The LAST Night...

Tonight is the last night Alex and I will be "single" people...tomorrow is the big day and we are so excited! Thanks to everyone for all your love, support, advice and help!

First comes love...

Then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage. Today we visited a close friend of mine, Jen, and her husband Adam and their newborn daughter, Rubie Ann! Rubie was born on Tuesday, October 14th (she was due on Nov. 6th), and even though she arrived early, both she and mom are doing great. It's so crazy that I finally got to meet the little person that had been growing inside Jen's tummy...and when we were at work Jen would let me feel her push and move around, what a miracle. Rubie is such a doll, I can't wait to watch her grow! This is also GREAT birth control, as Alex and I both agreed that we definitely are not ready for kids yet! That's the great thing about working with kids and having many friends with babies...you can still enjoy and spoil them without having to be the responsible parents! :) Besides, we already have our hands full with our 2 furry boys...

Jen and I with Baby Rubie!

My dad, stepmom and brother came up from Bend for the weekend (last weekend). We went out to the Grand Lodge so they could see the wedding site! We were able to walk through the cottage and take some pictures. So far, we've pretty much got all the planning finished...now we just have to worry about paying for it! We have been very fortunate to have our parents contribute to the cost of the wedding, we thank you and love you. Here are a few pictures of the Grand Lodge.

The front of the Children's Cottage

My brother Nick playing bartender inside the cottage

The ceremony room, we will be married in front of the fireplace

Some special shout outs!

• Alex's lifelong best friend (and best man), Lee, and his wife Kim welcomed their first child, Ethan Ransom, into the world on Tuesday, October 14th! Everyone is doing great, congrats you guys, we can't wait to meet your little boy!
• One of Alex's brothers is going through some tough times in his life and marriage...our thoughts and prayers are with you.
• Alex has reached ONE MONTH without smoking, yeah baby! Thanks everyone for the encouragement.
• There are a million (or so it seems) birthdays coming up! So, happy birthday to:
  Mema, my grandma, Oct. 25th
  Elizabeth, my student, Oct. 28th
  Alex, my fiance :), Oct. 28th
  Lisa, my chica, Oct. 29th
  Me, myself and I, Nov. 1st
  Delani, my mom, Nov. 4th
  Shelly, Alex's mom, Nov. 13th
  Mike, my student, Nov. 14th
  Jen, friend/new mommy, Nov. 15th
  Anna, Alex's niece, Nov. 30th
  Nancy, my friend, Nov. 30th

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.