super Bowl bound, the ENTIRE city is on their toes in support and celebration of their home football team - and now the streets are lines with Terrible Towels and pedestrians adorned in black and gold.  At first I thought it was a little silly - to love (some would even say worship) a football team that much... but now, I find it endearing and amazing!  What better way to unite a city, and give it's residents such pride, than a sports team?  Shouldn't that be the goal of every sports team... to do what the Steelers have done?

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To Blog or Not To Blog

The original intention of this blog was to add an element of detailed documentation to our wedding experience and to keep all of our family and friends informed.  The planning is done... the wedding is over... now what?  I have to admit, I kind of enjoy having a little place to share life's adventures and ALLLL  the photos I take (what else will I ever do with them???).  Even though my super sweet camera is broken, and I don't have anything especially interesting to tell, I think I will keep up the blogging... at least for now. 

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Hometown Reception - The Final Chapter of our Wedding Saga

Our hometown reception was the last piece of our wedding puzzle.  Because the week at sea just wasn't feasible for many of our friends and family - whether it be money, timing, time off, health, etc, it just wasn't possible for everyone to make it.  It was important to us to include everyone that wanted to be included in the celebration.  So, to remedy the bittersweet situation,  we had a second reception, this time a more traditional party, at a local venue. 

We decided to have the reception on January, 1.  I've always wanted to get married on New Years Eve or New Years Day.  I don't know why - I just always loved the holiday and loved that it was so easily a romantic celebration.  I'd expected that with the date (1-1-11) being so unusual, it might end up being difficult to find a venue, DJ, etc.  To our surprise, everything was open. 

When we looked for the venue - the Pantall Hotel Rooftop was an easy choice.  We'd heard that they recently remodeled and even more exciting, Kory's cousin's family had just purchased the building!  For the other details, Kory's mama seemed to have the solution for every need or knew where to direct us.

 It was kinda cool getting to feel like a traditional bride - by getting to select the design of a wedding cake, decorate a venue, pick foods, etc.  On the other hand, the point of a destination wedding is to eliminate the stress around all of these details.  Either way, I'm glad we were able to have our dream wedding and get to celebrate with everyone - not just those that could make it on the cruise.

The Decorations/Venue 
and the decorators...

The Cake
by Judy Huey at Sweet Creations in Reynoldsville, PA

The Food
by our fabulous families...

 Kory's mom did a magnificent job... not only was her food beautiful it tasted incredible!   Unfortunately we didn't get many pictures! : /

Guests
photos by Jazzie... those willing had their photo snapped as soon as they stepped off the elevator.
(Click on the photo to see an expanded version.)

Entertainment
For our entertainment we chose to have a DJ who played a huge variety of music.
My talented little brother put together a brief snapshot of our wedding and trip to Mexico.  Our goal was to make our guests feel at least a little bit like they were a part of the actual day...

click here for Mikey's VIDEO

I have to admit, my favorite part of the night was my little sister / maid of honor's "rap."  She put together the cutest poem about Kory and I that she rapped at the reception... I'm trying to get my hands on it.  As soon as I do, I will share.  It was so sweet... and amazingly creative!

Favors
Postcards to our guests and bags to fill full of goodies from the candy buffet...

 

Kory's mom helped us get our hands on some great candy.  The rest was made with love by Jazzie, Mikey, and Kory... I tried to help, but we soon learned that I was more of a hindrance than help so I played the role of photojournalist and director instead. :)  

Jazzie making her mouth watering "Carrot Cake Pops"  ... after she made hundreds of her delectable "Peanut Butter Bang Bangs"... yes, she named them too! :)  

Mikey and Kory did an amazing job bringing my idea of "Sea Glass Hard Tack" to life... 

Not only was it beautiful, it tasted divine! 

We cannot thank our families enough for the time, money, energy, and love that they put into making our reception a great experience! We are blessed beyond words to be surrounded by such a supportive loving group of people! 

Poor Sam

If ever there were a sight that would break your heart, it is seeing the little animal that you love more than you knew possible in terrible pain because of a decision you made.  Our poor Sammie Sunshine had another surgery today.  This time it was preventative in nature.  Yes, I feel a need to explain... I feel so terribly guilty for putting our little furbaby through such torture, voluntarily. 
Sam has chronic infections concerning her "girl parts."  She has spent countless hours licking in obvious irritation.  After taking her to the vet constantly just to come home with an antibiotic and some medicated wipes, only to do it again and again shortly after the medication ran out, we decided to take a different approach.  Every vet that has treated our pup has recommended we get surgery to lift the skin and eliminate the pocket that is trapping the bacteria - which is resulting in the constant infection... 
So we had the skin lifted.  With two massive, Frankenstein-like incisions on her little rear, Sam is pacing in pain because it hurts too badly to sit or lay.   4 hours into the recovery, I can honestly say, I don't think I would make the same decision knowing what I know and feel now.  I can only pray that this poor, innocent dog that depends on us to keep her out of harm's way has a quick recovery and lives the rest of her life free of irritation and infection... :( 

Please pray our sweet girl has a speedy recovery.

Little Miss Emma Jean

We cannot express enough how happy we are for one of our favorite couples!  Marc and Angela welcomed their baby girl, Emma Jean, into the world yesterday!  

The anticipation was especially great, as the sex was unknown!  We have no doubt that Angela is going to be a wonderful mommy and Marc an amazing daddy!  We are looking so forward to meeting this little angel and watching her grow!  We love each one of you so very much!  My heart is so happy, I feel like it might burst!  Now to figure out how to see this lovely family of 3, as soon as possible...

I stole this photo from Marc's mom's facebook profile (what a proud grandma)! 

The Natural Birth Control: First Annual Kids' Retreat

One of the things I looked most forward to in marrying Kory is officially becoming his nieces and nephews' "Aunt Sara."  This marriage added 5 fabulous kiddos to my niece/nephew count, making me the proud aunt of 7 amazing children.  

I was beyond excited about our first big sleepover.  We ambitiously invited all 5 kids over for a 2 day extravaganza.

The line up:

When we'd tell anyone of our plans for a 2-day, kid themed adventure, most people, including their parents, would shrug us off with a, "You're nuts!"

Our shin dig started the day after Christmas.  The first challenge was how to transport 5 kids, 2 adults, and a dog from Punxsutawney to Pittsburgh.  Kassy generously offered to trade us vehicles for the 2 days required.  Allowing the use of her minivan solved our first problem.  We ran into our second issue when we tried to convince our terrified dog to lay at the feet of several kids she barely knows.  There was no convincing our 100lb pup to stay in the back of the van.  She forced her way onto my lap in the front seat.... where she would remain for the 2 hour drive.

As we drove down the highway, Kory and I laughed at the chaotic sounds coming from the rear of the van.  Lexi, Aramy, and Emma sat in the far rear, talking about games, Christmas gifts, and school, while Ethan and Trevin were buckled into the middle row singing and screaming in excitement!  We were tickled by their enthusiasm and amused by the craziness.  2 hours of yelling kids and a massive dog on your lap makes you especially anxious to get home.

That night we created our "play" room by removing the mattresses from the spare beds and filling an entire room.  Before we could blink, the room became a trampoline room!  And of course came our first casualty... and our second.  Then we retreated to the dining room for a snack then to the living room for a relaxing movie.  One by one, they fell asleep.  At 1 am, we finally carried everyone to the "trampoline room" and tucked them in.

Kory had to make a quick trip to school that morning.  He was up and out by 7:30.  At 7:35  am the troops started to come to life.  Sam and I looked at each other ... somehow I could feel her pain.  I rolled out of bed to find Ethan and Emma sitting patiently on the couch.  "Good morning Aunt Sara!  Where's Uncle Kory?"  When I explained that he had to leave for a little while Ethan got so terribly upset.  You'd think I told him that he would never return.  Quickly my mind went to how to preoccupy him.  I turned on the TV, grabbed some food, and toys and in minutes, you'd never known he was ever upset.  Crisis averted. 
For breakfast we had a variety of eggs, fried potatoes, and Lucky Charms.  Everyone was encouraged to eat lots so as to have energy to go see Yogi Bear in 3D!  Bribery... initially I was ashamed, then I realized, they just need a little extra motivation! : )  We upped the enthusiasm by making up chants and songs about how kids that eat get goodies at their their theater seat.

After breakfast, a few wanted to shower, a couple wanted to watch the Chipmunks Movie.  Perfect.  One by one I got each kid dressed, hair brushed, and ready for the day.  Before I knew it, it was lunch time.  Ravioli!  With the awareness of how messy tomato sauce can get, I insisted that everyone under the age of 8 take off their shirts to eat!  The chants and songs started immediately!  "Yogi Yogi here we come... but not until we eat - yum yum!"  One by one the bowls were emptied...

When Kory got home, we loaded up the van to head across town for the much anticipated Yogi Bear in 3D.  We strategically put the adults at each end of the line up.  I was nearest to the exit so I was the snack runner and pee break person.  The movie theater employees got a kick out of our frequent trips to the "potty" and concession stand (thank goodness for free refills)!  Luckily it was not a movie I had any intention of actually watching! :)
Stylin' their 3D Glasses...

When the movie was over, we latched on to our kiddos and headed to the van.  The rest of the day was full of movies, naps, coloring, fighting, and food!  Kory and I laughed, almost hysterically, about the chaos.  "It's no wonder Jon and Kate divorced!"
Kory endearingly lined up the kids to mark their heights in our basement door jam... then we separated boys and girls to paint toe nails and play the Wii.  In this little stint of time, Sam fell in love with Lexi and Emma.  I couldn't believe the change we saw in her - in just over an hour.  The girls were so gentle and sweet to her.   She went from being terrified of all of them, to insisting on spending time with each kiddo. And seeming to actually trust them. 

That night, we started with the youngest and put them each to bed much earlier.  Kory and I were shocked at how easy it was.  "Time for bed..." and next thing we knew they were all snuggled into their spots in the "trampoline room," eyes heavy.  Awesome.

The next morning started around  9 am.  Kory was in charge of getting breakfast ready while I started getting the kiddos and their stuff ready to go home.  Somehow Kory had misplaced the Lucky Charms.  He literally searched the house, top to bottom, including the garbage.  Ethan insisted that he'd eaten the whole box! haha

They ate, and ate well.  Today's motivation came in the fact that we were stopping at a store called 5Below (where everything is under $5) for "prizes" on our way home!  Though they'd never been there, the kids were mighty excited about the possibility of getting to choose any one thing they wanted from the store. 

We loaded up the van and all the kids' stuff.  With Sam's new friendships with our nieces and nephews, we hoped that she would be more comfortable sitting in the back with them.  Nope.  In fact, she wouldn't even entertain the idea.  I ended up squeezing in between Ethan and Trevin and giving up my seat to our terrified dog instead of opting to hold her the entire way.
Our shopping trip ended up being quite the adventure.  Ethan's item of choice was wrapping paper.  Eventually Kory was able to convince him to forgo the paper for a set of cars.  Somehow, when we got to the register each kid had at least 2 items.  Instead of bothering to insist that our original rule of 1 per kid, we embraced the opportunity to get to spoil them a little and bought everything in our basket.

As soon as we hit the road, a couple of kids realized they needed to pee, and a couple found they might be a bit hungry... and I desperately needed a cup of coffee.  Low and behold, there was a McDonalds right ahead.  So of course we stopped.  Pee breaks and happy meals for all... and a gigantic coffee for me!  When Kory didn't order anything, I was concerned that he wasn't well.  Kory is always willing to have a bite to eat.  When each kid only ate half their food (with the exception of Lexi), I understood... Kory gobbled down each of the half eaten burgers and fries.  Brilliant! 

5 minutes after we loaded up the car, I had a sleeping boy on each of my arms.  The rest of the trip home was almost relaxing. 
To our surprise, the 2 day kid-venture was easier than we'd expected, thanks to Lexi's help with her younger cousins.  But as much as we love each of them individually, all together, it is just a little bit too much for this kidless couple.  We've decided to do next year's kid's retreat in phases.  Never again will we knowingly have a situation where the number of kids we're responsible for outnumber the number of adult hands available for holding... never ever.  

Though, as far as birth control goes, if we had some guarantee that our children would be as amazing as any one of our nieces or nephews, we'd feel blessed beyond words.  Fortunately, this experience only confirmed that we already know, we're not ready for kiddos, and likely never ready for 5 kiddos! : ) 


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