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 this last month is completely taken up by wedding things...oh, and we have to work too. :) Every weekend something new is happening, or someone is coming to visit. It's the best month ever, but we are both aware it is going to go faster than anticipated.

I can't describe the excitement every single time I see one of our little RSVP cards come in the mail. We rotate every day who gets to open them...which KILLS me since I am the one who gets the mail! On his days it sits on my desk at work, taunting me to open and reseal by the time I get home. But, we both love mail, so I didn't want to hog all of the joy. And if it wasn't good enough to get the RSVPs, this whole gift-through-mail concept is so fun! A package? For me?? (And after I resist EVERYTHING in my being not to open it in my office!) We really enjoy coming home at the end of the day and seeing what the mail has brought us today. Every "Yes" to the wedding, is more excitement for us. Thanks for wanting to spend the day with us!

I was really fortunate over the last few weeks to have the most amazing women in my life. Women who asked, "Can I throw you a shower?" and went to work happily planning a really wonderful setting for family and friends to reconnect. A very huge thank you to Karen Hoy and Katie, Anna, Melissa, and Abby for planning two wonerful showers. One was in Decatur at First Lutheran Church, and the other was at home sponsored by the Ohio bridesmaids in Clyde.

Karen threw a Pampered Chef shower and we had so much fun. I was blessed to be in the company of most of the wonderful women in AHB's family and my mom. Does anything get better than this? We had so much fun talking about him, and eating. Best way to spend the afternoon. :) I can't thank Karen Hoy enough for hosting the most perfect event for my two families to join in. We had such a wonderful time! The women at the party got to sign and write messages on two aprons for AHB and I. Many were well wishes about cooking together and having a life full of fun in the kitchen. One message said "I hope there will be a few buns in the oven soon!" And once my mom anounced to the party that she was praying for failed birth control, we lost all control of the event. :) My mom had so much fun with these women. She looked at me on the way home and said, "Oh you are going to fit right in with his family." And I do.
Here are a few pictures we have from the afternoon.

The Clyde shower was 100% a secret. I knew the date and time but nothing else. I LOVE surprises, so this was such a fun game for me. Not knowing the location, my sisters picked me up at 12:30pm, after being gone setting up for hours. It was a bitter 50 degrees in Ohio that weekend (which is shocking since it is 82 here today...) so all plans for an outside event were ruined. But, they picked me up and we headed down the road, the whole time quizzing me about where I thought we were going. After failed guesses, and intentional back street driving just to confuse Molly, we pulled into the Elisa Ramsey home, which is 2 blocks from my house and used to be an old assisted living for women, before such a thing existed through the state. It is a beautiful structure which is now used for Hospice Offices for nurses. Mom's dear friend Pam Fritz works there, and let us use the space for the afternoon. Outside of it being beautiful, and warm, and perfect for this venue, it is also haunted! Which AHB would absolutely appreciate!

We had a great afternoon. One of the most touching experiences was a gift my sisters, mom, and aunt helped to create. The Broach Bouquet. This is trend starting to appear in the wedding circut. Many brides are carring bouquets made of broaches instead of flowers. As soon as I saw it I started to cry because these broaches were taken from very strong women in my life, (many who are no longer living) and their mothers, and sisters, and friends. All sending love and support. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Hands down.

Once I pulled it together, we passed it around and let people see the craftsmanship for the piece. Beautiful. So, we have decided to carry it in the rehersal, but have it displayed at the wedding. You have to come and take a peak at it!

We have one more shower this weekend given by my Decatur family at Millikin. :) This one is sure to be a bit spicier. I'll try to have pictures from this one as well.

Can't wait to see you.
I would ask AHB if he has anything to add, but he is still in bed. Lazy. Bones.

mmp