2013 a year in review.

I remember how hopeful I felt at the beginning of last year. I was going to spend the year counting my blessings, my word for the year was going to be SPARKLE. I really felt like this was it, I was finally the girl GOD intended me to be and since I was that girl now then that guaranteed me my most wished for wish, the beginnings of a family of my own. But GOD had other plans for me this year, some of those plans, I have no idea what he was thinking, but some of those plans were truly amazing.

I did spend the first part of the year counting my blessings; my siblings, my parents, my Nana, my Grandma, my cousins, my friends, music, books, the Backstreet Boys, hot chocolate,first kisses in the snow. I decided to take some palliative care/oncology courses ( I completed 3). Brave Girls offered an art class online, so I participated in that. My niece learned how to say my name. My book club had some great discussions. I was dating!

Then I started to fall for a guy whom never intended to fall for me. Actually that's not really a fair statement, the truth is we weren't on the same page. He wanted something that I wasn't prepared to give and I wanted something that he was not even close to being ready to give to ANYONE. He saw that a little sooner than me, which meant that I got rejected and felt defeated. Soon things that I was capable of doing, like cutting the grass, living alone, cooking for one, felt like big huge deals. Was there something wrong with me?? I asked myself and my mom, on more than one occasion. To say that this coloured huge chunks of my year, would be an understatement. It would mean that I would have to go to my brother's wedding alone and that made me really sad. It would mean no slow dancing at that wedding either. It would mean no one to travel with. It would mean that no one would see me for who I REALLY was. It hurt a lot and it still stings just a bit, if I think about it for too long. This is the part of GODS plan that I can't see why it even happen yet. Someday soon I hope I will.

But I did what a Brave Girl does and I did it anyway. I worked on my art, I worked on my courses, I went to bridal showers, I planned trips, I cooked meals, went to yoga, cut the grass, went to work, got out of bed, smiled, shopped, crafted, sang, went to church and hugged even though my heart wasn't always in it. My new word became FORTATUDE.

I did have to go to my brother Dan's wedding alone but I got to walk down the aisle with my fave person, my niece Lexi, because she didn't want to walk with anyone else. I got to slow dance with my brother Tim and Lexi to Kenny Rogers "The Gambler."

I got to spend the summer with my brother Tim b/c he came home from school to work at the marina even though that wasn't in his plan but I'm so happy he did.

I participated in GISHWHES with an old friend. Toast for underwear, is very uncomfortable, in case you wanted to know. :)

I went on an amazing solo trip to my happy place, Manitoulin Island. I was so at peace there. I learned First Nations crafts, made bannock, spent a lovely evening talking with a woman who feeds herself and her partner all year from her garden, stayed at Meldrum Bay Inn (a place I have wanted to stay in since I was a little girl), swam, read, explored every Island Museum and talk to lots and lots of people. It is not something I will soon forget.

I made a new friend and we stayed friends even after I puked all over her car on our first short road trip.

I joined a new choir in town and sang my heart out!

I am learning self care and have discovered podcasts.

I travelled 3536km to Idaho for Brave Girls camp, all by myself. I saw snow in Wyoming, a huge Lincoln head, visited a Holocaust Museum, stopped in to see some Mormons, learned a lot about how the west was settled, visited the largest truck stop in the world, spent a morning in small town USA, went to an aviation museum and so much more. And when I arrived in Boise my Brave Girl sisters were waiting for me. And they SAW me for who I really am. I was so loved on and continue to get loved on my them. The BGC staff and the women that I feel so blessed to have met, have changed my life. I miss them everyday. It was okay that I cried. They loved that I was the first to meals just because I was happy not to have had to cook it myself.  They loved my rendition of "If I had a million dollars." They hugged me. They cried with me, as I cried with them. I was meant to be there, even if I had to make that journey alone. And I can't wait to go back!!

I went to hear my fave author Ted Dekker speak and then I talked to him! I flirted a little with the band who opened for him.

I started my Arbonne business. I get to work with my cousin's wife. We get to do facials for people and talk about a fantastic product. For me it's not about the money at all but for the new friendships I have made. I always thought I didn't make friends easily but that's not true at all. I can't wait to meet all the people that Arbonne will put in my path. We are going to have so much fun!!

This year my word is TRUST. Trust that I'll be okay. Trust myself. Trust that GOD has a wonderfully fantastic plan for me. Trust that guys wont always break my heart, b/c one day one wont. Trust that he will show up when the time is right. Trust that someday I will have a family of my own. Trust that whatever I want to do, I can. Trust.

Happy New Year!!

Friday's Letter - What I'm thinking about this week.

http://www.thesweetseasonblog.com/

 

 

Playing along with Ashley this week, here's what's been on my mine for the last couple weeks.

 

 

Dear GH: I hated the Franco story the first time and the second time, now you want to bring it back with a new face?? You couldn't have found a better use for Roger Howarth??

 

Dear hair: Have a told you how awesome you are lately?? You are so beautiful and usually do want I want. I'm so lucky.

 

Dear knot in the middle of my back near my shoulder blade: You have been camped out there for FIVE weeks, get lost. I'm sorry I can't help you out but I can't reach, you are going to have to move on, on your own.

 

Dear Bridesmaid dress: I'll be honest, I wasn't 100% sure about you when we picked you out but the other girls thought it was a good pick. Now that I have you in the right colour and the right size, I love you. I am going to look like a goddess!

 

Dear Night Shifts: I've got three of you this weekend....please be kind.

 

Dear green kitchen: Wow are you ever green but once the tile is up you are going to look amazing!

 

Dear blue grey living room: I am so in love with you right now, you look like a completely different room! So bright and fresh and just what I needed. I also love my art gallery wall.

 

Dear yoga: You are about the only time I feel graceful, so thanks for that. :)

 

Dear Grace: I haven't played you in awhile and I think it's time we spent some quality time together looking cool, even if we sound terrible. Next week I promise!

 

Dear Dad: You really are the best Dad ever...giving up your weekend to paint and tile for me. Bet you'll be glad when you finally marry me off! HA just joking! kinda

 

Dear Dan: Thanks for playing some MMMBOP at your buck and doe, it might have made my night.

 

Dear Lexi: Spending part of mothers day with my best goddaughter was amazing. I love you soooo sooo very much!

 

Dear One Tree Hill: One word; CHUCK! I've been re-watching your wonderfulness and just have to say that Chuck kills me. He kinda annoyed me the first time around but this time he is positively hilarious. He is the quirky humour that I love so much. What the Chuck? 

 

 

That's what's going on in my life right now. Thanks for stopping by!

32 things

So, today I turn 32. Since I not 100% where I thought I would be when I was 32 (but who really is right?), I have made the commitment to focus on all the good and beautiful blessings in  my life. And all the wonderful and exciting things I have to look forward to. So here is my list of 32 for 32 of hopes and dreams and goals and all the stuff I'm going to enjoy the year I am 32.

1) As soon as the weather is nice a new friend and I are going to go for a drive in my convertible with the top down.

2) My sister Patti and her husband were more than generous to give me a gift certificate to the Brave Girls Shoppe so I am looking forward to picking out my gift...the problem will be picking out just one!

3) Find a pair of cowboy boots I love.

4) A trip to Aberfoyle market, to look for a storage solution for all my craft and art supplies.

5) Be a punk at my brother Dan's Buck and Doe.

6) Two bridal showers for my new sister in law Jessie.

7) A rambunctious bachelorette party for Jessie (provided I can get the weekend off).

8) Horse back riding with the girls from work.

9) 4X8 a study the minister at our church if putting on to ask questions about Christianity. I'm really looking forward to learn more about my own faith.

10) A solo trip to Manitoulin Island.

11) While there stay at The Meldrum Bay Inn a place I have wanted to stay in since my Nana and Poppa first took me to Manitoulin many many years ago.

12) Also stay at my first hostel, Auberge Inn.

13) Take some tours and do some activities with Great Spirit Circle Trail.

14) Farquhar's ice cream.

15) Cry at my brothers wedding.

16) Dance with my siblings and cousins at my brother's wedding.

17) Have Lexi over for a sleepover.

18) Spend some time getting to know some one new.

19) Supernatural with Timbo!

20) Learn Brian Littrell's Wish on guitar in time for Easter next year.

21) Create beautiful things

22) Scrap my heart out.

23) Brave Girls Camp!!!!!

24) Drive to and from Idaho solo.

25) Continue my palliative care studies.

26) Cook a turkey or a roast.

27) Beach road trips.

28) Take an art class.

29) A tea party with my Aunt Kate and my Nana to sort and date all my Nana's old photos.

30) Learn

31) Laugh, sing, dance, giggle, cry, kiss, hug, smile, create ...Be Brave!

32) Sparkle and shine, like the girl GOD intended me to be.

I am so excited to see what this year has in store for me...I think it is going to be amazing!!

Dancing barefoot

Here is the story of my sister Patti's wedding to Ryan about four weeks ago and why I walked down the aisle in my bare feet. About 12 years ago my cousin Melissa was planning her wedding. Just prior to her engagement, her sister Cara's boyfriend, Von ( now her husband) had been thinking about asking Cara to marry him but had put if off when Kyle asked Melissa. My Grandma said that was a good thing since if Cara got married first, Melissa being the elder would have to dance bare foot at Cara's wedding or risk never finding a husband. Let's blame Leah and Rachel's father for this. Remember them from the Old Testament? Jacob so loved Rachel but had to marry Leah first because she was older and that was the natural order of things. Apparently in English tradition the unmarried elder sister must serve or dance in her bare feet if she wishes to find a husband, it's actually seen as a punishment to the elder sister, you can read more about it HERE. In French Canada the tradition is for the unmarried oldest sibling to dance in really ugly socks (made for the occasion) at any wedding for a younger sibling and people throw money @ them ( but they don't get to keep the money, the newlyweds get it).
So, it's been a joke that I would have to dance at Patti's wedding barefoot. Since it's not uncommon for women to take their shoes off these days on the dance floor and since the dance floor was cement and felt yucky on my feet, I decided to walk down the ailse in my bare feet. Not so that I would find a husband but because I love my sister and we have been joking about it for so long. In truth Patti, probably was always suppose to get married before me, even being the younger sister she has always been the one to pave the way. She got her ears pierced first, she was the one who asked Mom when we could start wearing bras and to show us how to shave our legs. I have a feeling that I'll be very grateful that she went first when it's my turn.
The wedding was beautiful and I couldn't be happier for both of them...I can now officially call Ryan my brother - even though he has felt like that for years.
Here are some moments which highlighted the weekend for me;
1. The laughter of my family as I arrived @ the end of the aisle in my bare feet.

I think my cousin Bret took this.

2. As I watched my sister walk down the aisle with our parents, the tears started to come and pretty much didn't stop, big fat juicy ones.

I think our friend Andy got this one.

3. I had the pleasure of doing a reading @ the wedding. Apparently some of my family members where not sure I would get through it because I was crying so much but I composed myself and read this beautiful reading.

“Blessing of the Hands"
“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”

Everyone said I did an good job, but lets face it, I cried thru the whole thing.

4. My cousin Andy and Uncle Bill piped the happy couple out, after being at the Cambridge games all day - in which they got first place. This photo was taken by Ryan's friend Hannah of Red Umbrella Photography, you can visit her on Facebook HERE.

5. Another shot taken by Hannah, to melt your heart. Patti and Ryan's first dance.

Our niece Alexis wanting to join in.

6. Our cousin Greg, whom we don't get to see that often and who is teaching in Thailand, came with his girlfriend Heather. Patti and I had never meet Heather, so we accosted her in the bathroom. Pretty sure she thought Greg has strange cousins, which he does by the way. And a lot of them, welcome to the family Heather!

7. My sister Katie was the MOH. She is 11 years younger than me. Sometimes I forget she is a person and not a baby. Her speech was one of the best...I forget that she can be so funny.

I'm not sure where this photo came from, I think from Ashley and Ainsley's mom April.

8.My cousin Andy also played the pipes at the open jam session, it was so fun to watch Patti and Ryan dancing with the little kids.

9.Two words - Watches Reunion. When Patti and Danny and I were young we had a band called The Watches with our next door neighbour Alie. We reenacted a photo shoot from 1993. Alie is a graphic designer and you can find her HERE.



The original



 

Dan, Patti, Me and Alie.

10. The next day I got to share a juice box with this little cutie.

My niece Alexis

Okay, wow this post has just gotten way longer than I thought it would, so while there are many many more awesome moments, I'll think I'll leave it there. I will say this, Patti and Ryan's friends love to hug, it was like being in highschool again when you hugged everyone you liked every time you saw them or said goodbye. A great way to spend a weekend.  Oh and the cookie table, loved the cookie table!
Well hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Riverstone Retreat

Hi Everyone!! Is everyone enjoying their summer?? Mine has been very busy so far, stuffed with bridal showers, a bachelourette party, a huge sidewalk sale downtown, a baby shower, a Supernatural marathon, volunteering in the heritage village and of course the main event - my sister's wedding. I can't wait to tell you all about Patti and Ryan's day but today I thought I would share a few shoots my Dad got of the venue - Riverstone Retreat.
Riverstone Retreat is located near Durham ON on the Saugeen River. It is a beautiful spot. The couple who own it have not done any advertising and they have 9 weddings there this year and a few family reunions. It is very Eco friendly as it is run mainly on water and wood and a lot of the materials for the buildings were found right on the property and the neighbouring farm (where they live).  They don't advertise because they believe, if you put goodness out in the world, it will attract more goodness. And it has, all by word of mouth and a few other blog posts. My sister found out from Ryan's aunt, who swims with a woman whose niece got married there. Also a women whom I go to church with, her niece got married there as well.

Ernie - the owner, is working on this new fence made from stones found on the property.

The pavilion where Patti and Ryan had their wedding reception.

The EcoNest

The Stone House - every stone was hand picked.

The Saugeen River

The camping area.

The wash house.

This is a naturally occurring aisle. We walked down it, into the forest, where Ryan was waiting for us.

The labyrinth.

This is a truly remarkable place and it was a pleasure to spend the weekend there.

31 things

Yesterday I turned 31. So here is my list of 31 things that I'm looking forward too or plan to do this year that I'm 31.

1. Go to my oldest friend’s 30^th Birthday party.
2. Say goodbye to my One Tree Hill friends one last time and then probably re-watch all 9 seasons on DVD.
3. Finish my first ever paying scrapbooking gig (hopefully in the next couple weeks).
4. Soul Restoration 2 by Brave Girls
5. Finish the rest of the Harry Potter movies with my mom.
6. Finish reading the Harry Potter books again.
7. Attend 3 bridal showers for my sister Patti.
8. Plant a magnolia tree in my yard in memory of my step dad, Denis.
9. Scrapbook more about my faith.
10. Patti and Ryan’s Buck and Doe.
11. Paint the deck.
12. Be my Dad’s assistant when he puts in a new tub surround in the bathroom.
13. A photo shoot and not a wedding related one either.
14. Dance barefoot at my younger sister Patti’s wedding.
15. Make an effort with those who matter and stop trying with those who don’t.
16. Kiss my cousin Roo’s baby girl once she is here.
17. So far I have 4 teddy bears to make.
18. Another Supernatural marathon with my brother Tim.
19. Learn something new, not sure what that is yet but something.
20. Possibly a trip to Spain this fall, while my sister Katie is there.
21. Play with Alexis, cause she’s not much for cuddling anymore.
22. Make Alexis’ Christmas present.
23. Spend a few days with my girl Fez and her daughter Miranda.
24. Cry when my Dad and Sandra move (this isn’t something I’m really looking forward too but it’s gonna happen).
25. More gum surgery, I’m only looking forward to this, in the fact that I’ll be done for awhile.
26. Finish my “The year I was 30 scrapbook.”
27. Another year out @ Grey Roots.
28. Beach days with Liz.
29. Scrapbook more of my history, for example scrapbook more old photos and also scrapbook more family stories, I’ve got a great one about my Grandma’s mom and superstition.
30. Keep Listening
31. Be the girl I was meant to be, even if that means I have to be different than everyone else.

Thanks for stopping by.

Reflection on 2011

Happy New Year everyone! Hope everyone had a great night.
Stephanie Howell does a monthly challenge called blog your heart, basically you can blog about anything but it has to be authentic. So, since 2011 was such a mix bag, I thought I'd play along with my 2011 reflection.

1. I got to go to Punta Cana and witness a friend from highschool and a friend from elementary school get married. I also got to meet and spend time with some wonderful people, friends I hope will be in my life for a long time and friends that I got to reconnect with.

2. I became an Aunt for the first time! Alexis was born on March 1st. I also became her Godmother. I'm a little nervous about this as I think it is a huge responsibility and I want to get it right. I will be the one of the primary educators in the Christian faith. I'm not even sure where to start. But I'm really excited to get started!

3.I haven't really been feeling the joy at work this year. I'm a nurse so my job can be a hard one anyway but when you feel like you aren't fitting in that can make it even more difficult. It's hard being different, even if your different is an awesome kind of different.

4. Two of my cousins got married this year. I was so stoked for both of them, especially Andrea b/c it really is about time she had some happiness and sunshine in her life.

5. I got a new brother and sister!!! Okay not really but they feel like family. My Nana had an Irish student staying with her this summer, Ciaran. He fit in with our family very well, to the point that he was calling us his brothers and sisters and we were calling him our brother too. He just fits so well. His sister Aine came to visit at the end of the summer and it was like she belonged to us too. It's weird how that happens and we all wish that Ireland wasn't so very far away.

6. At the beginning of August my step dad Denis had a stroke, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, flew back to France for treatment with my mom and was gone by the first week of Sept.

7. My brother Dan and I flew to France to be with my mom for two weeks. Not the way either of us thought we would get back to Europe but there you have it. I'm really really glad that Dan went with me and I didn't have to go alone. Also, I know we were being looked after b/c it could have been a nightmare trying to get to France on such short notice. Everything went fairly smoothly, except for that time a pigeon pooped on me in Paris and we had to run to catch our train to Nimes.

8. I am so glad that I am not an only child, we five really banned together and I feel so lucky to have them.

9. While all this was going on I discovered Brave Girls Club. Perfect timing! If you haven't checked them out yet....GO. Go right after you finish ready this post. It's really hard to explain the value this group of women has had on me or the value of the classes I have taken. I have learned a lot about myself, about the lies I've been telling myself, about the lies that other people have been telling me, that I love paint and glue and that while Patti is the artist in our family, my work is just as valuable even if just to me. If you are feeling even the little bit lost, please check these ladies out....it will be well worth it. Can't wait for Brave Girls Camp 2013.


I am looking forward to see what 2012 will bring. More creating and more love I hope. Also my sister Patti is getting married...Finally!!! They have already been together for more than a decade. Sorry Patti but I have to dance barefoot @ you wedding so I have to get at least one jab in.
I hope everyone has a blessed year!

Creative Scrappers - 188 - Thank you, and a baby in a box.

Hello all,
I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday. I did!
So, I know I haven't participated in a challenge in a while. To be honest nothing was inspiring me and I wouldn't have been able to share it anyway since all the scrapping I have been doing over the last 6 weeks has been for memory books for my siblings for Christmas. When I saw sketch 188 from Creative Scrappers I knew it would be perfect for the thank you card that arrived for me from my friend April. I also got lots of scrapbooking stuff for Christmas ( lets just say that I wont have to shop for patterned paper for a very long time) and I couldn't wait to break into it. And I really wanted to use my new Crop-A-Dile.
So here is sketch 188:

And here is my take:

I also wanted to share this sweet pic of my niece Alexis.

Baby in a box!

She really liked the box my gift from Dad and Sandra gave me. The best gift I got this Christmas was kisses from Alexis, she was giving them to everyone on Christmas day. Best gift ever!

Bridesmaids - Creative Scrappers - 178

And another from Creative Scrappers

At April's wedding her sister Vicki and our friend Jenn made very beautiful bridesmaids. I'm pleased with how this LO turned out b/c it was the first time that I had used paint on a LO. Taking Soul Restoration 1 by Brave Girls Club has really inspired me to take a few more risks with my scrap booking and not always worrying about being perfect. For this LO the risk was worth it.

Together - Creative Scrappers

Here's one from Creative Scrappers

This summer my cousin Roo got married. I love love how this LO turned out. I love the colours. The picture is actually their thank you card, which I thought was a great idea.

The Last - Pencil lines 255

Here's another one from Pencil lines

The LO is called "The Last" because the bride, my friend April is the last one of our middle school friends to get married. Well technically I'll be the last once I do get married but until then, she is the last.

Pencil Lines 247 - The pipes.

Here's a LO I did based off this sketch from Pencil Lines.

It worked well for this photo of my cousin Roo playing the bag pipes @ his wedding. It wouldn't be a family wedding without them.

I'm adding a close up of the photo, b/c if you look closely, there is a lady in a blue dress with her hands up in the air....yeah that's our Grandma. As you can see she is having a great time.

Sketchy Thursdays 7.21 - Dance.

Hi everyone,
After working all weekend, yesterday I decided to play with some photos I have recently gotten processed. I used this sketch from Sketchy Thursdays for some pictures from my cousin Roo's wedding.


It was perfect for some pictures of their first dance, as well as Unc dancing with his daughter, my youngest cousin A.

As I mentioned before this wedding was a blast. I'm really looking forward to Roo's sister's wedding on Labour day weekend.
Well that's all for now. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Top Ten fun stuff I did on May 2-4 weekend.

Today I decided to play along with Kim over @ It's a Crafty Life and her Ten on Tuesday linky party. In Canada this past weekend was a holiday weekend. So I decided to share the Top Ten Fun things I did this weekend.

1. My friend Fez came over with her hubby and their daughter Miranda. While her parents were busy, Miranda and I played in my yard. It was so nice to have a little person running in my grass.

2. I got so dizzy I thought I was going to yak playing on the playground equipment @ the park with Miranda. Normally I hate being dizzy but it was nice to be dizzy b/c I was having fun and not b/c I had a migraine.

3. On the advice of a co-worker I bought a weed remover by Fiskars . Yep, the same people who make craft punches and scissors. It might take me all summer to pull the dandelions in my lawn but I will do it.

4. I cleaned the outside windows to my bedroom and the spare room with this product from Windex . It's perfect for just out of reach windows and was so easy to use.

5. I discovered that the living room windows flip open on the inside, making them really easy to clean. So I cleaned them too. Okay so it only took me a year and a half to figure that out. :)

6. My cousin Roo got married and their first dance was "Give in to me" from the movie Country Strong. It was perfect and I cried.

7. My cousin Sean, the grooms brother and best man, gave the best speech. I loved that he included Roo's love of He-man as a boy b/c I remember it well. Patti and I loved She-Ra during that time. We loved them so much that for Hallowe'en one year my mom and Uncle Mat dressed up as He-Man and She-Ra and surprised us.

8. Dancing to John Cougar with my mom, Uncle Mat, siblings and cousins.

9. Dancing to "Don't Stop Believin' with most of my siblings and most of my cousins. We knew all the words. Thanks Glee!

10. Cuddles and smiles with Lexi.

I'm sad to see the weekend go. Back to it tomorrow.

Pencil Lines. 239. Alexis Victoria

Hi everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying their May 2-4 long weekend. The unofficial kick off to summer. The weather has certainly been great! Yesterday my cousin Roo got married. It was so fun to have all the cousins together. One of the best moments was when a bunch of us danced to "Don't stop believin'". Uncle Mat got some good pictures and I can't wait to see them. Anyway welcome Laura to our family, it might be a bit crazy but it is full of love and we will always have your back!

Anyway back to the reason for this post. Today http://www.pencillines.com/ posted this sketch

It was perfect for a LO about my new niece. I loved the LO so much, I framed it and hung it on my wall.

This photo was from her newborn photo shoot. The photo was taken by our friend Becky, Heritage Photography she specializes in natural light photography. Her photos are beautiful.
Well, that's all for now. I think I might read for awhile.

Ten for 30.

Hello all it's Tuesday and over on It's a crafty Life Kim is playing Ten on Tuesdays. I turn 30 on Friday and an slightly bummed because two large milestones I thought would have happened have not, I'm not a wife or a mom yet. So instead of dwelling on that I'm going to make a list of ten plans I have for my 30th year.

1. As many snuggles and cuddles with Alexis as I can get.

2. Apparently Alexis is having a party @ her parents house for me on Sat. Poppa (my dad) is helping her plan it.

3. I will officially be a grown up, when I have my first party ever in my first house. It's a baby shower for Alexis.

4. I'm going to create a mini album of my 30th year, month by month, journalling on a calender everyday. This will be challenging since I live alone and when I work I work 12 hour shifts, so I'm going to have to work really hard to think of something relevant to say everyday. I found this idea over @ Ella. I promise to share the project as I work on it. I start it this weekend.

5. I'm really excited about my cousins Roo's wedding. Just over a month away.

6. I'm going to be a good cousin and a good sister all in one day. The bridal shower for Roo's fiancee is the same day as my sister Patti's engagement party, only in the afternoon. So I'm going to go to the shower and then drive 2 hours to be @ Patti and Ry's party.

7. I'm going to cry my heart out @ my cousin Andrea's wedding. Happy tears of course. This girl deserves all the happiness in the world and I think she might be finally getting it and I couldn't be more excited for her.

8. I'm going to dance the night away with some middle school girlfriends @ Ape's wedding. Can't wait.

9. NKOTBSB in TO with my best friend...enough said.

10. Help my sister plan her wedding.

That's my list folks, thanks for stopping by.
Ciao for now.