5 years old going on 20

Tomorrow is a big day.

5 years ago (in about 5 hours to be exact) my best friends husband called my cell phone at 2 am. It woke up my sleeping sister, my worn out college final taking body and my parents. The ring tone that I set specifically for this moment went off. It was similar to a lullaby, but I knew what it meant. My sleepy body instantly got excited and I answered with anticipation. Vinnie sounded exhausted, but said, "her contractions started, but we're just going to wait it out at home for awhile. We want her to be comfortable while she can. I'll call you when we head to the hospital." I think this was the one time that I've run into my parents bedroom at 2 am and screamed, we're having a baby!!!

Please take note, "we" actually stands for my beautiful best friend and her husband. They were having a baby girl. It was during my winter break my freshman year of college. I was so pumped to be a Tia.

A few hours later I got the call that we were moving to the hospital and that I was to come when I could. At 7am, Bucket and I jumped in the car and drove to the hospital where my Jamie was. She looked tired, excited, and in pain, but seemed to be in good spirits. It wasn't too much longer, after a little bit of pain meds, when we were told to go wait in the hall. I can't tell you how excited we were.... we waited, paced, and finally heard a little cry from inside that room. Mia Lynn Bocardo. My beautiful Mia. She came into this world sharing her emotions with that voice and continues to do it to this day. (however, she has a little more sass now.)

I can't believe that she is turning 5 tomorrow.

That seems too old. I still want to be able to pick her up when she cries, yell at the kids that will be mean to her, and secretly give her treats when she isn't supposed to have them... but let's be honest, I will forever do all of those things as long as she lets me.

My Mia, here's to you. 5 going on 20. Stop growing up and if you wont do that, always let Tia wipe away your tears.

Happy Birthday baby.

Two friends, different countries, and peppermint mocha

One of my dear friends writes a blog.

The Peppermint Mocha Chronicles

~ Experiencing the joys of life...one cup at a time.

One of my dear friends, lives in South Korea.


One day they met up via Skype and had a date. I am super uber jealous of this date, but I love reading about it. :)

Date with Nate.

"She wears a scarf and a smile ...

Some people say we have a strange relationship. I usually talk to my mom in some way or form every day, whether it's through text, a phone call, or email. I've grown up watching her bake in the kitchen, I've sat next to her in the lawn chair while we soak up that beautiful thing called sunshine. We've laughed till we cried and cried till we laugh. I will call her if I dont know the answer and I usually will get a "like" on anything facebook related... (she tends to be a stalker)

Recently my twitter feed has been blown up with this thing called a #ViciousPacman - Friends have asked what it is, others knew and have been an incredible support. In May, mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (or the BC as we call it in our house.) We immediately, or as immediate as it could be, had a plan and had to wait. I can tell you, the waiting game is the worst game ever, but we made it through part of the storm. After rounds of tears, some laughter, a ton of support, a wedding, and chemo we are onto the next step.


Radiation. Today, mom started radiation. One down, Thirty two to go, was what she said to me on the phone tonight. :) 32 to go.




BUT, as frustrating and scary things have been these past few months, some incredible things have happened too. We've had flowers, cards, emails, pre-made dinners, and tons of friends drop by the house as continued support. Unfortunately, with the sisters and I living a few states and towns away we haven't been able to witness it all, but having my mom call and say, "you wont believe..." on the phone, I can feel the love through her voice.

Tonight, after our usual discussion, mom decided to bring up that she got a letter from the hospital where she works today. She tried to remember most of what it said, but the gist of it basically said, "Sandy, there is a fund at the hospital in which employees can nominate or try to help one another out when they are going through something personal. Your coworkers have come together and we are going to support you in this way." This isn't the first time that my mother's coworkers have done something like this over the past few months, but every time something like this happens, my mother is in awe. I can usually hear a few tears in her voice and usually begin to choke up as well.

The best part of the entire letter was the description of my mother from the individuals at work...

"she wears a scarf and a smile and makes sure everyone else is taken care of before herself, so Sandy, take some time for yourself."


Thanks Firelands Dialysis Unit for loving my mom so much. We couldn't have made it to this point without you.
1 down, 32 to go.

wonderful wednesday, favorite things

As I sit here on my Wednesday evening, I'm trying to think of something good to post. Great things happened over this past week. I saw my sisters, best friends, nieces, family. Ate a lot of food, did a lot of early morning shopping and took multiple naps, but I'm still not sure what I want to really focus on. So instead of some wonderful things from the past week, I'm posting some of my favorite things.

So here goes.

1. White Christmas. I love this movie. I grew up with this movie. I fell for the dancing, singing and of course the love story. I usually don't limit myself with a specific number of times I'm allowed to watch this movie, but now that it's close to the Holiday's, I'm prepared to watch it over and over again.



2. A cuppa hot tea on a chilly night. I'm currently drinking a mug of peppermint tea, but last night it was honey vanilla chamomile. I sit with a blanket and hold a cup of tea at the end of the day and it's like instant relaxation.

3. Walking home after a long(ish) day.
I'm super lucky to live .5 miles from my office. I can usually make my morning commute to work in about 2.5 songs on my ipod (depending on how long they are). I really enjoy the walk to work. In the fall, I could step on the leaves as I made my way down the hill. Every morning I get to see progress on a duplex that is being renovated. As important as it is for my morning commute, my evening commute is even more important. It's a time for me to wind down from all of the busy work, wind down from the little things that might drive me crazy, but it allows me to leave work at work... (for the most part)
So, I'm thankful for that half a mile walk home.

4. Gilmore Girls.
End of Story. 7 Seasons of goodness. Mother and Daughter combo. Small town charm. Crazy family drama. What's not to love?!?!




What are some of YOUR favorite things?!?!

wonderful wednesday.

A running list of things I love...

1. letters.
This week, I get to spend each day opening a little letter. It's going to bring a smile to my face.

2. Walking into a house filled with love.
I did that a number of times this week. Joel and I were invited to celebrate my besties new house on Sunday afternoon with a large gathering of people that love the Nitz's. It was so good to see Hannah and Caleb, meet their friends, family and just spend time together. They are amazing people, and their home is beautiful.

Tuesday evening, I left the 'Burgh early and decided to make the drive home. It would give me more time in Clyde to see friends and help mom get the house together. I arrived in Clyde at 10:45pm to find the lights turned off. All of the animals were sleeping along with my parents. However, I noticed that there was a small light coming from a tv in my parents room. I slowly made my way up the stairs to scare the crap out of my father. It was honestly priceless. Even though he was half asleep waiting to find out about the Dancing with the Stars finale, he wanted to show me all of the new things in the house, he wanted to find food for me to eat and wanted to make sure I was comfortable. It was one of the best greetings ever.

Wednesday morning. I have two nieces. They can be angels, monsters, hellains, or the sweetest children ever. I love them. So much. I've helped raise them. Their mommy, is my beautiful best friend. I haven't seen these girls in a few months but they continue to get bigger in each picture I receive. It breaks my heart a little each time. Anyway, I pulled up to their house this morning and opened their back door to be greeted by two dogs and an almost 3 year old who was saying, "Tia, tia. I slept with mommy and daddy last night." I soon look over to see my best friend and her husband with dark circles below their eyes. Yep, she did sleep with mom and dad, but mom and dad didn't sleep very well. :) I think that was my favorite greeting ever. (please note: Mia is holding a picture of her as a baby in a duck costume. When I found this today, I started to cry. True statement. Stop growing up!!!!! PLEASE.)

3. Phone calls from the car.
Last night, I got to catch up with my sister as I made my way back to Clyde. It's amazing to me how relaxing I find driving and chatting. It seems to make my 3.5 hour drive home go that much faster.

4. Black Friday shopping
I dont actually know if this should qualify under wonderful wednesdays. As most of you know, I LOVE my sleep. I NEED sleep. I turn into something horrible without the proper amount of sleep. Ask my mother about the dare lock-in in 6th grade, if you would like a memory of crazy Anna. She get's mean. But once a year, the Pawsey/Berry women take on the morning to go out for bargain deals. HOWEVER, half the time there isn't anything we NEED to shop for. So we just get up early, complain about the cold, get breakfast at mcdonalds and try to keep tabs on our aunt every black friday. So here's to this years black friday.

Here's hoping I'll make it through -- along with everyone else.

wonderful wednesdays. (friday special)

Well crap. I apologize for it being Friday.
I think my Google reminder didn't go off for this week, so I completely forgot about posting. I'm sorry Mom, it will never happen again.

This week was a super super busy one. With a trip to Philly, annual appeal stuffing and a Thanksgiving dinner with the PULSErs, I'm quite surprised that I had time to sleep.


So, I'm going to channel a few friends and their blogs for today's post.

Thanksgiving Dinner according to Sarah , Boyfriend

I flew out to Philly on Monday morning to attend an Americorp session for PULSE. I stayed at a hotel, took the public transportation and made new friends. As I was making my way through the city, I had this strange feeling. I was making it through the city on my own. I was finding my way from point A to point B. I loved it. It made me think about how far I've come since my senior year of college. It's crazy to me how time flies and where one ends up. The conference in Philly went through Thursday, but my time was done after Tuesday Morning. My supervisor and I switched spots and he wrapped up the rest of the week. He's kind of a big deal (he presented at it and all!) But it was a really good way to start a week. I felt accomplished by the time Friday came around, which was a really nice feeling.

So my Wonderful Wednesday post is pretty random this week - - I apologize. :)

But here's to a fun filled weekend and holiday week.

Pinterest.. i love you

Pin.
Like.
Pin.
Like.

That is what happens, every time I log on to pinterest.com

While I was pinning and liking yesterday, I came across this recipe. I want to make these. I remember watching an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay where they were making Chinese Dumplings. I believe I drooled while watching it.

So here's to another recipe that is once again added to my ever growing pile of, "i need to make this."




Mom, can we make these sometime?!?!?!

wonderful wednesdays.

Well, here's to the most wonderful of wonderful wednesdays. This is a recap. A recap of life, love and the past two weekends of traveling. If you stick with me on this post, I thank you. :)

Two weeks ago, was the weekend that I was incredibly nervous about. The boy decided it was a good time to take me back to Ohio, to meet his sisters, mom, step dad, grandma, nieces, and anyone else we could run into within 24 hours. Yes folks, we were only there for 24 hours. I was excited for the ride out. I love driving in a car, I love blasting the music when it's just me and catching up with old friends, however, this was going to be a little different. You see my lovely friends, this was our first long car ride together. I couldn't help but think to myself, will I be able to talk on the phone to an old friend, will we listen to music the whole way, am I going to sit in silence the entire time, or am I going to be ridiculously nervous the entire trip?! Well, it was one of the best trips ever. I've learned a few things since I've started dating this boy...
1. I can sit in silence and be happy with it.
2. I laugh frequently.
3. He has lovely taste in music (even if he hates some of my choices)
4. If someone calls and I want to chat, he is more than willing to let me, he will more than likely join in the conversation :)

So - - the first 4 ish hours, were cake. We talked about work, life, music, sat in silence, took a phone call and then sang away to music. It was the last minor leg of the trip, when I started to get quite. I believe he looked at me and said, "you, okay?" "yep, yep, yep, crap.... what if they don't like me?"

Well ladies and gents, the 24 hours spent in Ohio two weekends ago was awesome. I was welcomed into the house with a belated birthday gift, delicious food, and a night filled with music, games and a family spending time together. It was so good to get away from the city and find myself surrounded by people that are supportive and care about the life that you're living.
I can't wait to spend a longer weekend with them.

After that weekend, I made my way into the next work week with Wedding Weekend anticipation. I was thrilled that we had a relaxing week in Ohio, but the next stop at the end of the tunnel was the official Wedding Weekend. BearPaw Fest 2011, Molly and Alex, Berry/Pawsey, mysistersgettingmarried weekend. I'm not sure which of the following you've heard me say, but I'm sure it was one of those.

This past weekend, I watched my sister marry the man that she loves. I watched her promise to "never stop fighting for them." It was an amazing moment. I watched Alex tear up as she walked down the aisle, I watch my dad hold her hand and kiss her cheek, I watched my mother walk down and light that candle that represents our family, I witnessed my sister and I hold hands and smile as our older sister, our role model, the person that broke up our fights, picked us up when we cried and supported us in every way possible, get married. We were her support this weekend. We fastened her dress, held her flowers, and attached her veil as she made a commitment to love.

So here's to two weeks of wonderful wednesdays, but most of all, here's to love, life, and families.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry, I hope you're enjoying that Georgia weather.

wonderful wednesday. (postponed)

It's officially wedding week - - so wonderful wednesday's are going to be extra wonderful next week.

You should look forward to a recap from a weekend in Ohio and then a weekend in Illinois.


all my love -

wonderful (thursday) wednesday

Oh yikes. I didn't even realize that Wednesday came and went. Once November hits, I want to think life will start to slow down, unfortunately, I don't actually believe that is going to happen. Looks like it's sink or swim, the hell if I'm about to sink.

Some great things happened last week, including the fact that I became 1 year older. With birthday celebrations, music, friends, drinks, and lovely fall weather, my busy life didn't seem too crazy.



1. I love getting mail from best friends... it is one of my favorite things. Thanks M.E.H



2. If you've come to Pittsburgh to visit me, I've probably taken you to Smiling Banana Leaf to eat. It's one of my favorite places in the city. It's BYOB, which is a popular thing in the 'Burgh, so celebrating me turning 24, sitting down with the boy for dinner at Smiling Banana Leaf was the best thing ever!




3. Apple Pie Cookies. Delicious. Absolutely delicious. Who wouldn't want to eat a personal baby pie cookie? Who wouldn't want their kitchen to smell like the night before Thanksgiving, who wouldn't want to share this with other people --- (well, i HAD to.) Honestly, I didn't want to. I wanted to hide them in my house and just eat the lovely little apple pie cookies myself, but I made an agreement in April. Darn commitment to my dessert of the month buyer.
Thanks to Smitten Kitchen for this ah-mazing recipe.

And you're welcome for giving it to you!!





4. Wedding shoes.

I know you're saying, "blah blah, Anna, we are tired of hearing about your stinkin sister's wedding." Well - after next week i'll be done... well, probably not, but it wont be as frequent. Anyway-- my sister is super great and told us we could wear whatever shoes we wanted as long as they were orange. I sent her an email, I wanted shoes with the merlot and orange color.... her response, "baby, you can do whatever you want."

Score.

With the help of Kelly Ann Tobias and the support of Jenna Sue Vanden Brink, my lovely lovely friends, we took on a project of dyeing shoes.

The transformation of the plain white shoes was incredible. It's art. I almost don't want to wear them, but I'm PUMPED to show them off!!!




(you should ignore the blue tape, we were being responsible and didn't want to make a mess!)


So here's to yet another wonderful (thursday) wednesday!!

Lord Help the Mister...

Sisters
Sisters
There were never such devoted sisters



Never had to have a chaperon "No, sir"
I'm there to keep my eye on her



Caring
Sharing
Every little thing that we are wearing

When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome
She wore the dress and I stayed home

All kinds of weather
We stick together
The same in the rain or sun
Two different faces
But in tight places
We think and we act as one



Those who've
Seen us
Know that not a thing could come between us



Many men have tried to split us up but no one can
Lord help the mister
Who comes between me and my sister
And Lord help the sister
Who comes between me and my man




There are moments in my life when these two beautiful women are the only people that make things better. They are the only two people that can answer the random questions that I have. They have been my best friends and my worst enemy. I've cried, hit, yelled, and ran into their arms. We have had our separate lives in different states with different people, but we have always been a phone call, email or text away.

In 2 weeks, two of us will be driving 7 hours to the state of Illinois to celebrate one in a brand new way. With our Merlot dresses, orange shoes and plenty of tissues, we will be standing up next to our sister watching and supporting her in a new promise of love. Watching and crying and laughing and dancing with her as she becomes a Berry.


"Sisters, Sisters, There were never such devoted sisters"

Becoming Berry: The Unbachelorette and Unbachelor Party Weekend

Apparently I steal my sister's blogs all the time...
1. because she writes beautifully.
2. I usually have taken part in the things that I re-post. (except the dog in the vent story)

Buttttttt --

Here's to a Very Merry Unbachelorette/Bachelor Party!
Becoming Berry: The Unbachelorette and Unbachelor Party Weekend: My friend and colleague Danielle asked me if I was having a bachelorette party a few weeks ago. "Sort of," I replied. "AHB and I are goin...

wonderful wednesday.

1. I spent last weekend in the windy city. Yep, that's right. Chicago.
The city of Oprah, the city of shopping (or at least a mile of it), that Chicago style pizza and according to a sign, the City of Bridges? What the CRAP!?! Lies, Chicago, Lies. (after reading to the bottom of the false marketing material, they are the city of MOVABLE bridges?)

Anyway, I was in Chicago to celebrate the Unbachelorette/bachelor party for Molly and AHB. IT WAS AWESOME. A weekend filled with my sisters, her friends, Chicago, delicious food, laughter, and love. I'm a sucker for love.

Whether we were walking the city, laughing on the train, singing in the car, or dancing at a piano bar, my weekend was awesome. (and a little exhausting)


So my lovely friends, here are pictures from my rockin weekend.





One of my favorite pictures from the weekend.... AHB falling asleep on the train - - We walked him to death.




Our drink at the Piano Bar in Chicago -- Howl at the Moon. What an awesome evening!









Chicago, I loved you. You were beautiful with perfect weather for having an Unbachelorette Party.

We are officially starting a countdown for the wedding....
2 weeks from today I will be on the road heading to Columbus for our first stop before Illinois.

wonderful wednesdays.

Wellllll Hello Ladies and Gents!

I hope you are all slowly but surely making it through this week in October. I continue to question what day of the week it is. Partially because I've been so busy the past two days and partially because I keep praying that someone is going to say it's finally Friday. Alas, it turns out to be Wednesday. Which means that I get to also post about things that are wonderful. :) I'm really becoming fond of Wednesday's because of these posts.

This past weekend was one that I needed. It was my only weekend in October where nothing was scheduled. Nothing was on the calendar, nothing was causing me to leave the city. It was a weekend of free time and fun. I was looking forward to sleeping in, looking forward to cooking in my kitchen, looking forward to spending time with friends and then also just sitting on the couch with some football. There were plenty of highlights from the weekend, but one that I loved was sitting on the couch Friday night watching a movie that my sister has been telling me to watch forever and one that Beatle loves. Across the Universe. Such good music.
My weekend was amazing, it was very much needed.

As much as I loved the weekend, Monday evening, I got the opportunity to travel to Cleveland, Ohio to recruit for PULSE at a University. The recruiting went swimmingly, but my favorite part was then jumping in a car and driving 45 minutes to my lovely Hannah's home. You see, Hannah and I met my very first day at Bluffton. She was placed in the room next to me and we've been friends ever since. Hannah married her love August of last year and they just purchased a home in Akron. Oh My Word. It was the best house ever. There are 3 bedrooms, the most beautiful kitchen, back porch, yard.... gahhhh I could just rave about it. I literally squealed and jumped up and down! :)




After my lovely stay with my bestie, I drove to another University and then back to Pittsburgh. There are so many times, when I find myself driving back to the 'Burgh from a few days away, I find myself breathing a sigh of relief when I see the skyline. I smile when I see familiar sites. I think that I get that from my mother. She would always turn the corner of our block the day after vacation ends, and say... "oh good, the house is still there."
So Pittsburgh, I'm always happy to see that you are still here waiting for me when I drive through that lovely tunnel.


And finally, last night I had the opportunity to be a part of an event that I was thrilled to be apart of.

Propelle.
"Helping women entrepreneurs take flight."

The event was a hit and I hope that you take a look at their site. Three incredible women with one big idea!



So here's to yet another Wonderful Wednesday.

Becoming Berry: Broaches from Days Past

Today's post is stolen from my sister's blog.

I loved it.... and her.

Becoming Berry: Broaches from Days Past: Well, hello less than 30 days away. Good to see you. The past few weeks have been full of fun things. I told my friend that it feels like ...

wonderful wednesday.

goooooood morning friends.

It's a wonderful wednesday post coming your way. I feel like I'm holding strong to this idea of posting on Wednesdays. Go me!

Exciting things that happened this past week...

1. October happened. Hello, beautiful fall. I am only a little angry at the fact it went down to low 50s if not 40s in the past few days. That was not fall weather. No thank you. I do not want to turn on our heat yet, but I think hiding under the covers all day isn't acceptable in my office.

2. October happened, which also means Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I loved turning on the tv Sunday and seeing pink running around the football field. I also love Yoplait and Dannon for that reason too.

Thanks for fighting this battle with us.


3. My sister was showered in love this weekend.... she is also 1 month away from marrying AHB. I made her wear a crown and sash around our house on Friday night... She wasn't a fan of it! I was just doing my job... MOH duties


4. I spent Saturday night sitting on a couch with a glass of this delicious stuff..

chatting with my sisters and dear friend Mel. We got to talk about all things wedding.

5. Finally... to go along with a previous post, Bennett has arrived in the BSP2 household. We will see how long he lasts, but we (or maybe just me) are excited to love on him for a while.





Enjoy your wednesday.

thankful.

so i'm pumped to post my wonderful wednesday tomorrow, but because I saw my sisters this weekend, because I fell asleep on my mom's lap, and because I'm emotional from lack of sleep I'm going to post what I'm thankful for at this very moment.

I'm thankful that even though she can't taste anything but "sludge", chemo can be part of the cure for her.

I'm thankful for a boss that let's me turn on a space heater, even though I think he isn't really cold.

I'm thankful for the boy's reasoning.

I'm thankful for the women of #BSP2 (why did i just use a hashtag? no clue).

I guess that after a weekend filled with showering people in love, it's pretty good to see the blessings around you.

Bennett.

Night One:
Terrible. Awful. Exhausting. Sleepless.

You all should know that my sister is getting married. It's been basically all I've talked about for the past billion blogs. My future BIL is a great guy. Quite funny, quiet, and loves my sister. They are a pretty good pair. Anyway, Molls has had her cat Bennett for if I'm counting correctly about 5 years?! We love Bennett, I've always wanted him to snuggle when I would travel to her, etc. It was always this lovely relationship we had. Well, Molls decided to marry the love of her life, who also happens to be allergic to Molly's lovely Bennett. So, the agreement actually happened last October over the phone. It went something like this...

M:"Bug, I have something important to ask you."
A:"Shoot."
M:"I love Alex and to continue to love him, I need him to be able to breathe."
A:"Yes, that would be helpful..."
M:"Will you love Bennett forever and let him live with you when you are done with PULSE?"


Well.... last night was Bennett's first night in the BSP2 house. The car ride to the "Burgh wasn't bad, and getting him all set up was even easier. He followed me like a puppy through the house, but it was after that when everything happened.

You see, Bennett is use to a house full of other animals. He had multiple kittens around to be grouchy too or a dog to smack. At this house, I think he was lonely. I left my bedroom door ajar and had guided Bennett up to 3rd floor multiple times so he knew where I was, however, most of my sleepless night was spent trying to coax him up the stairs, or was spent hiding under the covers because I just wanted sleep.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep my lovely Bennett from not screaming in the middle of the night?
(I'm pretty sure I mumbled something about never having kids last night.....)

Oh and a shout out to my mother, who has trained Bennett to wake up at 5:15am for his usual morning treat before she goes to work. I have no treats in this house yet and am sure in hell not getting up at 5:15am just to give him one.

Happy sleepless Monday.

wonderful wednesdays.

week two.

A lot has happened within the last week. I'm excited to tell you all about it.

One of my housemates from last year walked down the aisle with her family and committed her life to her best friend. Committed herself to loving him forever. A^2. I love A^2. Andrea and Aaron Yutzy. Congratulations my dear dear friends.



They had the coolest guest book... and also every person's fingerprint that attended the wedding. Yutzy's you better not try and frame us all for murder with those prints.




We also got to see how beautiful Harrisonburg, Va is and eat their delicious food. Thank you Clementine Cafe for your Sunday Morning Brunch.






and because they got married in Virginia, I was able to take beautiful pictures of the sun shining in the blue sky in Sunday afternoon.




Aside from all of the lovely things that happened, something not lovely also happened. The Steelers won. It was a Sunday Night game and the Colt's were soooo close. So Damn Close. See how scared Maggie was in her Steeler's Jersey?!?! Can't you feel her freaking out?!



Unfortunately, the Steelers pulled through and Maggie was able to do her victory dance this week.


---

This weekend, I get to see my sisters, hug my mom, laugh with my aunt, and celebrate with the amazing women that have taught me how to love.

I can't wait to post pictures from this weekend.

Bridal Shower

My sister is getting married. Many of you know this. Many of you, I hope have read some of her blogs about her life with AHB and their puppies.

This coming weekend, I get to celebrate her. I'm pumped. Seriously, so excited to see her. Shower her with every ounce of love I have and watch her smile like a fool, because she's been doing that since she's met AHB.

Here's to you my lovely sister! I adore you and so incredibly happy for you and the future brother!

A night of wine and chocolate.

Living with roommates is the coolest thing ever.

They are there to hug you when your days are crap.

Celebrate in your success with good music.

There to tell a good story when you need to smile.

There to pour a glass of wine, water, tea, coffee, beer, soda, etc. when you just want to sit.




Roommates are the coolest.... or am I just one of the lucky ones?

wonderful wednesday.

One of my favorite food blogs, How Sweet It Is, author Jessica will frequently post Tuesday Things. I love this. It's a time for her to post pictures from her weekend, of her beautiful dog, and anything delicious that she's made the past week.

Well... I'm going to ATTEMPT, please notice how I say attempt, to post something similar. It might be pictures, or funny stories, or lovely features from people like Jessica. There will be plenty of times where I will forget, but Mom, as my reader - - please remind me.

So-- here are my wonderful wednesday's.

I got to spend a 4 day weekend away with my sister.

Isn't she lovely?!


We went Mother of the Bride dress shopping with my momma...

unfortunately we had very little luck, but she looks beautiful right?!



I did a lot of driving. It's one of my favorite things to do. Just drive - or have someone drive and let me watch the world fly by.





We got our sister's wedding invite in the mail this weekend. It is honestly the most beautiful invitation I've ever seen. So classy -- just like her.


I also got picture updates from our church retreat being held back in the 'Burgh this weekend. My lovely friends are super talented...
I kinda like the one on the right ;)




Over all, the weekend was well worth the early Megabus ticket to get there. There is just something about being with the people you love that can make everything better.

All my love-
Anna