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!