And This Completes the Family

Here are Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve. This is obviously a very good photo not only because it is my parents but also because I took the photo :) Aren't they cute in their complementing red and green sweaters? :)




And here is Trent and his girlfriend. They have been dating for quite a while. He found her (or so his story goes, she found him) in Florida when he was doing schooling down there. She traveled to Maine to live up here with him when he moved back. She had never been here before so it was quite a change for her considering she was born in Honduras! (Warm weather is more her friend...but she has acclimated fairly well except I did see her the other day at my parents' house sitting with a coat and hat on and I thought she was leaving but she wasn't; she was just cold!) Anyway, since Tony and I are now married after 11 years of dating, I am sure the question Tony and I always got (When are you getting married?) will now get passed along to them. (Hint for you Trent, I always used the comment, "Once I finish schooling" and that always worked.) Come to think of it Trent, is that why you are still in school? :) (Nothing against Laureen of course...we Giles' just don't like to rush with anything.) :)

The Giles Kids

Here is the the Christmas Eve photo of the Giles kids. Notice how we inadvertently lined up according to age and it just so happens, height! This is definitely not the most flattering photo of me. However, it is a nice one of my brother and sister. Mom kept telling me to move closer to Kristi but if you look closely you will see my left "boob" is squished against my sister...it is hard for us larger chested women in situations such as this :)

Perhaps the photo I took of Mom and Dad will make an appearance on my blog? Hint, hint Mom.

Happy Holidays!

Tony and I wish you all a happy holiday season.

Here is Tony and my annual Christmas photo taken by my mother on Christmas Eve.


And here is the family dog, Buster, showing his holiday spirit.

Time Flies!

I am not sure if it was the unusually long period of warm weather we had before Winter arrived, the fact that I was recently married (September 22nd) and that consumed my time, or the fact that I am just way to busy at work to have a life outside of it, but the time sure has flown this holiday season. I am ashamed to say my house still has some Thanksgiving decorations up and about three Christmas decorations mixed in (most Christmas decorations remain in boxes in my living room!) Yes, it truly is a site to see!

We did get the tree in and decorated and we have a few lights on the outside of our house but not as much as we usually do because it was too cold and then we have had snow since the last time we tried to do it. I am sure those of you who know me well are shaking your head and saying, "That's Jenn for you" but to the rest of you, I swear, I am not usually as bad is I am this year. The time has just flown by this season and I feel like every time I blink Christmas is drawing closer. My birthday on December 11th flew by and my Christmas cards have still not all gone out.

Why am I so behind this year? Could it be any of the reasons I mentioned? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that Christmas is my favorite time of year and I am afraid my half-hearted attempt at it this year is going to leave me feeling like it never happened, which will inevitably leave me feeling extra gloomy in the unexciting, long, dark months that lay ahead. Is there still time to salvage this holiday I treasure? I am not sure. What I do know is that there are three tubs of decorations out in my living room and the holiday season is not over yet (along with that pile of dishes in the sink that are now spilling on to the counter...oh the shame) so maybe I should get off the computer and go tackle them.

On second thought, I am feeling awfully tired (it is 10:45 PM after all!) so maybe I will just head to bed. The decorations and dishes will be there tomorrow right? I think I will just tackle them then. Could this be how the above mentioned dilemma has happened? :)

Another thing I love!

I just love when I read people's blogs and they share items they love. (Yes, I wait eagerly for that time of year when Oprah does her "favorite things" episode.) So, I have decided to do the same (I recently shared my mixing bowls and bathroom trash can as favorites so see recent blogs if you care to know about those because I still haven't figured out how to link you back to them within my post.)

Anyway, what I am blogging about today is the fabulous measuring cups pictured above. Yes, they are made by OXO like my mixing bowls. I just love their products! They are also plastic and dishwasher safe, which I love, and they have the rubber handle, which is great! My mother has the stainless steel ones, which I admit would match our kitchen better but I prefer the plastic ones because I have the option to use the side view if I should want. The thing that makes these so fabulous are the easy to read angled measuring lines INSIDE the cups. In other words, as you are looking into the measuring cups and pouring you just watch the liquid reach the line you desire inside the cup and that gives you an accurate measurement. No more scooching (is this even really a word?) down so the cup is level for reading and no more "eyeing" the measurement as you hopefully hold it level in the air so you can read it. Just pour until you hit the measurement you want and you are done and you know your measurement is accurate! They are amazing! They also come in four different sizes! I have all but the largest one. The neat thing about the smallest one, which is not in the picture by the way, is that it measures tablespoons! Thanks to Tony's Aunt, Cathy, for this bridal shower gift!

A Fat Giraffe!

I know all of you have probably been on pins and needles waiting to see the fat giraffe sighting I promised months ago. Well, for all of you, the moment is here. Above you are witnessing a fat giraffe caught on camera. I would link to the old post about this but I don't know how (I have to ask my fellow blogger and family member, Heather, how to do that.) So since I don't know how to link to an old post, I will summarize by saying, I couldn't find a dress I liked for the rehearsal dinner for our wedding. I ordered several dresses from a catalogue and settled on this despite my constant thoughts that I looked like a "fat giraffe." (Giraffe, because of the print; fat, well that doesn't need an explanation.) So, here I am in all my glory showing the world my best impression of a fat giraffe and doing it on our rehearsal dinner. Boy am I a trooper huh? :)

I Love My Mixing Bowls!

This post is inspired by a fellow blogger and family member, Heather. Heather recently posted about a bowl she fell in love with while visiting her family and I just had to post about these bowls. I got them as a bridal shower gift from my Aunt Bev and I absolutely love them! I use them all the time. I got all three sizes that they come in and they are just great for everything from mixing up stuff for a casserole to mixing batters, to mixing frosting and the list could go on! They have a nice spout for pouring and I love the non-skid rubber base and non-slip rubber handle. Plus, I love the fact that they are plastic and dishwasher and microwave safe! Finally, they are from Oxo and having recently shopped around for my wedding registery, Oxo has quickly become a favorite brand of mine. So, Heather, I know you like your new bowl but I have to tell everyone, if you need new mixing bowls these are the ones to get!

I Fought the Pumpkin...

...And I Won!

Sure I look happy and sure the pumpkin may look cute now but you should have seen me carving it! (Just ask my Mother!) I have never had a pumpkin that was so thick and fought me so hard! (Note the evil twinkle in the pumpkin's eye in the second photo!)I broke two carving utensils while carving it! I literally was using a broken handled carving knife at the end of my carving experience. Each time I tried to let this pumpkin know who was boss it would eat a tool (no joke...I have no idea where one carving tool is right now...it broke off in the pumpkin and I couldn't find it!) or it would spit at me (literally a little piece of pumpkin would fly out of no where with such force it would bounce off my face or end up in my eye!) I was determined though and I am happy with the final product. However, this pumpkin truly put up a fight! I actually feel a little traumatized from the whole experience and have decided I am glad this only happens once a year!

New England Patriots

Here is a lighter blog for all of you who were depressed by my last one :)

The very first weekend Tony and I were home from our honeymoon we were offered a chance to go to a Patriots game. Tony and I both had never been and I honestly could have cared less if I went. However, I really wanted Tony to have the opportunity and he didn't want to go alone as two other couples were going (my parents and a family friend with his girlfriend.) So, at 9:00 pm the night BEFORE we had to be up at 5:00 am to head to the game, I said I would go. Thus with a bright and EARLY start, Tony and I were headed to a Patriots game with my parents and Eric and Kim (thanks to these two we had tickets.)

Eric and Kim couldn't find anyone to take the tickets so even though we were a last resort, Tony and I didn't care and we graciously OFFERED to take them :) We tailgated before and after the game and sat so close to the game we couldn't believe it. It truly was an experience I am glad I didn't miss, and fun was had by all (as you can tell by my ever comical husband's picture below...notice how poised I am despite his antics?) :)

No Sugar Coating It

So here it is. No sugar coating; just straight forward how I feel right now. STRESSED! WORK SUCKS! LEAVE ME ALONE!

However, I believe everything happens for a reason so I am looking for that reason right now. Haven't found it yet, but I sure am checking everywhere to find it!

I will get through this, I know. I also know nothing is as bad as it could be. However, I could definately use a light at the end of the tunnel and I am not seeing even a flicker of light yet. I know it is coming though; if I just keep plugging along. I also know, I have something special. I have a friend who I lost far to soon who is watching over me. I have faith that her and God will be sure my light comes soon.

Until then, I am pushing through. That's all you CAN do right?

THANK YOU!!!!

It was a crisp Fall day when my family embarked on the walk for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America on Sunday, October 14th. The family dog, Buster, even made his debut at the walk and I must say, I think he would have been the first one to cross the finish line had we not had him on a leash! If you have seen him you know he is a little on the heavy side. However, size didn't matter for him; he was moving when he walked! He must have felt the excitement in the air :)

The Walk hit a record number of walkers (140) for Maine and a record amount raised for Maine as of the walk date ($26,000.) My family collectively passed the $1,000 mark thanks to the help of many of you who donated. It was wonderful (as it is every year I walk) to see a group of people all there for a cause so close to my family's hearts. It is great to share stories, smiles, and hugs with those who truly understand. Next year's walk has already been scheduled (May 31st) and my family has already registered; so all of you be ready because I will be asking you again to open your hearts (and your wallets) once more to a very important cause.

Thanks again everyone, words cannot adequately describe how much I appreciate your donations.

Walking for My Brother

I know I just posted but I felt this topic deserved its own post. This Sunday my family will be participating in the Guts and Glory Walk around Back Cove in Portland. This walk is so important to us all because my brother has been living with Crohn's Disease for almost 10 years now.

I could ramble on about what an inspiration he is and how I don't know if I could ever be as strong as he is about all that this disease does to his life but I wont because what is most important is that I have a goal of $250.00 and I have raised $170 right now. There is still time to donate. Go to www.gutsandglory.org (the link is also on the lower right of my blog) and click on ME-Portland Walk. Click on sponsor a participant. Enter Jennifer Giles (I set the site up BEFORE I was married) and then click search. Scroll all the way down and click on my name and it brings you to my website where you can enter a donation amount and donate online. It is safe, secure, and tax deductible!

Please, it isn't too late, donate to an organization that has supported the research that helped develop Remicade infusions, which my brother currently gets to help him live with his disease. However, if it stops working, there are no more options for my brother. With your help though research will continue and another medicine may come along, or better yet, a cure.

Another Cute One

Below is another cute photo the photographer took. He thought of this one too. I will stop posting wedding photos after this for a bit as I don't have the others back from the photographer yet. If you want to see all 700 (I made that number up but there are a lot) then you will have to see my albums but I do plan to post a few more favorites when I get them from the photographer :)

Wedding, Wedding, Wedding!

For your viewing pleasure,(hope you aren't sick of the photos yet!) here are a few more wedding photos the photographer took. I can't wait to post some of my favorites that he did once I get them from him. However, these three below are all very nice too.


I think this one is cute. It took Tony and I a little balancing to stay there (the photo was taken on a slight hill) and Tony needed a little direction to "bring his body closer" (I think he was worried about crushing my dress) but in the end, we got a great photo I think :)




This is a nice casual photo I think. I wished I had remembered to turn my bouquet towards the photographer (he had to keep cuing me for that) as he did this in color and just made it black and white for this photo so it would have been prettier in color had my stems not been facing the camera! Tony is looking at the camera as he had a hard time remembering he didn't have to pose all the time. I however was a natural by now :)




The photographer thought of this photo. I think it is cute and it shows we did take a tram up to get up the mountain! Oh, and I remembered on my own to turn my bouquet around in this photo :)

So now, after a few photos, more wedding details. The rehearsal dinner was wonderful. We had it at Applebee's. It was right in the hotel parking lot so it was easy to get to for everyone. Applebee's doesn't normally do this sort of thing but they did it for us and they did such an amazing job! The tables were beautiful with linens, table runners, decorations, candles, and they had our server wear a tux! Hats off to Applebee's, I always liked the place but now I am truly a loyal patron.

I can't say much about the wedding other than it was beautiful. We had a little fog and it was windy enough that we had to have it inside instead of outside but I was happy either way. The musician did a great job, the caterer did wonderful, the minister was great (except that he almost left without our license!) and the cake was wonderful too. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I know Tony and I did. Everyone said everything works out in the end and it sure did.

More Wedding Stuff

First, here are two more pictures.


This one is of my sister and I as we were leaving for the wedding. Can you tell we are sisters? :) Oh by the way, my sister did my hair and if you can't tell from the photos so far, she did an amazing job! This was the first time she tried this on me too! She said she would be a hairdresser if she wasn't an OT. I think an OT probably pays more Kris, but you sure did do an amazing job! Thanks so much!




This is one the photographer liked enough to put on his website. I however hate it because I look half asleep! I think it is a nice one of my bouquet so if he cut my head off and just had from my shoulders down or something it might not look so bad. The flowers by the way were beautiful as were my centerpieces, and groom's and parents flowers. However it was not without a little "scary moment" that I got these flowers. My florist was "very laid back" (like my musician) and when I made a final trip to NH before officially coming for the wedding she assured me she had no need to meet with me and no need to call her until I arrived for the wedding. Against my better judgement I obliged. However, upon calling her when I arrived for what I thought was a quick check in she informed me she hadn't heard from me in ages (it was actually less than 20 days) and had no idea what she was supposed to do for my wedding! I tried to calm myself as I freaked out inside (and I think my parents and Tony might say I showed it a little on the outside too) as I told her I spoke with her less than 20 days ago and she told me NOT to call her again until now. She kind of stopped accusing me at that point and said all her files were lost in an "accident" recently so I needed to meet with her to discuss flowers AGAIN. So, no waterfall visit that day as I had planned so that I could instead meet with the florist. In the end, as you can see by this sneak peek of my flowers they came out wonderful.

So, now for a little more wedding information. As you probably remember from my "need to vent post" from my hotel in NH (see the last post in September), Tony was very sick the day we left for our wedding (4 days before our actual wedding.) He got progressively worse despite all the meds I pumped in him and kept me (and himself) up all night coughing. Tony told me to go sleep in my parents room so I would get some sleep but I wasn't leaving my fiance just days before the wedding to "fend for himself." Thus, Thursday instead of visiting the waterfall in the morning as I wanted, we (my parents, Tony and I) spent the early afternoon in the ER. My Dad offered to take Tony so I wouldn't miss visiting the waterfall I wanted to and miss the meeting with the lady in charge of my wedding on the mountain as we anticipated a whole day spent in the ER. Again though, I wasn't leaving "my man" alone so soon before the wedding. It just didn't seem right. However, this hospital was very new and very efficient. We were in and out of there within a half hour. Other hospitals, including the one I work in need to take notes from the Littleton, NH hospital, they sure are efficient and the doctor was great too! (He also had a great accent I found charming.) They gave him some over the counter stuff to try, suggested I take Airborne to try to keep me healthy and gave him an antibiotic "just in case." If you see photos of him the first few days before the wedding he sure does look sick :( However, he was on the mend and feeling good enough to "go out with the guys" after the rehearsal dinner. "The girls" begged me to go out but by that point I had hit a mental breakdown. I was so exhausted from Tony keeping me up at night with his coughing, worrying about him, last minute wedding details, and making sure everyone settled in that I just needed some alone time. Thus, with disappointment (so sorry girls but I needed it) they headed out on the town while I moved my stuff to my parents' room where I would sleep the night before the wedding, did more last minute things, and then took a much needed run on the treadmill. (I might have cried a little in there too.) I was just so mentally drained. Well all for now everyone, I will leave in you suspense for a bit. I have to try to get some work done as I try to ignore my very present and very itchy rash. The doctor's stuff hasn't' worked and I have a call in to him but haven't heard back. I don't know how much longer I can take this itching!

The Happy Couple

Here is a photo my photographer liked and put on his website. I think it is really cute too. I am working on copying the other six he posted on his site (I have to watch it scroll through a hundred other photos waiting to catch mine at the right moment) and posting them for you all to see. Here is a "peek" of what is to come. I promise more details later too. For now I must get home from a long first day back at work. I really itch from a rash I have broken out in so I need to get home so I can start taking the meds I got from my doctor. Again, more details will follow.

We Made it to NH

After a very late night for me last night (to bed after 1:00am) and an early rise (up at 7:00am) plus a long drive, we have made it to NH. I was packing, putting things together, etc. until almost the last minute so I think I over packed as I began to just throw everything into the car. Hopefully I remembered all the important stuff!

You would think I would breath a sigh of relief since we are here and settling in. However, I am not because Tony is sick. He has a headache, sore throat, stuffy and then runny nose and I think he has a fever. Sigh...

I will keep you posted. As we speak I have pumped OJ, Tylenol, and Benedryl into him and asked him to try to rest while I stepped out for a bit. My mother reminded me, I better be careful so that I don't get it!

WOW!

The past few days have been such a whirlwind. Starting Friday I had a minor health scare but all seems well for now so that is good. From there, things have just been crazy. I am officially getting little sleep because the stress has kicked it up a notch. Thanks so much to my Uncle's wife, Karen, who got me a massage for my bridal shower. I just had that today and boy was I tense!

Everyone asks me about nerves but I don't have them. At least not in terms of "is this the right man." Perhaps the fact that I have been dating him for almost 12 years and living with him for 5 years helps a little as well as the fact that I have such a great guy. Sure he pushes my buttons but he really cares, listens, and there really are days I fall in love with him all over again.

Okay, enough of the mushy stuff :) Things really are rolling along pretty well. I worked on favors last night after a long last minute shopping trip with my Mom (thanks Mom for hanging in there!) All my major contacts have responded to me and things seem set. Now I just pray for good weather, good health, and good luck :)

Fun Was Had By All

As mentioned in my last post, my parents, my fiance, brother, brother's girlfriend and myself went to the Brad Paisley Concert last night. It was excellent! My fiance enjoyed the Taylor Swift performance, which I must admit, after the concert I am a bigger fan of her than I was. Brad Paisley I absolutely love and think is really good-looking. However, after last night, I think Rodney Atkins may have beat out Brad Paisley in my book. Rodney Atkins is better looking in person and Brad Paisley I actually think looks better on TV (not that he was ugly by any means!)

My brother and his girlfriend were close enough to get two guitar picks and shake hands with Brad Paisley and Rodney Atkins. My fiance and I were close enough to get a guitar pick of Brad Paisley's and my parents were very close too. It was surreal to be that close to these people. My fiance and I were saying it allowed us to realize they are human too. I know that may sound weird, but when you are close enough to these people to reach out and touch them you realize they too are actually just like you; they just have a lot more money than me in my case :)

Anyway, it was such a good concert and I just let go of all the stress of the coming wedding and enjoyed myself. The one down side, it has been forever since I attended a concert so I didn't know cameras were now okay to bring in. Not wanting to risk losing my digital camera so soon before the honeymoon, I didn't bring it. I sure kicked myself repeatedly over that! I was so close I could have gotten some great shots...instead, I will have to go with my memories and for those of you who know me well, my memory isn't' that great!

Brad Paisley Here I Come!

Tonight Tony and I along with my parents, brother and his girlfriend are going to the Brad Paisley concert in Portland. I am not really excited about it because I have kind of hit zombie mode to get me through the 9 days and counting until my wedding. However, I know it will be a blast as we have 4th row floor seats and I just love his music (he isn't bad to look at either!) My last client for the day was a no show which has made it kind of a nice end to the day. Thus, I think I will call it a day a little early and get home so I can get ready fo the concert tonight!

Have you Seen a Fat Giraffe?

If you, like my fiance, have never seen a fat giraffe then you are going to get your chance within the next month (that is, if the giraffe herself isn't too horrified to allow a public posting of a photo of her!) After trying on the dress several hundred times, I have decided that since I really don't have an alternate picked out, the giraffe dress will have to do for the rehearsal dinner. Thus, the fat giraffe will be making a rare appearance at a restaurant in Littleton, NH on the night of September 21st. For the guests at my rehearsal dinner and the other guests of the restaurant, they will be lucky to be part of such a rare sighting. So, stay tuned and if you're lucky, the giraffe will allow a photo of her to be posted so all of you may partake in such a rare sighting as well.

Little Things Mean Alot....

I tried to post last night but the dinosaur of a computer we have is acting up. Anyway, you may be wondering why I have a picture of a trash can in my post. It is the newest purchase I made from Walmart and for just $5.50, it could be yours too! It stands about to my knee and tucks perfectly between the entrance to our bathroom and closet in the bathroom. I bought this yesterday after walking by it several times before. Noticing that the selection was getting smaller, I decided to go for it and I am so happy!

For those of you who have seen our bathroom you know it is REALLY small. This thin cylinder one takes up less space but still holds almost as much as our other one (holding the same amount was a very important thing because my fiance insisted on this if I was to get a new trash can.) I have been telling him for about a month that I wanted a more compact one because of space (and after stumbling into ours at times...I am not the most coordinated gal.) I also wanted one with a cover so that people wouldn't see our bathroom trash since there is no place to tuck away the trash can. So, I found this and I love it. The swing top cover glides with ease and hides our trash!

My fiance stated that he was upset because he can't throw the trash basketball hoop style into the trash can anymore (basketball was his life for many years so I guess now he just gets it where he can.) I said "good because sometimes you miss and I have to pick Q-tips off the floor." So, I thought I would share my new addition with you and let you know just how much a cheap little trash can has the ability to make a girl happy :)

Happy Birthday Trent!

Today I am dedicating my post to my brother. It is his birthday and I can't believe he is now 22 years old. I still think of him as my little brother who needs protecting but deep down I know he can take care of himself. Sure he is REALLY spontaneous, sure he sometimes appears not to have a care in the world, and sure he still lives at home :) but he is grown. He grew up a long time ago when his life changed forever when he was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and watching him determined to live life to the fullest and not let the disease define him sure has been amazing. I admire his ability to "take life as it comes" and I admire his strength and determination. I feel blessed to have him as a brother and although he sure can push my buttons at times, I love him just the same and wouldn't trade him for the world. So here's to you Trent, happy birthday and may God grant you many more of them. Love ya! :)

When All Else Fails....Drink!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I do not drink. I never have and never felt the need to start...until last night. Feeling stressed, as you could probably tell from my last post, I decided to break open a bottle of champagne to help me relax. Again for those of you who know me well, you know that I do like champagne :) I even took the time to drive to my mother's house to get the Christmas tree bottle stopper she had for me to cork the bottle! (I know nothing about preservation so hopefully the cork will do the trick.)

My fiance has been telling me for years that I need to drink because it would take off the constant edge I seem to carry with me. However I always responded that I was not going to depend on a substance to do that for me. Well, last night I ate my words. I poured myself a glass of champagne and quickly began to relax because for someone who never drinks, it doesn't take much :)

So the question I pose to you all, should a wedding really drive someone to drink? While I wait for a response I am going to go pour myself a glass of champagne :)

Just Breath....

So I know you are going to get sick of hearing my stress with the wedding but man, it seems like I am suddenly constantly remembering one more thing I need to do. On top of that, suddenly all the people I need to contact about the wedding are needing things from me and asking questions I have already answered! Why is it that things run so smoothly up until the last minute?! Sorry everyone, I just needed to vent a little. Sigh....

Procrastination is the key....to stress!

So all of you who know me well, know that I procrastinate. Yes, I even procrastinate when it comes to big important things like the wedding. So, here I am working on Labor Day (well not right now because I am typing my post...hmmm...I guess that means I am procrastinating with my work!) Anyway, as I was saying, here I am at work, and I am changing my calendar to September when I look at the calendar more closely and for some reason it dawns on me even more than my last wedding post that I am in fact getting married in just over two weeks! OH @#$%! I have so much to do. I have favors to make, people to call, a dress to pick up, a guest reservation to cancel, a tux to pick up, a hair appointment, welcome baskets to make and a wedding ceremony to write! The list goes on! "Why did I let myself get so far behind" I ask. "Because you always do" I tell myself as I look at the paperwork I was supposed to have turned in to Home Health 3 days ago. Perhaps it isn't that I procrastinate but that I can't focus, my mind wanders too much and I start a bunch of things and never finish one until I realize I was supposed to have finished it a day, week, or even a month ago so then I finally scramble to do it. In fact, glancing at my plant now I realize I have even neglected that, it is limp and I suspect needs watering. I better go do that. So what was it that I was originally writing about????

Gutsy Guys and Gals

Some of you may have noticed a link on the right lower side of my blog. If you click on it you will be brought to a page where if you scroll down you will find the Portland, ME walk for Oct. 14th. Click on that and you get a page where if you look to the right you will see "Gutsy Guys and Gals" listed under "teams." Click on that link and you can click on "General Team Donation" or my name. Both of which will bring you to a page where you can enter a dollar amount you pledge by using your debit or credit card. You probably are thinking, "that's nice, but what's this all for?" This is a walk my family participates in each year because it supports the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). Why do I care about this? Because my brother has Crohn's Disease.

As my personal fundraising page says, my brother has been living with Crohn's Disease since he was officially diagnosed at 14 years old. It has been a roller coaster ride but with the help of research funded by donations from people like you, my brother has been fairly stable with the help of Remicade infusions every 6 weeks. Remicade is something that would not have been possible without the research money from walks such as the one my family and I do each year. Crohn's disease has no cure and Remicade is kind of the "last straw" treatment at this point. However, if people like you donate to support my family in this walk, that money may help find the next treatment and even more hopeful, a potential cure.

Do You Hear Wedding Bells?

I can't believe it is now September. Where has the time gone? Even more shocking to me is that this is the month I get married! Exactly 22 days from today I will be walking down the aisle to make my almost 12 year relationship official. I must admit I have started feeling the pressure. I was feeling calm, cool, and collected until I reached the "under a month mark." Before then, I couldn't tell you the exact number of days until the wedding. Ask me now and I sure can! We have the big things done but now it is the little things that still add up to a lot (i.e., favors, welcome baskets, etc.) Which reminds me, I still have to write the wedding ceremony! I love our photographer and he is coming early and staying late so no worries there. However, the cake person and musician are traveling from Maine the day of the wedding so I worry if they will make it on time. Especially because the musician is so laid back and always having car trouble! Furthermore, I love our officiant but he too is so laid back; he actually missed our first meeting with him! Please don't let him forget the wedding or write the wrong date on the marriage license (I have heard that has happened before.) Plus, I worry slightly about the weather now. It has been so unpredictable lately. Our wedding in the best case scenario is on the top of a mountain outside. Worst case scenario, a lodge at the base of the mountain inside if it is raining and too windy to go up the mountain. I keep trying to believe what everyone says, that no matter what it will be wonderful. However, what bride doesn't wish for perfection? Wow...I really need to figure out how to use paragraphs here...this looks like one rambling blob!

A Fat Giraffe?

I have been waiting for a dress to come that I ordered from a catalogue. Yes, I have waited until the last minute (as is typical for me) to find a dress for the rehearsal dinner. I ordered a dress that looked great in the catalogue but on me, with the print that was on the dress, all I could think was "I look like a fat giraffe." After telling my fiance that my long awaited dress had arrived, but I was disappointed because I looked like a fat giraffe, he said, "I have never seen a fat giraffe." I responded, "Well wait until you see me then." My Mom has seen the dress and says it looks fine; I will show my fiance tonight. If you're lucky, they just might convince me to wear it to the rehearsal dinner and if so, you too might get your own glimpse of a fat giraffe if it is captured in a picture for you.

Loose Dress...A Good Thing? Perhaps Not.

I tried on my wedding dress two days ago and it is fitting a little loose from the last time I tried it on. Some say they would try their wedding dress on constantly, but not me. I let many months go by before someone says, "have you tried it on lately" so I think "I guess I better." Now most people would think loose would be a good thing...what woman doesn't want her clothes to be loose compared to the last time she wore them right? Well, instead it left me in a panic because we are now less than a month away from my wedding date and the thought of a possible alteration to my dress so close to the date freaked me out. After a discussion with several people with mixed opinions I decide I will ask the experts and I call to ask if an alteration is even possible "so late in the game." "It is" the woman says, "as long as you bring it in today at 2:00." Feeling the pressure I immediately say "Okay!" without even recognizing it is 9:00 now, I am at work, and I have a bunch of clients scheduled for this afternoon. My clients are understanding, my sister kindly gives up her day to go with me, and I get there to be told, "I wouldn't change it...you have a large chest you need to work with and it will only make it stand out more; try using better posture." LOL. I guess I wished this on myself, I didn't like the idea of them altering the dress anyway :)

Comments Now Welcome...I Think

So...I was all excited about starting a blog and let my Mom know immediately. Being the ever supportive mother she is, she immediately tried to write the first comment on my blog. (In comes the first glitch as I "learn the ropes.") Mom emails to tell me, great idea, but nobody can comment. After a little navigating of this very new world I find out I have to change a setting to allow anyone to comment. Glitch fixed, I think. With the help of my cousin's blog (well I call her my cousin but it is my mother's cousin...so what does that actually make her to me? Doesn't really matter I guess, either way, she is family) I also realize I can add a word verification (my "cousin" has it on her blog) to try to prevent comment spam. I can't believe there is such a thing...comment spam...lol.

I have taken the leap...

So here I am...officially in the world of blogging. I noticed my "favorites" section of my toolbar was becoming increasingly full of saved blog sites. I thought about it for a while and decided since I enjoy reading my friends blogs so much, why not enter this world myself? I must say it was a lot less work (so far) in creating it than I thought. A few simple clicks and I was set. It will look bland for a while as I learn how to navigate this world. In fact, I don't even know if this post will work. LOL. Forgive me as I "learn the ropes."