The Heat Is On

As the weather turns cold and the sound of the furnace pumping out heat is a regular sound in our home, I can't help but to longingly think of warmer days. And then I remember that I am leaving for Florida in a few short weeks! Woo Hoo!

Oh No! The Big 5-0!

That's right, folks! My beautiful, wonderful mother turned a half century young on October 4th.

I threw her a surprise party (the first I've ever thrown) and had such a fun time planning it! I totally got into it and I think I've caught the party planning bug! Mom was totally surprised and everyone had an awesome time celebrating her special day. I only had one disappointment in the day...I completely forgot to take pictures. Can you believe that? I got the camera out, took pics of the set up before the guests arrived, and then got so caught up in being the hostest with the mostest that I did not snap one single shot of the party in action. So, here is all I have to share :-(

Pathetic documentation of such an important day, I know. But, the most important thing was that we celebrate my mom and show her how much she's loved, and I'm pretty sure that was accomplished. Love you mumma! Happy 50 to you!

Like my new look?

I can't help but be a little festive this time of year...I love it! I love all things fall...foliage, cider, pumpkins, football, the smell of fire, trick-or-treaters, sweaters, boots...I could go on and on and on. So, in honor of my love of all things fall, the bloggy got a new look. You like?

And speaking of the bloggy, I have something to say.

Dear Bloggy,

I am so sorry that I have been neglecting you. You are always faithful and willing to accept whatever I put in you. You listen to my antics and don't care whether I am writing a happy post or a complainey post. You always proudly wear whatever background I put on you (are you digging the Halloween motif as much as I am?). Yet, I have not shown you the same respect. I only use you when it's convenient for me. And lately that hasn't been much. But, I am going to try harder and even though I can't make any promises, I do hope to be a better partner in this fun, yet semi-narcissistic, journey that we have been on for almost 2 years!

Your semi-faithful partner in blogging,

Melissa

And speaking of new looks, guess who got bangs? That's right...me! I haven't had bangs since junior high and I'm totally freaking out about them. When I got my haircut, we were all but finished up when I made a spur of the moment decision to have them cut. I am still not sure about them, but I am trying to give them a chance. I promise to post a pic as soon as I take one.

Happy fall, peeps!

This is what I woke up to this morning

KIDDING! This was actually taken last winter, but I did wake up to snow this morning. Yes, you heard me right. SNOW. On October 16th. It's not sticking (thankfully) but it is a big time wake up call. Fall is here and winter is not far behind. Eek!

Wedded Bliss!

In the past month, we've had the honor attending two beautiful weddings and witnessing the most wonderful moments of our friends lives. Prepare for picture overload.

First up, Sergio and Maura...

John was in this one, so we got to take part in all of the wedding festivities.

Here we are at the rehersal dinner. One of us perhaps had one too many cocktails...can you tell which one?

Our friend Dave making a fool of himself at the rehersal dinner

Three of the groomsmen (the most handsome of which is on the left!) getting ready for the big day

The groom and best man walking in

The bride making her grand entrance
Becoming husband and wife

Lindsay on the left, Amy (the next bride to be...see below) on the right, and moi in the middle at cocktail hour. It was WINDY!

My love and I being silly...what's new?

From left to right, the groom's sister and bridesmaid Mary, the groom's brother and best man Nick and Nick's fiancee and bridesmaid Shannon. Did you get all that?!?

Officially married!

Congrats Serg and Maura! Now on to wedding number 2...

The grand affair (and I say grand because it truly was!) took place this past weekend. I am happy to report that Ryan and Amy are now officially husband and wife and are honeymooning in Hawaii!

At the ceremony...it's blurry because we were sitting in the way back of the church. Guess that's what happens when you don't show up early to a 300 guest wedding!

The obligatory pic of us
Serg and Maura fresh off their own wedding

From left to right, Dave (recently graduated Green Beret!), John (not mine, obviously), Leah and Sean

The bridal party taking photos with the awesome view in the background. This, too, was an exceptionally windy day. Good luck, maybe?
The groom being violated by Dan, with Dave and Matty by his sides

Phew! That's enough wedding talk if you ask me! We are now officially on wedding hiatus until next year, and only have one on the calendar so far (Nick and Shannon from the pic above). Hope you enjoyed! We sure did!

FINALLY!

We have FINALLY booked a trip to our condo in Sarasota, Florida!  I could not possibly be more excited to (1) finally see our vacation home that we purchased several months ago, and (2) take a long overdue vacation that we both desperately need.  It's been a crazy and tough year for many reasons, and I can think of no better way to de-stress and forget about past ills than laying on one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. with my wonderful hubby, just the 2 of us!  Can you believe that we have not been on a vacation by ourselves since college?!?  Bliss!!!

 

In other news, life at the G household has been very busy these past few weeks.  I will be updating y'all very soon on:

• Sergio and Maura's Labor Day Weekend Wedding
• Bed collapse disaster turned fabulous DIY bedroom makeover
• J & M's work out mania
• Planning my mother's surprise 50th birthday party
• Other miscellany in our lives

Merry Monday!

Forever in our hearts

I want to take this opportunity to honor John's great aunt Jo-Anne, who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 2nd at the age of 72.  Jo-Anne was one of the sweetest, warmest, most friendly people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  She will be missed very much.