The Imperfect Perfection that was our Wedding...

So here it is, over a month after the wedding, and I finally getting around to posting about our wedding. 
Pathetic, I know.  But my hope is that I will be redeemed after you see the AMAZINGLY KICK-ASS pics that Chris & Julia Sanderl shot of us...

Let me preface our wedding by saying the weather hadn't been particularly ideal in the days before our wedding....  The occassional rainshower was perfectly fine - we're used to that!  30-40 mph winds, however, another story... 
Our friend Darcy did a gorgeous job on my hair and makeup, but by the end of our ceremony, I interestingly enough had a new hairdo.  :) 
Our ceremony was held on Anini Beach, on the island of Kauai - Chris & Julia helped us pick this beach - and it couldn't have been more perfect.  We had water, sand, trees, roads, and even mountains in the background - all in one location..

We did have a few rainshowers, but Micky had picked up some adorable umbrellas that we had a lot of fun with...

While Micky and I were having all the fun, Emma had a little surprise for us...  The cutest thing of all, though, is that even after everyone (including Emma) left while we did the last of our pics, we found three more of these hearts!

The ceremony itself was absolutely beautiful, but that was also the moment the wind decided to join in the celebration as well.  That was the moment the hair took on a whole new style..

Emma had another surprise for everyone at the beginning of our ceremony: that morning, Emma had taught herself how to play "Here Comes The Bride" on her flute she had bought the day prior.  She did perfect!

As with most weddings, it was an emotional experience.  It was very hard for us not having Chloe there, and I know Emma was longing for her to be standing next to her as well...

All in all, weather included, it was imperfectly perfect.  I have finally married the man I am meant to spend the rest of my life with...

Although we weren't able to have our family with us, we had some of our closest friends and family with us for our lucky day...

Here are a few more pics...  (Will try to post a few more later...)



New Artwork Inked..

Quite the busy weekend here!  Was happy to finally get the tattoo I have been waiting for for quite some time!  I brought a few of my ideas in to George at Lacey's Finest Tattoo here in Lacey, and he drew up the most beautiful tattoo...  Also appears that I have about a half sleeve going now!  Even tonight, as my arm is sore and still a tad swollen - I am stoked.  :)

Sunday was such a beautiful day as well.  My dear sister Amber threw a kick-ass retro-themed bridal shower for me at my good friend Erika's place.  Deviled eggs, pigs in blankets, cucumber sandwiches, cherry pie, and Coca-Cola in bottles.  Does it get any better?  Oh, and rounded out by a bit of bubbly.  Fun, fun, fun!!

(Will be sure to post some better tat pics when the swelling goes down....)

Karma, anyone?

A knock on my front door today yielded a very nice surprise: my latest shipment of Karma is here!  No, karma didn't actually come knocking on my door.  :)  My newest delivery of Karma wines arrived today - and not a minute too soon!  As I looked at the plain brown box it came in, I see the simple words

"Karma.  Do good.". 

Such a simple, sweet concept.  We all mean well, right?  It causes me to think a little harder...  Karma isn't consequence or reward, per say, but actually the cycle of cause and effect.  Being responsible for our actions.  I feel my choices are good, but could they be better? 

Makes me hear my own voice in my head whenever my daughter leaves "Emma - make good choices." 

As I continue to ponder my own karma, I end today's post with a quote to consider....

"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours." - Wayne Dyer

Treats from Portland?!

So, my mom, Ben, Britt, and Nick are the lucky ones that get to go to Portland tomorrow night for the Celtics game...  But I am the lucky one that gets goodies on Friday!  Super excited because my mom says she will go to Voodoo Doughnuts on Friday and bring me some delectable yeasty raised goodness....

Bacon Maple Bar, I will be dreaming of you tonight....

Breathing at a normal pace - almost..

No worries everyone.  My funk was short-lived.
Back in the game..

And just to prove I am back....  

Our weekend was spent up at Mick's parents place at Hood Canal.  It's one of those places that you love to get away to, but somehow it's so hard to find the time to go...  In light of the recent stress and excitement here, I knew this was the perfect weekend to go.
The girls had such a great time fussing around in the rocks, looking for shells and baby crabs - They were kind enough to stop (briefly) for a momentary photo..

Of course, one of the highlights for me was the fresh oysters - doesn't really get any better than fresh seafood, eh?  Being the clumsy individual that I am, Micky was kind enough to do the dirty work - doesn't look like he minds too much though!

 Best of all, I wasn't the only one shooting them down raw!  That's my girl!

In.... and out....

Deep breath in...

Deep breath out...

Sip (I mean gulp?) of wine...

Why does it seem that when life finally starts cruising....  You feel like you get slammed into a damn brick wall?

So.  My day in a nutshell. 

Deep breathing my way through this glass of wine....

Tomorrow is a new day, right?

Just an excerpt from our weekend at the Canal...

Me: "Emma, Chloe - I'm gonna run in the house super quick.  If anyone comes over here?"

Emma and Chloe: "We will scream."

Me:  "Good job, girls."

Emma:  "Scream like AC/DC" (serious face)

Thank you Lord. 

Egad! What a slacker!

How is it that I have neglected this blog AGAIN?  Just realized that I never even posted pics from our trip to Kona! 

Micky and I had a wonderful time on the Big Island with our friends Tod and Jamie.  This being my first trip to the islands, I was excited to get a glimpse at this island lifestyle.  Wow.  This was exactly what I was needing.  Why can't everyone back home be so chill, laid back, so...  zen-like.  I want that!  I actually told Mick on the way home "I love this laid back feeling.  I am determined to stay like this when I get home.  Bye-bye stress!  I am LAID BACK!".  His response?  "Good luck with that."  What can I say - he knows me too well.  It actually did last for a few weeks....  But I am determined to get it back....