First Trip of Summer '10: Ithaca NY

I so needed a weekend away! Everything in the CLE has been hectic and overwhelming. Packing up a rental car and heading out of town was just what I needed. Ithaca is where both my parents lived. My father attended college there and my mother's family relocated there from Long Island NY. My brother and I spent the better the part of our youth there and I really had a desire to go back as an adult. It was great to take Jack and Liv to Ithaca Fest, and go by all our family houses. Best of all the family paid a visit to my grandfather.

Yes there were some trials along the way.. Liv was diagnosed with a bladder infection the day we were supposed to leave, which definitely made her cranky. Plus I'm starting to believe she is in a whole defiant "I do what I want" phase in general! We are struggling with this kid and all her moods!

 I had a great time with my crew and look forward to our next adventure!

Twilight

  So last year aganist the wishes of my "hipster" friends, I ran out and not only saw New Moon(twice), but also grabbed the soundtrack.. I loved it! Everyone from Likki Lee to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club made an apprearnce and the music is really good.

 However, many people dog the fact that all this underground/ not popular acts are selling out because they gave their music to Twilight. Last year I was torn. I loved Twilight(another blog entry) and loved the soundtrack, but understood the pain of having your band be everyone else band...I understand completely!

 News today, Black Keys are on the new Twilight soundtrack.. Once again I'm torn. Should I be excited that my favorite band is getting some cred? Or upset that they are selling out? I may need to reflect and come back to this subject. For right now check out the twilight soundtrack.

Memorial Day Weekend Photos!

Thanks to Joy Crabb as family photographer!

A Mother's Love

  While I am over here in the CLE getting excited about wedding plans, house hunting, and taking Liv to swim lessons, I am reminded of the many mothers who are busy figuring out dietary issues, blood work results, making Doctors family members, and laying awake at night wondering if they did all they could do.

 I do believe a mother's love for her children is the symbolic love God has for everyone on this earth. A mother's love does not fade away, does not change with seasons, nor waiver when their child has done something wrong. It is an undying love that cannot even be questioned. No one can ever fathom the depths of their soul and their passion for another human being until they see their child for the first time...

 I say this and encourage everyone to think about other mothers and their challenges. Today my thoughts are with Jonah Check out his blog and help raise awareness!

 Peace and Prayers!

House Hunters

  After Peninsula, Gayle left for dinner with her family, while Jack and I headed out to look at our first house! This was a daunting event! I made the mistake of telling the realtor that we were first time home buyers... Mistake! We sat through an hour and half of info on why we should use her as a realtor and how to buy our first home. Granted I am thankful for the detailed book (which I affectionately call the manual), but Jack and I both felt overwhelmed by the idea of immediately being locked into buying a home with a realtor. The house was nice. I wanted to love the house! The home had a great yard, awesome kitchen and finished basement, but my main issue was the excessive amount of built-ins! Built-in cabinets everywhere, to the point where it took away from the actual space of the room..bummer!

  We are not discouraged, but are definitely gaining more perspective on what is actually involved with buying a home. We are continuing on the path of least resistance and hoping that God will tell us exactly where we need to be!

Bridesmaid Love!

  It's weekends like this past one that reminds me how blessed I am! Gayle came into town on Friday and we had a blast! Liv and I took her down to Peninsula for lunch and a tour of the town! Showed her the church and was even able to show her the inside of GAR Hall! Thanks to the awesome repair man Mike who gladly give us a tour!

 Saturday morning my mom, Gayle, Liv and I all headed over to the bridal shop! Gayle fell in love with the same dress Rachael tried on! I will reveal the bridesmaids attire, but am doing my best to not say a thing about my dress or what I am wearing!

  So the official line-up for my side is:
  Maid of Honor: Gayle
  Bridesmaid: Rachael
  Bridesmaid: Andrea

  I am so excited to go through this process with those three fantastic gals!