A Match Made In Puerto Rico

We are off celebrating the wedding of my best friend, Jennifer to my hubs' cousin, Tim!!

It all began six years back, when Hubs (then fiance) and I, began planning our destination wedding... we also began planning who we could set up with who.  And our immediate thinking was his "best man" and my "maid of honor."   We weren't even "quiet" about it either, we were all "HEY! Got someone perfect for you!"  Yeah, we didn't make it awkward at all. LOL.

In October of 2009, we all packed it up and headed down to Puerto Rico for the big day/weekend, and, to make a long story short... they were inseparable... from day one.

They just clicked.

It didn't matter that they lived in different states.  That they didn't no what the future held.  They just followed their hearts...

...which led her to moving to a new state.

...both finding new jobs.

...to her finally becoming dog person.

...to them both finding the loves of their lives.

...to their wedding day...

which is today!!!

I can't say that I knew that day in Puerto Rico would lead to this, but I sure am happy it did!  In a few short hours, my best friend of 24+ years, becomes my family... legally!!

MORE importantly, I have never seen either of them as happy as they are when they are together.

Jen and Tim, we wish you many, many, many years of love, happiness, friendship, and blessings!!  Enjoy every second of the day, and make sure to take a minute, just you two, and appreciate the amazing thing that you guys put together.  Can't wait to party with you!

Here's a pic of them on their first "date" :

And here they are last night at their rehearsal dinner.

Let the fun begin ;)

What A Strange Milestone.

At first, I had a completely different post written for this day.  A sad and somber post, about how much I miss my Pop on his first birthday in Heaven.  But, if he were here, he would have quickly said, "Cut the shit, Sammy.  Now, let's go to AC and win some money!" And that's the honest truth.

So instead of sulking, I'm celebrating.

My Pop had an amazing life.  Of course a life still filled with trials and tribulations, but a life that many would envy.  He had an infectious laugh and smile.  He knew how to put a positive spin on everything all while teaching you a life lesson.  He had a huge heart.  He gave everyone second chances. And he loved to have fun.

I could go on and on about how amazing he is, but for anyone that knew him, they already know how great he is.

So, maybe today, instead of us being down that he isn't here, let's celebrate for him... because, let's face it, he's up there having a big ole' party himself :)

Pop, I do miss you.  We all do.  But today, I'm gonna do it your way... the Pop way.

Happy Birthday, Pop-Pop!  I miss those wrinkly hands! Love you SO much!

The Best Kind Of Surprise.

One January morning, four girls (who've known each other since before they knew how to walk in heels), sat down to a very Sex and the City breakfast to catch up on each others lives.  And that morning, our lives were all changed when a pair of tiny little Uggs sent straight from Australia were placed on the table.

We SHRIEKED!

Another little one to add to our clan.  The joy was overwhelming... except for one little tidbit.  Baby's Auntie would not get to enjoy any of the pregnancy.  She would be away "Down Under" until after the due date.  And we all saw the hurt in Momma's eyes.

THAT day, we went home and the planning began.

A surprise shower.

With a surprise guest.

The next few months flew by, and before we knew it, the big day was here... and she had no idea.

The day was amazing, the plan...perfect.

Here are some pics from my best friend's baby shower, and the most heartwarming reuniting of sisters I think that I will ever encounter.

Now we wait for Baby Harrison's arrival... :)

  

Wreck-It-Ralph, Baby Jesus, Wake Up Calls, and a Life Vest

Linking up with Melissa today :)

Every since Christmas, Gwen has called every book she has about God, The Bible, Jesus, etc., "The Baby Jesus book."  "Baby Jesus" for short.  And the way she says it, is oh so cute.  The other morning, she woke up and was calling Jason, "Daaaad, c'meeeeereee.  I GOTTA find Baby Jesus!"  I died.

It's been no secret that Wreck-It Ralph has taken over our household, but lately we have even taken it into the public.  After checking out of places like the grocery store, I usually tell Gwen to say goodbye to whomever has helped us at check out, especially if they were sweet and engaged conversation with her.  And what does my daughter say, "BYE!  SEE YOU LATER! GOING TO LISTEN TO WRECK-IT RALPH!"  Although, I know what she is saying, to them it sounds like "BYYEEE DLJFEWPTUSGLJSLEJT'IAGU;LTHL'ATUPGUPU!"  So, the look on there face is one of those "Oh-kaaaaaay."  But they giggle, as do I, and they appreciate the acknowledgement.

The other morning, I picked Gwen up out of bed and brought her into our room to lay with us, as it was still a little early.  Jason was still sort of sleeping and had his back to us trying to catch a few extra minutes.  Well, she wasn't fond of that one.  She poked him in the back and said, "Good MORNING, Dad!  It's ME, Gwen!"  Hey, my girl knows how to make an entrance.

Yesterday was a decently nice day out, just a little brisk in the morning, so when left the house early, I figured that a vest would be fine for her.  As I was zipping her up she asked, "Mom, go on boat?!?"  At first, I couldn't figure out why she would say that, but then I realized, she actually remembered going on her Grandma & Grandpa and Gigi's boats.  And that she had to wear a life vest!  How crazy!?!  I laughed and said, "No, baby, no boat today... soon though." Love my smart little cookie!

Hope you all have a fabulous Saturday!

Finish the Sentence...

I am linking up with Holly and Jake today!

1. I laughed so hard I cry when... ever someone falls. I can't help it. I can't even muffle it while I ask them if they need any help. They must hate it, but I have no control over it. 

2. My high school... has gone to shit.  I didn't think that it was bad when I was there, but some of the stories that I hear these days are sad and sickening.

3. It really pisses me off... when I see "Baby On Board"  signs on cars... and I don't know why.  I just hate them.  I will never use one, or give one as a gift.  Sorry.

4. In ten years... Gwen will be almost 13.  Holy crap! Hopefully, my boobs will still be perky (even if I must seek a little "help"), I'll have another child, still be partly sane, and loving life just as much as I am now.

5. If I could erase one thing... it would be the mullet hair cut that my mom made me get in the 2nd - 3rd grade.  It's painful to look at... sorry ma!

6. In 1999... I was 15, and my husband was 21. Creepy, then. Fine, now.

7. Honestly... I have an awful memory.  Like, I should probably write things... wait, what was I saying?!?  Just kidding, but really, I should utilize Siri more often.

8. To me, Sushi... is divine.  I could eat it every day.  And I can't stand the people that go "Ewww, Sushi." Especially because most have probably never tried it. Quit being babies, just go for it.

9. Someone really needs to invent... a telephone in Heaven so I could talk to my Pop and all the others who aren't here with us anymore.  

10. The first time I drank alcohol... was the beginning of the end ;)  

11. The one question I would ask God is... you didn't see that, right?  I kid.  I would probably ask if I could see my loved ones.  Or if I was a good mom.  

12. Lindsay Lohan... is a really great role model for young girls, bahahahahaha.  She's an effin' train wreck, and I hate that we even talk about her and give her the attention she is so whoring herself out for.

Bachelorette Party.

This past weekend was amazing!  Relaxing, fun, much needed and... I made it past one am!  Lol.  I love my girls, and it's not often that we all get to get together like we did, which makes it even more memorable.  Not to mention, we always have a good time in Atlantic City together! We had a spa day (manis and makeup).  We got all prettied up.  We had a delish meal.  And then we danced and drank our asses off.  I loved every second of it, and I just hope that the bride-to-be had the greatest night!

Some pics. (If you follow me on IG, you've seen some of these already.)

Our view, so gorgeous!

Survival kits, jello shots, snacks, and booze, oh my!

Selfie sent to the Hubs during dinner.

Cousins!

Besties since Kindergarten!

With the bride :)

OF COURSE I missed my little family and couldn't wait to see them, but it was nice to hang with my girls.

Only 10 more days until the big day!!!! Ahhh!  Can't wait!

Friday's Letters

Dear Gwen,  I am going to miss you so much this weekend!  I love you so much and will be thinking of you and Daddy while I am gone.  Make sure that you and Daddy have a ton of fun!

Dear Hubs,  Although I know that I don't need to say this, take care of our girl.  Don't give her too much candy or let her stay up too late. {that I DO have to say lol} Have fun.  And know that I love you so much.

Dear Jennifer,  I cannot wait for tomorrow to be here and to celebrate your "last night of freedom"!!!  We are going to have so much fun!!!!!

Dear Bridesmaids and other attendees,  Let's party!!!

Dear Mam-Mom,  Thank you for all of your help this week, and always.  My dress looks great, and it's all because of you!

Dear Weather,  Make up your mind.  Actually, let me make it up for you.  No more temperature drops.  Relax with the rain. 70's would be cool.  Thanks.

Dear Saturday Night, No pressure here, but I am expecting you to be nothing short of epic, just sayin'.

Dear Atlantic City,  Brace yourself.  We're comin' for ya.