Our college days are definitely over...

How cute are these pregnant ladies?

I snapped this photo at Kathleen's baby shower last weekend (she's on the right). Allison's is coming up in just a couple weeks. Kat is having a boy, and Al is having a girl.

Kat and Mike's baby is due exactly one week before our wedding. We're crossing our fingers God has a special delivery plan in mind. After all, Al, Kat, and Mike were the main characters in the story of Taylor and Kate.

Although we're just joining the newlywed game, we couldn't be happier for our friends who are embarking on the journey of parenthood.

'That's what you get for going to church'

A police officer said this to me sarcastically after I left church and found my car smashed a couple weekends ago. 

Let me set the scene...

I was proud of myself for many reasons that evening: I was still in the same outfit I was wearing at my "shower" (see below post), and typically I'm always rushing to get to evening service and end up wearing my "nice" sweats (c'mon, I can't be the only person with a pair of these!). So, I fancied myself dressed in my Sunday Saturday best for once. I arrived on-time, not late per usual, and so I got to park a lot closer than I typically do. 

And, to make up for these feats, I left a little early. But, it was like God said, "Not so fast, missy." OK--just kidding about that...but it did feel a little like karma when I came sprinting down the street in the rain only to find two police cars, sirens flashing, lined up in the general vicinity of my car on the main street in our town. I thought there must have been an accident near my car, but when one of the officers asked me which car was mine, I sort of had a feeling my recently paid-off car had the victim of a traffic accident. 

It turns out a little old lady (I really have no clue what she looked like--she could have been a big old lady--nevertheless, I digress) lost control and came barreling into not only my car, but the two cars parked in front of me, too. My car had the most damage, completely busted up in the back and undriveable. I'm not sure undriveable is not a word, but I'm going to use it anyway.

Taylor said my car looked bowlegged. The back axle was obviously busted. I was pretty depressed as this car was my first major purchase in life, when I was living on my own back in Austin. I really didn't want to hear it was totaled. I had to arrange a tow and contact the old lady's insurance. And set-up a rental. And go to the DMV to file the report. Sigh. Such an ordeal. 

But, a few days later, I found out my car was not totaled, and I breathed a huge sigh of relief. (In all honesty, I don't know if Taylor would have preferred my car to be totaled. They don't make Saturns anymore. I just like to say it's a limited edition.) I really like my car, it's the perfect size and totally functional, and I love not having a car payment.

Now, weeks later, I still don't have my car back, and I'm driving a full-size sedan rental. It has so many blind spots, I completely understand why people get in wrecks in these rigs. 

These photos do not do it justice. Just ask our friends who saw the poor, disabled vehicle sitting helplessly on the side of the road on their way to meet us for our Sunday run. 

Oh, that's what I get for going to church.

Showered with love...and food

Whitney, me, and Lisa. I'm as pale as my tights are white.

If you know me, which you must, because you read my little ol' blog, you know how I am kind of the anti-bride-bride. 

Case in point: I really did not want to have a bridal shower. Just those words "bridal shower" made me shutter in fear of embarrassing games and nonstop attention. 

My friends and my sisters of course asked if they could host something for me, but I politely declined. 

But then, my soon-to-be sister-in-law, and mother-in-law, and Nanny-in-law asked if they could host something in Albany, so I could meet the lovely ladies from down South who will be attending our wedding. 

How could I say no? I really want to know all the people who will be at our wedding, and I love spending time with the family-to-be. 

I tried to get the ladies not to call it a shower and to request no gifts, but both of those requests were shot down. 

My mom and I drove down to Albany yesterday, and I was a bit nervous about the day. OK. I was totally nervous. I had two strikes against me with a wardrobe malfunction (my brand new tights ripped all. the. way. down to the toe when I tried to put them on) and a forced ponytail (let me elaborate: because it was raining, I decided I better forgo straight hair for curls, but I failed to remember I was out of all my hair product...oh, what was a girl to do? I had to throw my hair back in the same ponytail style I wear every day). I was supposed to look BRIDAL, people! Not regular. I even ordered a dress in our wedding colors, navy and white, specifically for this day. 

Once we arrived (late, of course--ugggh!), we were met with the most overpowering outpouring of smiles, excitement, and love. Not to mention how T's sister Whitney rushed to greet me with a mimosa (my fav!), just as I got a good look at the tremendous food spread. The ladies planned a brunch (see--they know me, too!), and you could just tell they spent so much time and effort planning this event. From the perfect, very labor-intensive cupcakes (Whitney should seriously consider opening a bakery), to the gorgeous nameplates, centerpieces, and decorations (including, but not limited to, both Taylor's mom and grandma's wedding dresses out on display), every ounce of this day was perfect. 

We did play one game. Oh yeah, did I start sweating when I heard the word game?! But, it was great. Each party guest picked a piece of paper out of bucket, and they had to decide if what was written was a truth or a lie about me. Then, I had to elaborate on each of the questions.

Here's an example:

After college, Kate went on a two-year adventure to New Mexico to be a park ranger. 

Obviously this was false, but family friend Robyn guessed true because she said it sounded like something I would do. Which is very true.

Ladies! It can be done! A fun and Kate-approved shower game.

Then, we opened gifts, and oh boy! I wanted to cry every time I opened a gift. First of all, many of these women were just meeting me for the first time, so for all of them to pick out such thoughtful gifts for me was just overwhelming. I got a few things off my registry (yet another standard wedding procedure I fought!) including a food processor and new coffee pot (if you only knew how badly Taylor and I need a new coffee pot!!!!!) and a few very sentimental gifts like the hand-embroidered his-and-hers pillowcases and tablecloth from Taylor's grandmother, Ebie, and the new bath towels embroidered with our Katelyn and Taylor logo from my mom.

I wish I had taken a photo with Taylor's grandmothers. I am so lucky to have them in my life. It has been such a treat getting to know them as they have taken such an interest in my life, and I appreciate that more than either of them will ever, ever know. 

I could write about this shower for the next hour. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you to Whitney, Lisa, and Nanny for loving me so much to throw such a thoughtful party. Every time I said thank you, they said, "Thank you for allowing us." I thought that was so funny. Of anybody, I am so happy I allowed Taylor's family to shower me with pre-wedding love.  

Welcome to the shower!

Taylor's mom's wedding gown. (By the time I took this photo, the accompanying wedding album had made its way inside. Shoot!)

Taylor's grandma, Nanny's, wedding gown and photo.

Nanny and Bobby on their wedding day. Could they look any younger?!

This food was outrageously delicious. My mouth is watering just writing about it. The gals made four different quiches (four!), French toast casserole, fat potatoes (a family tradition!), prociutto-wrapped asparagus, and a huge fruit salad. NOT to mention the cupcakes.

OH! THE! CUPCAKES!!! Fudge toffee chocolate yummy-ness (can't remember exactly what was in those things...but it was ohhh man...so so good!) and champagne vanilla? I can't remember the specifics, but I know Whitney spent HOURS on these. And you could tell by how good they tasted!

This is me...getting sweaty and nervous with all eyes on me...pre-package-opening.

My favorite ladies...Whitney, Lisa, and my mom!

Whit wore stripes, too. Love it! 

Ohhh baby! Birthdays galore

How have I not blabbed about this yet?

Emily and Greg (often featured on this very blog) welcomed their baby girl into the world March 7. I wished and hoped and prayed to God she would come on my birthday, but little Lily Marie had other plans. Lucky 7 it was. Her Coug aunties welcomed her home with a stork! I just remember new babies in the neighborhood being announced like this, and I thought E and G would get a kick out of it. We are over-the-moon for this little lady, and we can't wait to meet her. Hopefully we can make that happen before May!

In other birthday news, my girl Leslee had a birthday last week, and we celebrated with some of her lovely friends at Pix Patisserie in SE Portland. Leslee is a consummate spoiler--always gifting--a best friend, and a great mom. She has a million friends, and I'm so thankful to be among them. Happy Birthday, Schady Lady!

Remember: A food photographer (or photographer in general) I am not. This was my dessert--a pumpkin creme brulee with edible gold. Fancy schmancy! 

Cute sparkler action for the birthday girl!

A nice show of support from some of Leslee's main gals...although many, many more couldn't make it! :(

Age ain't nothin' but a number

My birthday came and went, and I told myself I was going to celebrate with some "New Year's Resolutions," including writing and reading more. We'll see how that pans out...

We had a jam-packed weekend right before my actual birthday (see prior posts), so I wasn't expecting much on my actual birthday, but of course I was wrong. 

A few highlights (you know how I love bulleted lists!):

• My co-workers made sure everyone knew it was my special day, by gifting me a pretty tulip bouquet and a delicious red velvet cake. 
• T gifted me a beautiful Mexican-inspired dress for our honeymoon.
• I saved many great cards and packages from friends and family to open on my birthday morning. Loved this. 
• We moved our typical "First Sunday Family Dinner" to Monday, and my mom worked all day creating our wedding menu (to an absolute T!) so we could try out a few wines to pair on our Big Day. I have to say, this was so much fun. It was like our own little wine tasting evening, something our family has never done together. 

Thanks to friends and family near and far for making my 28th the best one yet. 

My dear friend Liz stopped by my office to drop of a wonderful assortment of gifts. She included this book she found at the Goodwill...or maybe it was a thrift shop. Regardless, it's a homemade bridal shower book from the 1950s--as in someone made this book for a friend. It is outrageously awesome. I should write a whole post just about this. What a treasure. It even has pages in the back with hand-written lists of gifts the bride received and from whom.

My mom said nothing turned out the way she wanted it to, but you could have fooled us.

Spoiler alert: We are doing breakfast for dinner at our wedding. I can't wait. 

My mom said we'll have to wait and see just how much better the caterer's presentation of the various dishes will be...but I highly doubt it. I have so much to learn from my mom in the kitchen. She's just a marvel. 

Betty and Martha back at it

When I was in college, my friend Allison would come visit me every MLK Jr., Weekend. She'd come visit me in the summertime, too. Since we met during high school and bonded over fights with our moms and our love of Starbucks, we felt oh so grown up and independent being on our own in COLLEGE.

We would always plan our cooking adventures, too, trying our hand at cooking, although neither of us really knew what we were doing. We called ourselves Betty and Martha in the kitchen. 

Now, we're really all grown up, ten years removed from high school, and still planning meals together. Though we don't get to cook in the same kitchen all that often, we love discussing meal plans and sharing tips and tricks. 

What a long introduction to the story I'm really trying to tell...

Allison knows how much I love to cook. Allison knows how much I love surprises. During a time when I should be cooking and surprising Allison (she is pregnant--due with my friend niece in June!), she planned a birthday cooking surprise for me! 

We took a "Cozy Weekend Brunch" themed class the day before my birthday a couple weeks ago, and can I just tell you, it almost made me cry. What an absolutely perfect plan. She encompassed all the things I love: spending time with her, cooking, BRUNCH, and hanging out in the Pearl downtown (of course we had to have some therapy time over lattes before our course).

Thank you, Allison. You're such a gem. You've been the best friend to me for thirteen years now. You know me very well, and your thoughtfulness is a such a blessing.

Our teacher--she was just great! I learned a lot of tips and tricks.

Focused determination on the mixing.

Here I stand...preparing to just a MEAT GRINDER for the first time.

Ah...so this is how you make pork sausage. Good workout, ladies.

More focus. Get it, Al! Show that crepe who's boss.

Our first nibble...a cheesy scone.

How cute is she? So cute. Such a good mommy-to-be.

Do you want to know what we're talking about? I'm telling her how her knife skills demonstration and also the "adding alcohol to a hot pan" portion of the class really applied to me. I don't need to remind y'all about the infamous trip to ER or the flaming Thanksgiving whiskey carrots, do I?

Inspecting the greatness.

I found out the chef is a bride-to-be, too. I asked her opinion on some cook- and bake-ware. We bonded. Can you tell?

My mouth is watering all over again. This is a brioche French toast. Very low-cal. Um. Right. 

And then we ate! The complete menu included these apple-stuffed crepes, a sweet potato hash, the pork sausage, and the French toast. The pear mimosa was a nice treat. Sorry yours had to be non-alcoholic, Al. ;)

Everybody’s workin’ for the weekend

I literally counted the minutes until 5 p.m. Friday night. We compiled a rather huge itinerary for the weekend, and I just couldn’t wait to get the party started.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Friday: Quick bite at our neighborhood pizza joint and off to SE Portland to see one of our favorite musicians, Tyrone Wells, at the Aladdin

• Saturday a.m.: My favorite studio workout class with Schady and Stina followed by pedis and lunch at Baker & Spice—sooo relaxing and much-needed (thanks, girlies!)

• Saturday early afternoon: Packed in a quick run through my favorite shops in my old ‘hood, Multnomah Village…followed by two renditions of Supermarket Sweep at my go-to grocers...and then a beat-the-clock unpacking of said goods, quick clean of the condo, and about five loads of laundry

• Saturday p.m.: The wedding of Michelle and Matt (photos and recap below!)

• Sunday a.m.: Long run on the Wildwood Trail with good friends and a big ol’ breakfast at one of our standbys, Industrial Café

• Sunday early afternoon: The best surprise ever! Cooking class with one of my nearest and dearest friends (***not to worry, this will get a post of its own!)

• Sunday p.m.: Long, *long* overdue movie date night with friends—Taylor had been wanting to see Zero Dark Thirty since it came out, and we’ve tried and failed so many times…since this guy works so many hours during the week and weekend, I am so glad we were able to fit this in.

No matter how hard I tried to fit it all in, though, I failed on two accounts. Taylor’s mom swept through town while I was away from the house Sunday, and none of the church times at either church we attend matched up with the breaks in our plans. I know, I know. That shouldn’t be an excuse.

I am thankful for the jam-packed weekend, which provided a delightful preface to an above average Monday.

---

I'm writing this recap (finally!) on March 17. Matt and Michelle have been married for two weeks, and we already received a thank you note from them...yet I'm just now blogging.

Taylor met Matt at Linfield. Matt played basketball, while Taylor tossed around the pigskin. After graduation, the fellas backpacked around Europe together, and they even lived together a bit post-grad.

I believe the story goes that Matt met Michelle through church friends. They had a somewhat on-again-off-again relationship before getting engaged just three months prior to their wedding. You may recall me mentioning how a wedding back in October was our last hurrah before our Big Day. But, Matt and Michelle surprised us with their short engagement.

They got married in a barn at a golf course here not far from where we live. Michelle spends time at her family's ranch, and Matt's a big golfer, so they liked the perfect combination factor (country meets country club) the wedding venue provided.

You could really feel the love at this coral and gray/rustic elegance wedding. I especially liked how overwhelmingly Christ-centered this couple's ceremony was--the perfect start to a lifelong union.

Congratulations to the happy couple, assuredly refreshed and rejuvenated after a honeymoon in Hawaii!

I'm still trying to figure out settings on my new camera. Surprise, surprise, huh? This could take a while...

Many of T's buddies were groomsmen...a good-looking crew.

Michelle looked absolutely gorgeous. I'd only met her once before the wedding, and she told me she picked a dress hse never would have imaged herself in. It was super sparkly with a fluttery (not the right word) bottom-half. Wow. I can't describe gowns very well. 

Cupcakes instead of cake...and you can bet I sampled almost all of them!

Site for the ceremony and reception.

Cute guest book idea--pick a post card and write a message to the new Mr. and Mrs. I chose a Central Oregon card from Taylor and me as Sunriver holds many memories for the newlyweds as it does for us!