#40 Spend a day with my brother

My brother, Steve, took his girlfriend, Jordan, to Chicago on Friday to show her around and visit the museums. After sitting in traffic for 2 1/2 hours (Friday + rush hour + flurries), they made it to our place to spend the weekend! Side note: I find that having guests is the perfect motivator for getting the house clean... and to bust out the waffle iron ;)

Lebowski is still nervous around Uncle Steven

On Friday night, we took them for Chicago-style pizza at Lou Malnati's and walked around downtown Naperville.

a fifth Beatle?

On Saturday, we enjoyed homemade sticky buns (recipe 1/25)...

more like super sticky buns

Ate our weight in sushi... and enjoyed free smells from Penzey's Spices

I love that they sat us in a private room!

Went to Goodwill and saw True Grit...

unread and only $2!

Then, today, ate waffles and posed for pictures.

Candids are much better than portraits, sometimes.

I'm so happy they were able to come visit before heading back to Colorado.  Despite having colds, Andy and I had a great time entertaining and getting caught up with my little bro.  In addition, I'm glad this was the first item I crossed off my 101 list.  Not only did I spend "a day" with Steven, it was more like 48 hilariously adventurous hours!

#40 - Spend a day with my brother - Complete

happy birthday to me!

An early birthday gift arrived this week:

















by Emma Gordon London
I can't wait to carry this with my wedding dress!
Thank you Aunt Betty and Uncle Don!

Shower (re)Cap

Saturday was my bridal shower! The food and music were wonderful, a HUGE thanks to Melissa & Megan (and your families)! We played the *perfect* amount of shower games and noshed on lavender cookies, cucumber sandwiches, sweets, and punch while opening gifts. I'm so happy that I was able to spend the day with women that mean so much to me.

With the stress of work and wedding planning, I've given in to ordering take-out and pizza, but the food and gifts from Saturday have inspired me to get back into the kitchen! I look forward to trying new recipes from the cookbooks we got and now that I have the right kitchen tools I have a boost of confidence! Plus, while I'm microplaning in the kitchen, I can listen to my MoH's iMix "bridal shower for a really cool bride" now published on iTunes!

Photo recap - please email me if you want me to protect your identity.
Here are the girls:
and the food:
Melissa explaining the rules of the clothespin game: the rehearsal bouquet, by Michelle: my new family members: finally, the obligatory "crazy" photo: Love you!

Brother's flight - CHECK!

Booked my brother's flight today.
Whew and ouch, but it's done and I can cross this HUGE to-do off the list!Plus, its his birthday gift, so happy early birthday if you're reading.

Mr. Baby 'Bowski

Andy just made my day by sending this to me at work...
I wish I was there!

weekend round up

We were able to work on a few wedding things...
- Purchased remaining groomsmen's ties and pocket squares, still need Andy's
- Confirmed matron of honor and ring bearer and best man
And had some fun over at Andy's parents'...

-Found this cute sweater for e-pics at Ann Taylor Loft

- I ordered the Canopy furniture and we should have it by the end of the week - can't wait.
- Tomorrow I begin the Bridal Fitness EXtreme classes... I'm so nervous/excited!
- Finally, I do NOT recommend watching "How to Make Friends and Alienate People" it was painful watching Simon Pegg and Kirsten Dunst play unlikeable characters and each other's love interest.

happy first birthday lebowski!

Coming to his new home!

First bone!

Meeting the family

Thanksgiving Day...

Crazy boy!

It’s a good thing

Today, I am focusing on the good…
My wedding coordinator finally called – she’s 70% certain that I have a photographer and she’s pretty talented!

I was approved for my wedding-only no interest mileage credit card. As soon as it comes I can book our ceremony airfare and buy a ton of Forever stamps.

Tonight, I am going to stop by the health club and sign up for the Bridal Fitness Extreme class. Even though it’s a drive, I hope to make some friends while getting in shape.

I was able to find a compromise with the registry – Kohl’s. Andy hates B,B&B and my mom wanted us to register at an affordable store with more locations. People can still use coupons and I was able to move a lot of the items off of our Macy’s and Crate & Barrel registries over to Kohl’s. Yay!

I got an epic long email from my little brother regarding wedding stuff. He’s more excited about eating at Paul Deen’s than anything else wedding-related – damn, I miss him and can’t blame him!

Got some clever kids' table ideas from blogstalking today – Activity books! Thanks, Heather!

Our "First" Thanksgiving

Andy and I hosted our first joint family Thanksgiving...

it was low stress and high calorie!

♥ Rachel