October

So weird to think October is a day away. We had beautiful weather (almost 90 degrees, right?) today in Portland...it made me forget that my favorite time of year is approaching. I can't wait to get all of our Halloween decorations out and decorate the house. It's probably one of my favorite things I did growing up...my mom and I would get all the decorations out and spend at least a couple hours finding the perfect spot to hang up our monster pictures, which ones belonged down the hallway and how we could position them just right so it looked like they were watching your every move (I still don't like the vampire face, Mom). Such fun memories! I remember the first Halloween Alex and I spent together, he came home to find ghosts with streamers hanging in the doorways and spider webs covering the mantle. He thought it was pretty silly, but it's grown on him and now he enjoys going to the store and looking at all the fun and scary decorations. Anyone dressing up for Halloween or going to a party? Let us know if there's something fun going on!

Yesterday, we went to a friend's (and client of mine) house to watch the Charger game. It was a slow start, but in the end we beat the Raiders by 10 points! Thanks Brad and Tammy, we had a great time...next game is on us, ok?

Wedding planning is in full gear. We went cake tasting, bought Alex's outfit and ring this weekend. We go out to the Grand Lodge next week to decide on a menu and layout of the site. If you haven't returned your RSVP cards yet, please do so! We need a head count by the end of this week, so if you can or can't make it, please return the cards or email us...thanks! Again, a big THANK YOU to everyone who has offered to help us plan for the wedding (or heard me stress over it). We are so thankful and blessed to have family and friends who love us! I never thought I would lose sleep over invitations...crazy!!!

Thanks Meredith for the bakery recommendation, we went to Beaverton Bakery to sample some cakes...delicious! Also, a quick note to my grandma, Mema (her name is Donna, I've always called her my Mema), I'm thinking about you and I hope you are feeling better and getting some sleep, hugs and kisses!

Chargers Baby!

FINALLY our team, the San Diego Chargers, won a game against the NY Jets in Monday night football!!! Hopefully they can keep all their players healthy and injury free this season so they can make it to the Super Bowl. Alex and I were cheering (and some screaming) at our tv tonight...some day we will make it to a game! Go Chargers...oh yeah...uh huh...(doing my victory dance) :)

Also, I would like to apologize to one of my co-workers and friend, Tasha, who is also helping plan my bachelorette party. I didn't include her name on my first blog, so sorry! She and her husband are two of the nicest people anyone can meet and I am so thankful to have her as a friend. Thanks so much Tasha...I'm in need for a girl's night, so spread the word!

PS...Chargers rock.

Fall is here

Hi everyone. Alex and I decided to set up a blog spot so we can let friends and family know what we are up to. We've both been super busy with work and wedding planning, so we haven't been able to keep in contact with everyone as much as we'd like to. Today is a cloudy, cold and rainy day in Portland, so I figured it was a nice time to relax on the couch with a blanket and start our blog. Hopefully we will be able to post something once a week. As most of you know, we are now getting married in Forest Grove, Oregon at McMenamin's Grand Lodge on November 22nd. We were supposed to get married in Hawaii, but unfortunately timeshares fell through for family and it is just way too expensive for hotel rooms. Alex and I are really excited that all of our friends and family will be able to celebrate with us on our special day. Also, we are both so THANKFUL for everyone who has offered to help us with wedding and party planning. My friends Sara and Amy are planning a bachelorette party (which I've already tried to get info from Alex and his lips are sealed...), and my grandma (Mema) is planning a bridal shower, so an extra THANK YOU (with a hug and kiss) to you ladies. I have my dress, shoes, rings and I just bought our decorations at Ikea today with the help of my very artsy and talented BFF (Maid of Honor) Lindsey. If anyone has recommendations on a bakery for a cake, we'd love to hear them!

Is today the first day of fall? It sure feels like it! Today is Alex's quit date to stop smoking! He has tried several times before, but his doctor prescribed Chantix to him and for once he feels confident enough to quit. He hasn't smoked all day, I am so proud of him. I told him it would be an extra challenge to quit during football season (especially since our Chargers are having a tough time winning a game), but hopefully with the help of the medication he's on, he will be successful. He can use all the support he can get, so please feel free to comment on our blog spot or send him a text to keep him motivated!

As far as everything else goes, Alex and I (and the doggies) are doing fine. I've started working at a pre-school (Young Learners) a few mornings a week in addition to my 1:1 ABA Therapy sessions at Building Bridges. I assist in a pre-k class of 19 students and I am having a blast. I adore the kids and am learning so much from the teacher. My new fall schedule with Building Bridges is going well. I've been working with most of my kids for the last 2 years and it's so exciting and rewarding to see how much progress each one has made and to be a part of their journey. The kids and their families are amazing, and in a way I feel like they are a part of my extended family :) Well...I should get off here and prepare myself for the next work week. Alex and I thank you for taking the time to read this, we hope you enjoyed it and check back here often for updates and pictures!