Jarred

Hey, homies! I'm finally posting again! Been home sick with a sinus infection that went untreated too long. Long story short, glad to be on the mend!

I've recently realized my favorite little buddy in the kitchen (aside for Jasper begging for scraps - yes, he's a cat - and Hadley wanting to "help"). While I've probably mentioned the beauty that is a mason jar before, it's time to declare my undying love for them, along with a bunch of things you can use them for. Come. Let's chat.

We've currently got a few sizes of mason jars floating around, but our all-time faves are minis (4 oz.) and half pint-sized wide mouth Ball jars. They're perfect for storage (well, duh, that's why they were invented), but you might be surprised as to how many ways that we use them. And, guess what! We don't jelly/preserve a damn thing in them. I think I'm kicked out of the club. (One day, my friends. One day.)

Salad dressing - The tiny ones are perfect for transporting dressing for lunch. Seriously, just pour in your favorite or do what we do: olive oil, some vinegar, and seasonings.

This also deters anyone from sneaking your salad topper from the fridge at work. Seriously, a couple of weeks ago, I observed someone who had forgotten their salad dressing perusing the row of dressings others keep in the fridge, as if shopping. So, bringing one serving of dressing is perfect AND super easy.

Dry spice mixes - We don't buy spice packets for things like tacos, chili, and salad dressing (Dave's a fan of Good Seasons, but he hasn't quite perfected the recipe yet). So, we double or triple the recipe and store the rest in our tiny jars. I use a dry erase marker to make a note of what's inside, then just spoon it out as needed.

Mmm. Tacos.

Lunch packin' - This is especially an awesome one for toddlers. We send breakfast and lunch to Grandma's for Hadley, so we're lucky that she'll hear stuff up as needed. Most days I'll pack his whole lunch in a glass container with a silicone-lined lid, but I'll often split it up and give, say, his peas and carrots or corn in a tiny jar. They're also a great size to fill with applesauce. Just like those little plastic cups at the store, only eco-friendly, reusable, and you can control what goes in. It's also super cheaper to buy or make organic applesauce in large amounts and dole them out.

Yogurt keepers - Similar to the applesauce idea, yogurt is a great snack that is the perfect match for mason jars. The little ones are awesome for the little guy (just check out that link!), and I use the slightly-larger size for my own. Again, cheaper, reusable, and easier than you'd think!

Snack 'n dip - Half-pint jars are a great way to make a tasty, healthy snack alternative. Just put whatever dip you like in the bottom and the fruit or veg spears of your choice standing up on top of it. Carrots sticking in ranch, apples in almond butter, celery in peant butter. Really, the combos are endless, and make otherwise boring snacks something to look forward to.

On-the-go snacks - Speaking of snacks, the 4-oz. size is awesome for toddler treats on a little trip. Fill 'em with raisins, mini crackers, pretzels, or dry cereal and skip the baggie.

Serve up some fun - Use mason jars (plain or decorated) to serve appetizers or little snacks for company. I even like the idea of creating a salad or taco bar by filling separate jars with toppings and just scooping out your favorites with a spoon or fork. Simple, rustic, fun.

Bank it - Hee hee. While Hadley has an incredible robot bank for his millions (uh, no), Dave and I use a few jars, labeled with simple cut-out paper rounds on the top, to sock away for future goals. It's cool to look and see our change filling up these jars that have super happy connotations. Just seeing the vacation jar brings a smile to my face.

Oh, and surprisingly, none are swear jars. Knowing me...one probably should be. ;-)

Coconut oily goodness - Dave and I both use coconut oil for different (and wondrous!) uses. He keeps a tiny jar of it nearby to style his hair with, and I have some mixed with essential oils (namely, peppermint and an "alignment" combo) for occasional aches and pains. Like, now. On top of getting stupidly sick, I pinched a nerve in my shoulder/neck. *didn't say I was smart*

Decorating - Pinterest has a million awesome decor ideas using mason jars. I used the large ones to display fruit skewers at Had's second birthday shindig and they provided some "height" and purtiness (totally a word) to the table. I'm dying to try one of the painted jar crafts, too!

Gifting - This is a great tip that I hope to use for the holidays, but you can use it all year long. Fill a pint jar with some candy, a favorite product, or something homemade, like granola or a "recipe in a jar" layering dry ingredients, and tie on a tag (I suggest printing something quirky/dorky like "we mix you a merry Christmas!" for a recipe mix). Embellish with ribbon or raffia...or don't. Either way, the jar acts as a beautiful presentation, so you may not even have to put it in a gift bag.

Flower "vase" - Looking for a no-nonsense, sweet, rustic alternative to those flower shop vases? (Sometimes they're okay, but mostly outdated or too frilly-looking.) Well, mason your vase game! The cool thing is that you can split up a mixed bouquet and use various sizes of jars to create a tiered, layered look. 

Holding collections - We have one jar that stores rocks and sticks that the little guy "collects" on walks. I'm sure that, as his "collections" grow, we'll be splitting them up into organized items, too. And, not only does he feel that the things he finds are validated in their special containers, but they look cool all lined up. Which I can't say for most of his toys. Ahem.

So, that's just some of the ways we use our beloved little jars! Do you have any awesome ways that you utilize them that you'd like to share with the class? Go ahead in the comments!

One Year Later - Lessons

Back with another one-year anniversary post - aren't you the luckiest readers? ;-)

While we were stopped at our favorite pub/restaurant in Troy on our way back home from our anniversary trip to Vermont (the UBER-LONG VT post will be ready soon...I hope!), the conversation naturally led itself to our marriage. In all honesty, the discussion was brief; I mean, how philosophical can one get over a flight of 6 (beer samples) and a pint of pumpkin ale? (I'm sure some people can get QUITE philosophical over such, but I was anxious to get back to the three fuzzy ones at home and Dave was just enjoying his flavor selection. We ain't too classy sometimes.)

Instead of focusing on the numerous improvements we need to work on with the marriage, or all that we've done wrong (either as a couple or individually), I decided to ask - "What've we done RIGHT and good?" We're painfully aware of what we need to fix (although it's not really much), so there's no need to dwell on the negative. The anniversary weekend was ALL about fun and positivity.

Here are a few of the answers that I jotted down on the beer-splattered napkin:

- Forgiveness. We're both stubborn, and I own my Irish temper - it is what it is. Arguments are inevitable. I once read that more marriages fail when the individuals involved DON'T know how to argue correctly - either by keeping it all inside and holding unspoken grudges (never fighting) or by getting verbally abusive or harmful. We've learned to fight about the issue at hand, not drudge up long-dead issues or past faults just to win the upper hand in an argument. Simultaneously, we're not out to HURT each other. (Isn't it true that we always hurt the ones we love? And the jerks that we work with or deal with outside the home get away with being, well, jerks? It shouldn't be that way.)

So, we've learned to fight properly, but most importantly, we forgive and move on. One of us is usually able to calm down before the other, and remind the other of the love we share. Oh, and since, through trial and error, we've learned about forgiveness and how to fight properly, we fight a lot less. We didn't fight much in the first place, but when we did, it wasn't pleasant. Now, every issue doesn't turn into a fight; more often than not, it turns into a conversation.

- Communication, or, as Mr. Hubs put it, "We talk more." We suuuuuuuure do! Like I said, even when we're annoyed or mad, we lay our cards on the table and explain it. Sometimes we don't even know that the other is upset, or we need an explanation. It's a lot easier not to get mad back and to try to bring some calm levity to the discussion when you know what the other person's going through. Because of this, the number of "I just wanna be alone" or downright SILENT fights (you know what I'm talking about, married folks) has diminished.

- Remembering to Regroup. We're a busy couple. Between theater duties and practices, Dave's particularly rough work schedule, caring for the cats (that doesn't sound like much, but it's something!), and trying to find time for friends and family (which we only wish we could do more). It could be worse, but it's easy to get home, exhausted, only to sit eating without connecting. I've more than once laid down in bed to say, "I don't remember talking to you today." I know we'd spoken, but I don't remember a word of it. It's like phantom driving, that dangerous habit of pulling sleepily into one's driveway not remembering driving.

So, we remember our occasional Cooperstown trips, or put aside a Saturday to focus on what WE want to do. It's often not about "us", like a date day or what have you, but we enjoy the process of whatever we're doing, together. Shopping at the farmers' market (or even the grocery store), working on a little house project, making breakfast and actually eating it together - it helps us regroup. And, the strangest thing is, we both get the urge when it's needed. It could be a random Wednesday night conversation during which we realize that we had both been struck with the "This Saturday, we should go to the farmers' market" mood during the day. And, when we're on the same page (95% of the time) and SPEND time together, it FEELS like a date. We appreciate the time together all the more and really enjoy each other.

Mind you, there are those times (like the weekend prior to our anniversary weekend) that a simple, slightly-too-expensive date night makes you feel like a princess. Those rock, too. ;-)

- Support and understanding. While it's not like we didn't support OR understand each other before we got married, it seems we get better at this the more time we spend together. Everyday I learn more about the stresses that he deals with at work; everyday he learns more about my hopes and dreams and wishes and frustrations. Every time I don't blow up that he has to work late, for example, I show that I'm learning how to support him better. Every time he compliments my talents, he shows that he supports my creative outlets (sometimes even more than I do). Every way that I can show him support for his writing and understanding for the bumps in the road, I try to find. Heck, even making the occasional pot of soup seems to boost him up; whatever I can do. We're stronger than we were a year ago, and not everyone can say that; I hope this continues for decades!

-Goals. We both have an idea of where we'd like to head in life. These ideas may or may not be different than they were a year ago, but we're still completely connected as to the importance of supporting (see above) one another while traveling our paths, whether those paths be what we expected or not. I was always concerned about human's inclination to change - hey, what would life be if we just lived in ruts for good? But, I was worried that the idea of marriage opposed a person's will to change, leading to ultimate doom (the dreaded "D" word that marks the end of a marriage). Now, however, I'm feeling much more confident that people (Dave and I, in particular) can change and grow - even if they're moving at different speeds or in different directions - as long as it's together and with open communication throughout. It can be an uplifting thing, really. Quite unexpected!

An extra non-napkin note that I'd like to add is one that I haven't mentioned to Dave. Something that means A LOT to me is that he's turned into my cheer-up person. There was a time that I'd be in a bad mood about something and he'd be completely hands-off about it. It wasn't for lack of caring; he just didn't know that my needs are different than his needs, and I need some support. (I guess you could "see above" again about that.)

Recently, I was working on the aforementioned looooong VT blog post and was having major problems posting 50 pictures using Windows Live Writer. (Any suggestions GREATLY appreciated!) I finally had to face the music: I was going to have to upload them directly to often-fussy Blogger. I was discouraged and downright upset, and Dave knew it. He boosted up my mood by being super sweet, bringing me tea, supporting a project I decided to do instead, and organizing my kitchen cabinets. It. Was. Incredible. Even a year ago (yep, newlywedland), he wouldn't have handled it this well.

I used to have a certain friend or movie or other activity to help boost me when I was feeling low. Now, my husband fulfills that role. Not bad for a one-year anniversary; just think where we'll be in five years!

One Year Later - Wedding Fun

Dave and I celebrated our one-year anniversary this past weekend, so I’m going to ask you to indulge me for one post. I’d like to remember the silly stuff from the wedding day. We did our best to focus on the most important part of the wedding – y’know, the marriage part – but sometimes it’s fun to reminisce about the stuff that people tend to remember more than the personal stuff.

We were lucky enough to have a lot to laugh about 10/9/10, mostly thanks to our close friends. Our families were VERY well-behaved (consider us pleased and proud that everyone got along so well - we've since realized that things aren't always this pleasant), but as my mother said, a person would have to have been dead not to have a ball at our wedding. (How many "have"s can you fit in one sentence?)

The only control we had over the fun factor was in the planning; otherwise, our friends (and family...but mostly friends) took over and did most of the work. Our "fun factors" were, in no particular order: music, activities, people, food, and photography. These seem like no-brainers, but stay with me here; it's how we planned, selected and set up these factors that let us relax and enjoy the day while allowing our guests to cut loose, too. Looking back, I realize that the day, ultimately, was as much about "them" (the people that we love and adore) as much as it was about "us".

Music: If we hadn't selected our DJ, who was meticulous in HIS own planning of our reception time and in the gathering of information from us (hate the electric slide, love Beatles songs), the dance floor wouldn't have been hopping like it was 'til the moment people finally left (or headed down to the Dungeon for drinky dinks). Seriously, for an afternoon reception, I was shocked at how many people were still dancing hours into it. We hardly had to call people back out to the dance floor for the final dance - "All You Need is Love", which turned into the bride and groom's final dance, surrounded by a circle of LOVE. Best. Moment. Ever.

We knew "DJ Bill T" was going to do an awesome job, because he really brought his A game to my brother-in-law's wedding. But the equation of Bill T plus weird, awesome friends equaled incredibly crazy dance moves. Again, for an afternoon wedding, it was unheard of. Relive with me, won't you?...

air guitar + Journey = awesome.

Christine's Travolta

Activities: As for the little "activities" that we had embedded here and there, people were given the chance to mingle and meet or share in their Dave and Meg stories. We provided cards for folks to leave messages, a scrapbook comparing the bride and groom's growth, from messy-haired kids to awkward teens, to when we finally met and fell in love. Our Flip camera was set out to allow for any greetings or, as it turned out, creepy/strangely-acted-yet-hilarious messages - can't wait 'til we have kids, and they're eventually old enough to watch some of those! Even the table names gave way to some conversation. Oh, and a little game played by our DJ REALLY got the tables talking and laughing, enough to break the ice at the get-go for amiable chatting for the rest of the day.

People: If we hadn't invited the folks that we had...if we hadn't decided early on to keep the day small, simple, and meaningful...if we hadn't whittled the list down to the people that we truly loved and cared about...we might as well have eloped. A huge wedding, showing how in debt a couple can go by inviting over 200 people, showing how many important people we know well enough to invite...well, it just wasn't us. Our day was MADE by the people we invited. See for yourself...

Good times!

Jim Mills, ie Col. Mustard, ie Hip Hop Extraordinaire.

Chuck, the Professional Party Starter.
(Small Print: Chuck Carr was not paid for his involvement in our wedding.)

And, needless to say, Uncle Mark's perfect mix of humor and somberness made for an eloquent, PERFECT ceremony.



Food: Holy crap, the food was incredible!!! Seriously, I've just gotta share with you just a sample from the menu (and not 'cuz I'm bragging - it's not like I cooked the stuff!): Slow Roast Certified Angus Top Round of Beef served sliced, rosemary mushroom au jus, roasted to medium, with whipped potatoes & frizzled onions (mmm...frizzled onions)...Roast Breast of Turkey with traditional herb sage stuffing, pan gravy (I MUST MASTER SAGE STUFFING...I never knew I liked the herb so much until I tasted this). We were going to go with a chicken and a beef, but given that it was a fall wedding...and given what we found to be delicious (hoping that our guests would agree), let's just say we don't regret it one bit. AAAAND let's just say that when the leaves start to turn, we start craving a Beardslee meal. (And the staff was ON TOP OF EVERYTHING, even down to framing our singed seating chart, which now hangs proudly in our dining room. If they hadn't been so smooth and accommodating with ALL the planning, it wouldn't have been such a perfect day.)

Dave reconstructing the seating chart...

Seriously. I put TONS and TONS of thought into what I cook for people when they come for dinner. At times, I Martha Stewart a little too much. So, it was incredible that we found such a perfect venue for our wedding that would treat our guests just the way I like to treat them when they come over - only slightly better. ;-)

The food was served homestyle, which definitely contributed to folks interacting at their tables. We also had black, champagne, and white M&Ms (one of which was "personalized" with our picture), and a huge chocolate fountain bar (thanks to Dave's mom for prepping all those awesome goodies - I don't think I ate one, but all the guests partook, which is what matters most; the only thing I missed out on!) with marshmallows, graham crackers, and tons of fruit on skewers. This area drew people in...then forced them to do the aforementioned activities. Mwahaha, sneaky.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention, also, the fact that our cupcakes were in-cre-dible, from the Gingerbread Bake Shop. I think we had 4 different flavors, from chocolate and "wedding cake" vanilla to orange and lemon (we were saved one of each, which we ate before and during our honeymoon...so sweet, so yummy). But, the best dessert was OURS. My mother had made a homemade apple pie (her recipe is THE best) with a "D" on it, which we cut into instead of cake. With forks in hand, we fed it to each other. Much nicer than the face-smash, and much more personalized since my hubby's a much bigger pie fan than cake. Throw in the Beatles song "When I'm 64" to cut the pie to, and you've got a memorable, fun time!

Photography: I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sarah Beck is insanely talented and, mostly appreciated, incredibly accommodating and easy to work with. I was SO looking forward to pictures and never once became nervous that they were going to take over the entire day. I feel badly for brides who miss their entire wedding (ie "all the fun") because the photographer's taking a million pictures. Here's just some of the fun Sarah brought along to the party...

And she was kind enough to grab a few extra family shots when folks were heading out...

Oops. Sorry. Not those ones.
Although, this WAS a hilarious moment to capture. ;-)

Of course, the "group shot" loosened people up even more to saunter back into the Dungeon (it also got us away from the other "evil" wedding group that had taken over the bar unexpectedly - which we graciously rose above ;-D Beardslee's folks were so kind about it, though, really) and finish the night off right.

Dave and I marvel at how much fun our wedding day was. I don't think we'd ever renew our vows - nothing could compare to the fun, semi-perfection of our one and only wedding day.

Six Months

It didn't occur to me until late yesterday that today would mark six months since our wedding. I instantly got excited about the fact, and memories of the day flooded my thoughts. The easiest way to share those thoughts, emotions and memories with you? Pics. It's taken me long enough, right?

Please just remember that these are owned by a) Sarah Beck, our friggin' incredible (and fairly priced!) photographer and b) me. So hands off. That being said... For those of you who weren't there or for those of you who'd like to relive it, got an hour? Here we go...in no particular order, here are some favorite memories...

I completely forgot, until the news that night, that the photogs at Dave's work were busy with weddings that day...

 The feeling of accomplishment and relief that everything had gone well, all of our planning went great, and that we were finally ready to start our lives together. Legally.

 Doesn't every bride and groom air guitar at their wedding?

 Entrance music for the reception? Austin Powers.

Speaking of "reception", ours was at Beardslee Castle. So much history, so much spirit (literally). How could you not celebrate a day of life-long love here?

My father-daughter dance was actually a grandfather-brothers-stepfather-mother-daughter dance. Not all at once. Here's my oldest brother, Bill. I'll always remember how emotional he was that day. What a sweetheart.

 

Bill also performed a reading at the wedding. Talk about emotional! So glad he did it, and so glad to have him as a special part of the day.

This is Bill's fun, gorgeous family. Yep, that tall stud on the right's my nephew...and that little girl's a bit of a mini-me. Ah, I love family.

I was as nervous about the "father-daughter" dance and the second "surprise" I had for Dave as I was for the ceremony itself. I'm actually getting bustled here.

We put a lot of personal details into our day - such as our donation to the ACS to remember those who couldn't be with us - specifically, my dad.

Fire? What fire? I've got free champagne. (So glad Dave will always have my back, even when I'm distracted and unable to help.)

All three charms I handmade. We needed our loved ones to be remembered in our own, quiet way. Dave's grandmother adorned his bout.

Everyone's surprisingly calm. What's there to worry about, anyway?

Some of our close friends cut loose big-time at our reception -- which we LOVED. It was a joyous, unforgettable time (reminded me a bit of their wedding!). Not like a lot of weddings, though -- possibly thanks to our small guest list (only truly close friends and family). Here's our friend, Christine (or Christina, depends on the day, hee hee) doing her best John Travolta.

 Chuck, Professional Party Starter

 So much love surrounding us that day. Look at all the lovebirds!

Sweetest. Cupcakes. Ever. Deliciousness. Plus, the 2nd surprise - a homemade apple pie (made by my mom). Dave's not a big cake eater, so we cut and shared this instead.

Another silent show of respect and love to Dad - a burning candle (homemade square beeswax, very masculine and plain, like Dad...no, I didn't make it, but I searched high and low for it) in his Remington Arms candle holder (he worked there) on an antique stand that my uncle gave to my mother. Surrounded by his kids...

The speeches. Perfect, concise, funny but respectful. Here's Dan, Dave's brother and best man. I had a maid and matron of honor - my best friend, Beth, and my sister/best friend, Mary.

I started my "father-daughter" with Grandpa. He's my hero, and acted in place of a father throughout my childhood.

Dancing soul mates. Dave's proud to break out his Arrested Development chicken impersonation. We <3 Safety Dance.

Will always remember the sweet tears of Dave's parents, and the mother-son dance to Cyndi Lauper.

 One reason he doesn't break out the dance moves very often...at all....You keep trying, buddy.

The look Dave gave me down the aisle. Nervous, but confident and happy. It helped me reach the end without losing it.

Dave picking up the slack upon hearing about the guest list catching fire. Let's see, who was at the Classic Hollywood table? (Oh, and the kind folks at Beardslee framed the singed list and gave it to us with a sweet note. It's hanging in our dining room.)

I'm part of their family now!

 What an eclectic mix of awesome guests we had.

 Our iiiiinnnnccrrreeedible DJ, Bill T, checking in. Such a personalized playlist!

And his fun dollar-drink game. Tee hee. People knew they were in for some fun times.

My dress. How much work we ladies put into it...and the perfect veil...and everything. I felt that Grandma was with me throughout the day...along with a few long-dead actresses.

The Dungeon. AKA After-party. AKA Our favorite pub (in Beardslee's basement). If you come visit, we'll go!

How beautiful Sarah made me feel. Seriously, she's unbelievable. And how nervous my mother was when she showed up wearing Chucks - which didn't matter a bit in the long run (and I love that she wore them; we went to high school together and couldn't picture her wearing anything BUT). Part of me wishes I'd worn them, too.

 Our first dance was to the Beatles/John Lennon's "Real Love". Look up the lyrics. Now. Seriously.

Did I mention personalized details? We provided a Flipcam for folks to leave greetings on. Man, were they fun! Other stuff - a scrapbook showing Dave and I at stages throughout life (then together), M&Ms with our faces, a chocolate fountain with tons of fruit via my wonderful MIL, and personalized table names ("Classic Hollywood", "Mrs. Shake", "Beardslee Castle", "Ilion Little Theater", etc.) according to our interests.

My bouquet. Perfectly classic, old-fashioned and modern simultaneously. My something blue- the ribbon on my homemade charms.

 This motley crew. What better way to end the day? (Well, that and booze.)

The fact that this picture makes my fam look like the mafia. Love it.

 That we could laugh like it was any other day - which it kind of was. Plus a wedding.

 The girls helping each other. I couldn't have had cooler, more relaxed ladies in my par-tay.

Pics in the street in front of my parents' house. Luckily, no one had to head up Putts Hill that morning. It was a perfect autumn day.

Throwing on my rehearsal dinner dress and running over to my dad's headstone. I left him a calla lily that was still as fresh as new a week later. That tree has watched me grow.

 The wedding party, relaxed. Love them all.

 Still being a dork, making unelegant hand gestures while Dave puts the ring on.

Here are some of the perfect pictures of perfect loves, people who we can look to to model strong relationships upon (other than, of course, our parents):

 Alex and Abby

 Rob and Cara (now engaged!)

 Sara and Michael

Sharon and Ken
(So weird calling them that - Mr. and Mrs. Palmer; she played the organ at the ceremony, and is practically family. My brother and I took piano lessons from her for several years.)

 Paul and Ambi

 Holly and Bill (sweetest moment ever!)

 Debbie and John

 Danielle and Jon (now engaged! Something in the water...or booze...at Beardslee)

 I knew Mom was happy this day. Man, did that make me happy.

Have I mentioned how much I <3 Sarah, our photog? And have I mentioned how much I <3 this guy?

I do believe this was either "Let Me Clear My Throat" or "Don't Stop Believin'". Either way, how could you have a reception without them? Look at 'em. Always performing.

 Awesome. Moment. (Albeit staged.)

Thinking: "We're allowed to touch up here, right?" He seemed to need a hand-holding. We both did. Strange, we're not usual hand-holding types.

 Wedding day hugs are the BEST.

 Finally, no tears! Just happiness all around. I couldn't be luckier in-law.

Before the 1st surprise. Even after we were sitting in it, he couldn't quite understand. See, we'd planned quite meticulously whose car we'd be riding where. (No, we didn't do limos. We didn't do a videographer. We didn't do a lot of very expensive things. There was no need; it was perfect the way it was.)

My stepdad, Jerry, who didn't stop talking during our "father-daughter" time. He's always been a part of our family in different capacities, but when he finally became a part of our family, for-real, I gave him hell. Lots of teenage hell for several years. He's, luckily, since forgiven me, and has been a shot in the arm of strength, humor and calm for our family. He's given my mother a new life, and I'll always appreciate that. I love that he considers me one of his children and speaks of me proudly to people. There couldn't be a kinder man.

Our theater buddy, Jim, who also happens to be the father of my dear friend, Kelly. Strange how life revolves like that. Regardless, he helped make the day so memorable - in a great way!

My sister's husband, John, had a permasmile like this all day. He was an usher, but he's, simply put, a brother. I love my other brothers and would do anything for them, but he was the more "present" brother during my teen years and beyond. I love that guy as much as I love that girl, and that's saying a lot.

 Josh called. He insisted the party get started.

 The most jubilant emotions can be found while people jump.

Our final dance - "All You Need Is Love". Surrounded by every guest. The best moment of our lives.

 Always there to lean on, especially at a cemetery on your wedding day.

 ...or to get Uncle Bob (Dad's baby brother, who was very good to us kids growing up) shakin' his boo-tay. Yes, I just wrote that. Embarrassing side note: Mom was known to dance on our local version of American Bandstand. I guess the guys liked her because they could easily throw her around, being tiny.

 ...or to share the final part of the "father-daughter" dance with. And, no offense to the guys, but she was the best dancer. Maybe I'm just used to shorter guys.

Mom, holding my charms. I love how you can see how tenderly and gently she's holding them with her time-worn hands. There's a lot of love in those hands, and for those people. (Her mom and first husband.)

 More dancing soul mates who had never met before.

 The job is done. Make 'er last.

This perfect shot was suggested when inspiration struck...our very own Chuck Carr. He's got a damn fine eye. (Wish my hair wasn't loose, but s'all good.)

 Cutting the pie.

My brother, sister and stepdad enjoying the first posed shots of the day. Nothing like standing in the middle of a street in a wedding dress. No, seriously, you should try it some time. Fun!!

Man, I worked hours on those darn things. Downloaded the perfect font (eventually), reworked it to the perfect design (eventually), had them printed and folded at Staples. And, yet, I highly advise that people looking to a) have complete design control and b) save a bundle, design your own stationery, programs, seating chart, table names/labels, etc. It's fun (in a sick way) and whenever I look at our invitation, I can say, "I did that! And Dave had approval of them!" There were definite DIY parts of the wedding. Oh! Maybe I should share those sometime, if anyone would be interested.

Some random, unrehearsed moments...

 A touching moment. Oh, wait. Wrong one.

 This one. That's better. We get along like peanut butter and jelly.

 In disarray. Love this picture - relaxed, fun. But, wait. Where is my sister's hand?! That can't be right.

My makeup artist! Couldn't have had a wedding without my brother, seriously. He made me look perfect. Huge task. Then, he helped out my ladies, which he didn't need to do. There's a big heart in there, even if his way of showing it is with impeccable sarcasm and brutal honesty. ;-)

Not one to be unpleasantly surprised by being forced to publicly dance in front of dozens of people, he threw ME a curveball...that could've gone badly! But was fun, instead.

We kept expecting him to do something naughty. Like swear. Or perhaps say "Mawwaige. Mawwaige is what bwings us...togethahhh." He behaved...although I was slightly disappointed that he didn't mix it up.

The scrapbook I decided to undertake shortly before the big day. Idle hands... It did actually help calm me, and I love the outcome. Better than the technical glitches of Powerpoint.

I wore flats. Took awhile to get champagne ones, though. Our colors were black and white...with a hint of champagne.

 Straightening up our act.

 See? So much love!

Very special church decor.

Our table frames.

 And, yet, I thought there'd be more tears that day.

Mom, showing her friend Joanne's hubby, Terry (whose birthday I share!) how to cut a rug. He taught me how to throw a ball and swing a bat, just like Dad would've wanted me to know. He was the first person called the day I was born, and I was honored that they could be here for the wedding.

 What a gentleman! My husband, drinking champagne, while Chuck lifts my train.

 One look I get regularly...especially whilst fixing a tie or what have you.

Another look I get regularly. "I try to be annoyed with you, but it doesn't last long." (I'm grateful for my goofy grin, it does wonders.)

 Fire? Eh, no big.

 Tom looks ready for a party...in the parking lot.

 I knew Tonya could handle two men! (We're not traditional; we had 4 guys, 3 girls.)

 I <3 My Train. What other day can you get away with one?

Uncle Mark, schooling the crowd and making us laugh. Oh, he's the priest, BTW.

 Walking like Egyptians. This song holds so many memories for me as a child, we just had to dance to it. We had to teach it to my niece.

Drinking water - the bride way. "Don't spill, don't spill!" (Side note: I didn't pee until I was home and out of my dress, so never had to have the "3 ladies, 1 stall" scenario.)

What a wacky bunch!

So, there you have it. The day. The months since then have been up and down, but mostly quite good. No huge speed bumps, although I'm sure we'll inevitably hit some. I think that we're currently in a state of "realistic thinking" as far as marriage is concerned -- and we're happily not looking back.

You received "thank you" notes, but I'd like to, once again, thank all those who came to our wedding and who helped to make it so damn special. Seriously, Dave and I still pinch ourselves over how wonderful and perfect it was. And, now, for those friends who WEREN'T at the wedding, I thank you for spending the time to peruse through our day. You're officially a McCoy-Dellecese guest of honor.