How does your garden grow?

Mine is doing alright so far. I give myself an A for effort but I'm definitely a novice at this. Here are some pictures of the variety of flowers I've planted this year. I love how people walk by and go, "Oooh, now that's a cute house" and then they point at the pretty flowers. It's not only enjoyable for me to look at but for others too! I'm all for keeping the neighborhood lookin' good!

Happy Birthday Tash!

Hip Hip Hoo-ray, it's Tasha's birthday today! For those of you who don't know her, she is my beautiful, lovely sister in law, Mark's wife. Hope it's a great one. Love you!!!!!!!

Tasty!

Tonight we went to the Bonefish Grill for dinner. It was amazing, the food was so yummy! My parents took Jamey and I, my brother Mark and his wife Natasha out for a special treat. We had such a nice time, I am still in "food coma mode" and am having fun reminiscing our great conversation and fun evening. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful time...it meant a lot!

Memorial Day Weekend

Here of some pictures of the Belfast crew (neighbors) having some fun and enjoying the beautiful weather on Sunday!

Jeff and Jamey

Jill and her son Ian and Kyle

The guys playing a washer game

John and Becky

Anna being lured by "Free Candy" being offered. No really, this man was cruising the neighborhood for appliances out by the curb. It was a little weird.

Abby (Jeff & Anna's dog)

Kyle (Jeff & Anna's son)

Anna & Rachel

Brickwork

I haven't posted in awhile, so let me attempt to get back into the blogging thing. To be quite honest, I have bookmarked so many other people's blogs as favorites that I spend more of my time catching up on everyone else's life, vs. capturing the great moments of my own. So, I am going to make an honest attempt to make a blogger comeback, if there is such a thing!

The latest update at the home front has been some landscaping. While I transplanted lavender bushes and hosta plants, Jamey layed brick on either side of the steps at the side door. It looks

amazing and is so much better than the mess that was there in which inevitably turned into a mud pit whenever it rained. It looks amazing, he spent a lot of time working on it. Here's a picture of the work! The job isn't finished yet. We're going to extend the brick and make a nice brick patio and walkway into the backyard. I can't wait, it'll be such a nice relaxing place to chill out!

The Date Has Been Set

The planning has begun, and we've set a wedding date, Saturday, October 18, 2008. These past two weeks have involved a lot but I'm having so much fun with all of the planning. This past weekend my Mom, good friend Stacey and I hit the bridal shops and I swear I tried on about 40 dresses. Wow, is all I can say. It was an experience in its own, but I loved every stinking minute of it. Now I have to narrow down my top picks. It was a riot, everything from the 40 hook push up bras they provided (can I get some help with this thing please?), to getting lost in the dress while trying to get it off and get the next one on, to coming out for a "what do you think of this one" as we laughed our butts off at some not so pretty moments. At one point I realized I was working up quite the sweat when I decided to utilize the complimentary body spray in the dressing room on my underarms. The pure stinging sensation I proceeded to have for about the next 10 minutes was just another addition to the crazy day it was. We broke for lunch and fueled up for the next shop. All in all it was a great day and now I must make a decision and pick the dress I will look so forward to wear for the next 6 and 1/2 months on the most special day. Oh yeah, I just realized that the 18th of Oct. is Sweetest Day too....awwwww!!!!!!

In addition to the dress, we have been so blessed with some of the connections we have been able to utilize. The church, reception site, suggested photographers and florists, just to name a few. It's one thing to get a good recommendation on something but another when things just seem to fall into place. A big shout out to my fam for all of their help and support so far.

I'll keep you posted on the going ons and hope that this finds everyone well.

YES!!!!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted but I have the best news.........Jamey and I are engaged!!! It's such a happy time and we're ecstatic about it. The proposal was beautiful and I'm literally on cloud ten if there is one. We're working on a date and will keep everyone posted.

Knowing that I'm going to marry the love of my life and best friend is just the most amazing feeling. Beyond this state of pure joy I realize there is so much to do but for now I am just going to cherish this state of bliss. I'm posting a picture of my new *bling* too, since a girl has to show that off!