this time of year when christmas is near

Well, it was our first Thanksgiving in Austin and we decided to go big…like everything else in Texas. We had Drew’s whole family down! For most of them, it was their first time visiting, so we wanted to show them around town. And I was really excited to cook my first turkey in my new kitchen!

Drew’s dad and sister were the first to arrive. We started the holiday at the Oasis on Lake Travis for a sunset meal.

The Oasis was decked out in holiday decor, even though it was warm enough to sit outside. Yes, this is still weird to me.

Then we went to Uncorked, a wine bar, to have a flight of wine before my brother-in-laws flew in later that night. We sat outside on the patio with a great view of downtown.

The next day, it was turkey time baby. I put on my new apron that Drew’s Grandma made for me (I love it!) and got the snacks started while the turkey was in the oven. Thank heaven for my sister-in-law – what a big help she was. She and I were cookin’ like it was elimination round on Top Chef.

The turkey was perfect!

The meal went off without a hitch.

Even the kitties got to partake in a little turkey action.

For the 2nd half of the weekend with Barb (Drew’s mom) and Tod, we walked down SoCo, the Ladybird Lake trail and ate dinner at Eastside cafe. We also went to the Zilker botanical garden. Unfortunately the nice weather turned a little cool and windy, but it was still better than northern Illinois – so they were all good sports.

After the botanical garden, we walked around the UT campus a bit before everyone headed back to the airport.

All in all, it was a great holiday weekend with family and we were so excited to have them visit. The cats were so excited from all the excitement, they slept all day. Oh wait, they do that every day.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “This Time Of The Year” by Ray Charles

it’s summertime and the living is easy

A few weeks ago, we traveled up to Missouri for a family reunion of giant proportions. The family just keeps getting bigger and bigger. This family reunion, which happens every three years, is Drew’s grandma’s side of the family – so it’s her’s, her brothers’ and her sister’s families (kids, grandkids, great-grandkids). So that means lots of people.

We started the weekend out at Drew’s uncle’s house with most of the family gathering for a cookout. This year there just seems to be more young kids. And they’re all running around all over the place. It must be tiring to run after them! I wouldn’t know…I just sat back and snapped a few photos.

Before it got too dark, we attempted to assemble the whole gang together for a picture.

The next day was a full day of family fun at the local park. The guys played some wiffle ball like they’ve done every reunion since they were all kids.

They take it quite seriously.

The younger generation looked on, picking up pointers.

The girls opted not to sweat it out. We’d rather pose for pictures.

And play with the kiddos.

Later in the evening, we ate (again) and had a local guy come sing us some tunes.

The little kids danced. (Or twirled.)

And the big kids danced too.

Drew hung out with his bro-in-law.

Some little kids played duck-duck-goose.

Others dragged chairs around the floor. You know, just for fun.

And a few kids even sang for the crowd.

The evening wrapped up and we all said our goodbyes.

Drew and I stayed for another day and spent time at his grandparents house, where we looked forward to Grandma’s fried chicken and watched a nice thunderstorm blow in.

It was actually bad enough that we hid out in the basement for a while. A lot of trees in the neighborhood blew down, shingles flew off roofs, and the power went out for six hours. After the storm blew over, we sat outside until dark, and then went inside and lit some candles while we waited for the power to come back on.

So plans for fried chicken were scrapped. Instead, dinner was Pizza Hut and a nice bottle of wine by candlelight. And that made for a memorable end to our family reunion trip! (Thankfully, Grandma made her fried chicken for lunch the next day, so we didn’t miss out before our flight home!)

See the rest of my pictures from the family reunion on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “Summertime” by Sam Cooke

for you, the sun will be shining

Yay! Finally, the wedding day has arrived! After a year of planning, Lisa and Branden were ready to tie the knot!

After a fitful night’s sleep (what bride doesn’t experience that?), the bride and her entourage arrived at the hotel. We had a stylist come to my hotel room to do our hair, and she did a great job.

After we finished our hair and makeup, we hung out and had a little lunch. Meanwhile, the boys were at Lisa and Branden’s apartment playing video games and eating pizza.

The robes that Lisa gave us were perfect to wear that morning as we were getting ready.

And then the flowers arrived! They were beyond gorgeous. Straight out of a magazine.

Lisa booked a big yellow school bus to transport us to and from the wedding and she called one last time to confirm.

Time to get in the dress! All ready to go! Quite beautiful if I do say so myself!

The flower in her hair and her necklace were great Etsy finds.

As planned, the school bus was waiting for us in front of the hotel to take us to Lisa and Branden’s apartment where they would see each other for the first time on their rooftop deck overlooking the Manhattan skyline. What better place for a first look?

Luckily, the rain held off! The cloudy overcast was better for pictures and it was still clear enough to see across to Manhattan.

The boys were positioned on the rooftop deck. Branden was standing on the far end, awaiting his bride. The photographers were poised and ready. Family was anxiously standing to the side. Time for the girls to bring in the bride! We walked ahead of Lisa as she prepared for her big moment.

And the moment was wonderfully special. Lisa was much calmer after seeing Branden. She finally started to relax.

Time for pictures!

And a toast!

Then we all loaded onto the bus and headed to the Brooklyn Historical Society. Unfortunately I was too busy being a Matron of Honor to get any pictures of the ceremony. But Lisa’s friend took some good ones. The ceremony was personal and lovely. The venue was the perfect setting – the dark wood bookshelves added drama, but made it cozy. I can’t wait to see the pictures from the photographers.

After the ceremony, I had the honor of signing their marriage license as a witness. We spent some time at the library taking pictures and then headed to the cocktail hour to eat some yummy hors d’oeuvres and mingle with guests.

Once guests took their seats, the wedding party was introduced to Phoenix’s “1901″ – which made my husband very happy.

The couple went right into their first dance to “Songbird” sung by Rosie Thomas

Time for the Best Man and Matron of Honor speeches.

I hope mine went over ok. I don’t really remember much, except that I was nervous.

The tables at Bubby’s turned out great – with flowers from the florist and table # flags made by yours truly.

The menu was delicious (designed by me) – and the food was pretty good too! Actually the food was spectacular! I had the fried chicken.

Instead of wedding cake, Lisa and Branden had wedding pies – Apple pie and Peanut Butter pie (Bubby’s is known for its pies after all.) They had cupcakes too!

The bride definitely enjoyed her fried chicken. I love that she stuck her napkin in her dress! Ha!

The beers were served in wide mouth Ball jars. And I think my brother quite enjoyed them.

Because this is what happened. He broke out his “Tom Haverford” face.

After dinner, Lisa danced with our Dad to “She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel.

And Branden danced with his mom to “In My Life” by The Beatles.

Then the dance party could really begin. Branden’s nephew Joe really brought the moves. He was hilarious.

The girls tore it up to Katy Perry’s “Firework”!

The end of the party came way too quickly, so we headed to an afterparty at a nearby bar.

Brothers-in-law… Weird.

Of course the boys couldn’t end the night without taking a shot of something.

The night was absolutely fabulous and quite memorable. It flew by for me, so I can imagine it was quite a whirlwind for Lisa and Branden. At least they got to relive the memories on their honeymoon in Turks and Caicos. And Drew and I had plenty of time to relive it as well, while we dealt with flight issues the following day. But we made it home!

See the rest of my pictures from the wedding on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “Songbird” by Fleetwood Mac

going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married

On the way to New York for the 4th time since August, it occurred to me that my entire immediate family was going to be in the same city for the first time since my wedding 4 years ago – and that’s pretty special to me. Not only was my sister getting married, but I got to see my mom, dad and brother all in the same weekend. AND a few of my aunts, uncles and a cousin whom I rarely see!!

I had looked forward to this weekend for so long, and after some delays at the airport in Austin we arrived in NY late, missing dinner with the bride and groom.

We kicked off the festivities with a little girl time at the nail salon and then the rehearsal at the Brooklyn Historical Society.

Lisa gathered and instructed the troops.

The men were very attentive to the bride.

The girls needed little direction.

All lined up!

Practicing the official hand-off

The bride is all business

Done! Easy! We walked through everything twice – that’s all it took. Off to dinner at Bacchus Bistro!

Here’s a close-up of the rehearsal bouquet Lisa’s friend Carey made out of the ribbons from her shower gifts. Carey made the ribbons INTO flowers! AND she made the base in papier-mâché out of the leftover wrapping paper! I’ve never seen such a perfectly arranged ribbon bouquet!

My dad and brother

Me and the bride

My dad and his fiancée, Julie

The bride and her mother (and my mother!)

Me and the hubs

Branden and his family visiting

Everyone is mesmerized by the bride

The happy couple, in anticipation…

The bride and her bridesmaid, Jessica

The best man and his fiancée Leslie

The bride with her bridesmaid, Katie

My dad giving a very heartfelt and touching speech

After dinner, the bride and groom presented their wedding party with presents. The girls got lovely robes and the boys got jerseys for their favorite teams.

After dinner we went back to the hotel and visited with more family. We were hoping the rain would hold out for the big day…

See all of my pictures from the rehearsal on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “Going To The Chapel” by the Crystals

you can stand under my umbrella

Just a short week after uprooting my life in Chicago and moving to Austin, I had to hop a plane to New York for Lisa’s bachelorette party. This party has been planned for a long time and it is sort of amazing to me how much my life has changed in between the last time I was there (March) and now. In just one month. What a whirlwind.

I’ve been to New York many times in the last 8+ years since my sister has lived there, but this was my shortest trip. Arrived Friday afternoon, left Sunday morning.

On Saturday, the weather was crummy. Totally not reflective of a fun party day, but we’d rather get rain now than on the wedding day! We started the day with her bestie Katie at a spa where we got pedicures and facials. Then Katie graciously hosted a few of us at her apartment for some wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres.

Katie’s apartment, on 42nd street, has a fantastic view of Manhattan – even on a cloudy, rainy day.

Lisa’s ready to party!

Lisa and her friends Allison, Jess, and Katie.

Then we headed to Koreatown for karaoke! A bunch more joined us in our private room and Lisa kicked off the night with Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”. Belt it out Lisa!

Good thing the receiver was labeled.

There was some Lady Gaga…

A rockin’ Bohemian Rhapsody…

Umbrella…ella…ella… Very appropriate for the night’s weather.

Of course, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun…

And a very “touching” solo from the Bride…

Most songs ended up as a group singing effort.

Then Lisa and Katie took a trip down memory lane and performed a rousing duet to Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion’s duet “Tell Him.”

I don’t know who was Barbra and who was Celine. But it was entertaining.

Then the sisters did a Sonny and Cher number. I got you babe.

The night ended with a few of us jumping over to a bar in Manhattan – I have no idea where or what it was called, but it was cool. Then we dashed for a cab in the POURING rain and before I knew it, I was on a plane back to Texas! Now I’m gearing up for the BIG DANCE – the wedding is on May 14!!!

See the rest of my pictures from the bachelorette party on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson

it’s time to leave this town, it’s time to steal away

After my last day at Discover, I tearfully drove home and finished packing up the condo. The moving company came early the next morning and had all our stuff on the truck by lunchtime. Then it was time for me to get to work cleaning the empty condo. It was harder than I imagined – cleaning every single surface inside and out. But after cleaning all day and night, I made the place shine like the top of the Chrysler building. I even shampooed the carpets. Our tenants came the next day for the final walk-through and I gladly handed over the keys and said “Good luck. I’m outta here.”

I got an early start the next morning on my 2-day road trip to Austin. Luckily, my sister sent me a few audiobooks to make the drive go faster, and that’s exactly what they did. I don’t think I would have made it if I had to listen to my collection of 80′s music the entire way.

The halfway point to Austin just happened to be Memphis, the home to some of my extended family. So I asked my uncle if I could crash at his house. And he took me to dinner. What a deal! It was great seeing my aunts, uncles and cousins whom I don’t get to see much – and I got to meet my cousin’s baby, Isaac!

I narrowly missed a huge storm that hit Memphis hard and caused a big power outtage that affected my uncle’s house. Luckily my cousin let me stay at their house. The next morning I got an early start to finish the 2nd leg of my road trip. I hit a little traffic getting out of Memphis, but it didn’t last long.

But soon enough, I was in the exciting state of Arkansas where I passed through towns like Arkadelphia and Texarkana. Arkansas is not that big of a state, but for some reason it felt like it took forever to get through.

Then I hit beautiful green rolling hills and knew I was on the home stretch!

My car’s navigation does not recognize the address of our apartment in Austin because the area is too new (newly developed on the old Austin airport.) So I got close enough and then took a little bit of a round about until the building magically appeared. I was home!

Drew met me outside and we ran slow-motion into each other’s arms while a choir sang down on us from the heavens in perfect harmony. Reunited and it feels so gooood! Then he took me out for Mexican and I downed one of these.

And to celebrate this new phase in our lives, the physical labor I endured packing and cleaning the entire condo myself, and the fact that I made it down there in one piece – we opened a special bottle of Cakebread and toasted in our empty apartment. Here’s to our new life and adventures in deep in the heart of Texas! Cheers y’all!

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “Road Trippin’” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

you’re just a product of loveliness

As my sister’s Matron of Honor, I had the wonderful privilege of planning her bridal shower. Luckily, I could assume I would be her Matron of Honor before she even asked because the minute I found out that BK popped the big question, I immediately started plans for the shower. I just couldn’t help myself.

The idea for a theme came to me instantly and it was perfect. When you have a perfect theme in mind, it’s hard not to get too themey, so hopefully I didn’t go overboard.

The shower was in Brooklyn, where ALL of their wedding planning has been based. Her bridesmaid Jess graciously hosted us at her home and it was the perfect setting. I think all the girls enjoyed themselves, and I know Lisa did. But I don’t know if they had as much fun attending as I had planning the whole thing!

My planning all started with the theme: Pride and Prejudice

This theme was perfect in multiple ways. The book is Lisa’s favorite and is published by Penguin – her employer since she’s lived in New York. Lisa’s always loved books and works with them everyday, so why not have a book theme? PLUS Jane Austen is classic feminine, romantic literature, and you gotta have LOVE center stage when it comes to weddings. Pride and Prejudice is beautiful, yet smart—just like my sister.

First, I started with designing and mailing the invitations.

I also had a little fun in Photoshop turning a picture of Lisa into a Jane Austen book cover. It provided for a few good laughs at the shower.

Here are some of the details of the decor and gifts. (Etsy was very helpful in this department.)

The letterpress card I gave Lisa (from Pearl & Marmalade):

A Christmas ornament to adorn her gift (from Brookish Handmade Goods):

Another card that all the girls signed as a guestbook (A Jane Austen quote AND bunting!) from A Darling Day:

And as part of the centerpiece, a framed print of a Pride and Prejudice quote (also from Brookish):

I printed a bunch of pictures of Lisa and BK, mixed in some pictures from the movie and some quotes from the book, and strung them on a clothesline across Jess’s fireplace and above her sofa.

My mom took care of the food and put together a lovely spread of roasted shrimp, bruschetta, arugula salad, fruit salad, and two types of quiches.

The gorgeous coconut cake was courtesy of Katie, one of Lisa’s bridesmaids and long-time friend.

After mingling and eating, it was time for a game! I put together a little quiz about Lisa with some movie quotes mixed in for fun. The movie quotes ended up being a bit harder than I thought!

Katie was the winner of the prize – a copy of Pride and Prejudice, a mug bearing a P&P quote (from Caffe Tempo), and some English tea.

Then it was time for some gifts!

As Lisa opened each gift, her friend would ask her a question that BK had to answer and she had to guess what BK’s answer was. Some were quite funny.

Part of my gift to Lisa was a personalized copy of Pride and Prejudice. Penguin.com lets you upload a picture and customize a note to be added inside the front cover of some of their classic books.

We ended the day with Katie’s coconut cake and a group shot.

I had so much fun putting everything together and spending the day with Lisa and her friends. It was a quick trip to New York, but I’ll be back again in a few weeks for Lisa’s bachelorette party, and then a few weeks after that for the wedding! It’s coming fast!

See the rest of my pictures from the shower on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson

on a cold winter’s night that was so deep

The Christmas holiday of 2010 was special because I was able to visit with all of my parents and siblings! My sister flew in from NY (as always) and spent a few days with me to do some wedding planning and shopping. Then we headed to my mom’s where we had our annual seafood dinner – this time with lobster!

We started with oyster shooters. Not my favorite thing.

But the rest of the food was delicious! When we visit with my mom, one thing’s for sure: we are well fed.

While we were there, we started on some DIY crafts for my sister’s wedding. We’re creating some fabric flag banners to hang as decoration.

“Lord help the mister, who comes between me and my sister. And lord help the sister, who comes between me and my man!” I heart White Christmas!

Next up was my mother-in-law’s for Christmas. There, we learned that African cats do not like snow.

Then we spent a few days with my dad and his girlfriend-turned-fiancee! My dad popped the question to his girlfriend of 9 years ON CHRISTMAS DAY! We were ecstatic to hear the news!! It was great to spend a few days with them in Chicago. I hadn’t seen my dad in a year and a half!!

I gave my dad a telescope t-shirt for Christmas and he totally geeked out about it.

We went to a local bocce ball court and had some wine and beer and played some bocce. Of course my dad, the engineer, had to measure for accuracy.

The next day we went downtown to the Art Institute. Luckily, this year it wasn’t sub-zero temperatures like the year I took everyone to Shedd Aquarium.

After the museum, we walked down the walkway from the Modern wing which plopped us right into Millenium Park.

We had fun taking pictures of the Bean until our faces were numb.

I took a picture of my sister taking a picture of my dad and Julie taking a picture of themselves in the Bean.

Our final visit of the holidays was with my father-in-law and his girlfriend and my siblings-in-law. We had a great dinner at Cooper’s Hawk and a nice visit. As always, my two weeks off of work flew by. I ate to much and was spoiled with gifts, but I enjoyed every minute with my family.

See the rest of my pictures from Christmas 2010 on Flickr.

no retreat no surrender

We thoroughly enjoyed our two Thanksgivings again this year. Two tasty turkeys were turned out by my mom and mother-in-law as always! Was it just me, or did the holidays kind of sneak up on us this year?

We also had two other turkeys in the form of my mother-in-law’s cat Oliver and my sister-in-law’s cat Nanaa for entertainment. Last year I had blogged about their interaction (or lack thereof) and this year was no better. Nanaa is getting braver, but not more tolerant of Oliver. It’s always fun to watch them hash it out.

After a fabulous dinner and dessert, we enjoyed the fire and of course, some wine.

Even Oliver enjoyed the fire.

Nanaa preferred to keep to herself so as to stay out of Oliver’s way.

Don’t hide Nanaa!

Later on we played Cranium. Girls against guys. The girls were winning for most of the game, but somehow the guys came back to beat us.

Maybe it was my brother-in-law’s awesome blind-drawing skills.

Then the boys played some ping pong in the basement. Like boys do on Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, Nanaa decided to venture out to the living room hoping that the coast was clear.

Look out behind you Nanaa!

She was not amused.

Eventually, they just ignored each other. They were too tired to strike up a game of clawless-paw batting. (Speaking of which, have you seen this video? Hilarious!)

Too much turkey I think.

Looking forward to the holidays! I better get back to my x-mas shopping. My sister flies in on 12/21!
See the rest of my pictures from Thanksgiving on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “No Surrender” by Bruce Springsteen

well i’m shameless when it comes to loving you

Wedding day!!! It was a gorgeous September day for Kari and Brett to tie the knot.

The bridesmaids started the day by gathering in the bridal apartment to get all dolled up.

The bridal apartment was pretty sweet. It had every amenity imaginable. We had a great time hanging out and getting ready together.

It wouldn’t be a wedding day without a tiny hiccup. And Kari’s came in the form of an unraveled hem at the bottom of her dress. No worries! The Mother of the Bride quickly hemmed it up and it was smooth sailing from then on.

We walked up to the main Bed & Breakfast and took some pictures and waited for the Father of the Bride to greet his daughter. It was a very sweet moment.

After a few more pictures and some anxious waiting, we made our way up to the hill for the ceremony. This is where I had to set my camera down and get in place to walk up the aisle and witness the lovely ceremony!

After the ceremony, the bridal party stayed up on the hill for more pictures, including a few around the hay bales and in the orchard while the wedding guests enjoyed the cocktail hour. When we first arrived at the reception I quickly snapped some shots of some of the details.

The table number cards were labeled with different seasons and years that were significant in Kari and Brett’s relationship. I made them!

The bride hand-stamped each and every placecard.

The centerpieces were made up of wildflowers that we picked the day before.

Kari gave each of the bridesmaids beautiful pearl earrings and necklaces to wear and cute little clutch purses. For her wedding favors, she had many friends and family make homemade candies and chocolates and gave each guest a bag to fill.

Then it was time for introductions! Drew and I did the Carlton dance. It was a last minute decision, but we didn’t look awkward at all… It just, you know, didn’t get photographed. But the bride and groom entered to a boisterous applause!

Then Steve gave a touching speech to kick off the evening.

The bride and groom cut the cake and were very polite about it.

I was lucky enough to sit at the head table with the Bride and Groom, Best Man, Matron of Honor, and these two serious gentlemen.

The Best Man gave a pretty hilarious speech. Although it seemed to embarrass the bride just a bit.

And Annie’s (the Matron of Honor) speech was heartfelt and showed how close she and Kari are as cousins and how many memories they have together.

The Bride and Groom danced their first dance to “Shameless” by Garth Brooks – a song the two have enjoyed together since they were teenagers.

Steve danced with his daugther to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. And yes, I did have to look up the proper spelling his name.

The groom danced with his mom to Rascal Flatt’s “My Wish”.

Later in the evening, we felt it was appropriate to take a few “sexy face” shots. It only took a few tries, but I think we nailed it.

Lots of dancing followed. And Drew got a chance to dance with his sister.

We ended the night by circling around the newlyweds and belting out “Friends in Low Places” as they danced and high-fived everyone.

To cap off a perfect evening, the groom ran and slid across the dance floor on his knees. But not to be outdone by her new husband, Kari kicked off her shoes and did a knee-slide of her own. In her dress. On a dance floor of spilled beer. It was awesome. Unfortunately, I didn’t react fast enough to get it on camera. So it will just have to live on in our minds along with the other great memories we made that night.

Bright and early the next morning, the newlyweds were off to Peru to hike the Inca Trail!

See the rest of my pictures from the wedding on Flickr.

*Blog post title is a lyric from the song “Shameless” by Garth Brooks