First Klar wedding

Yesterday, my cousin Scott got married!

Scott is the oldest of three, and this wedding ushered in the first new addition to my mom's side of the family, the Klars. That is, the first new member outside of my immediate family. Lord knows we've had enough weddings in my own family, and one on the way--ha!

We were pretty excited to celebrate this wedding as my aunt is ultra crafty, and we knew we'd see her special touches throughout the occasion. Unfortunately, my camera settings were acting up throughout the night, and I didn't get real clear pics of the centerpieces or favors. Boo!

The ceremony and reception took place at Lakeside Gardens, which is a pretty location for a wedding in the Portland area. We were impressed with the venue and the food, which was delicious. As Taylor and I embark on the journey that is "wedding planning," we found ourselves saying things like: "Ooh! We should have turkey! Turkey is appealing to lots of people," or, "Let's get this deejay's business card!" Goodness. What is happening to me?

Photos, anyone?

Two members of Team Heit made the trek: Leo and Liza.

Cousin Scott = groom; cousin Mark = best man; cousin Sam = bridesmaid in the middle.

Leo sat quietly during the entire ceremony on Uncle Taylor's lap. He's got the magic touch.

Cute fans with a wedding-themed crossword on the back. Adorable. 

Someone sure wanted to dance!

The swans were a nice touch!!!

Official Mr. and Mrs. 

BLURRY! Boo! Cute cute cute cake and cupcakes. The cake was delish! 

Sara and Joe.

This begins a series of terrible pics of T and me. I told him I was going to put them on the blog for a good laugh.

This is the closest to acceptable we got! Ha.

I kind of forgot the settings on my camera, so I wish I could have snapped a clearer pic of my aunt Terry giving a speech. She had the cutest jeweled hairpiece, too. Wish I had a close-up of that. 

Why does no one smoosh it in the face anymore? You may be seeing that at a wedding to come...

This is one of my favs. What are they contemplating?

Mother-son dance.

I love this idea: The deejay opened up the floor to ALL mothers and sons. Sweet. There's Aunt Kay and cousin Victor up front! 

I spy some other mother-and-son duos: My mom and Joe rocking the BOX STEP and Elizabeth and Leo...so light on his feet, that one. 

Let's get real. If you have a rug that needs some cutting, I have a pair for you!

Thirty years of dance lessons really paid off. 

"Come on Sara. Let's dance. I'm not Joe. We're not going to box step."

Right before we left, guests took a hint (maybe it was the rousing rendition of SHOUT--you know I requested it!).

Congrats to Scott and Amanda!

Almost time for Soup City

With autumn approaching, I gotta give a little shout to my favorite fall mini-meal: Soup!

I love soup. I LOVE it. This one is Taylor's personal favorite at the moment. Super duper easy, but you do have to factor in the hour it takes for the potatoes to bake.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup (from Cooking Light)
Note: I typically double this recipe. This guy I know and I are kind of big eaters, and we enjoy leftovers.

Ingredients:
4 baking potatoes
2/3 cup flour
6 cups milk (I use nonfat, but whatever floats your boat--it's a lot of milk!)
1 cup shredded cheese (again, whatever kind of cheddar you prefer)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper (I never measure and always use more than called for)
1 cup fat-free (or not) sour cream
3/4 cup-ish green onions, divided
6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (I use the whole package of turkey bacon from TJ's)
More pepper!

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Piece potatoes with a fork and bake for one hour or until tender. If I am in a "hurry," I crank up the heat to about 425, and the taters take about 40 minutes.
Cool, then peel potatoes and coarsely mask.
Place flour into a large pot, and add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended.
Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly.
Add mashed potatoes, 3/4 cup cheese, salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper, stirring until the cheese melts. Remove from heat.
Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup green onions. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated, but do not boil. Add bacon. Sprinkle remainder of cheese and onions onto individual portions. Add more pepper, if you'd like! Enjoy!

My food photos never turn out. Maybe someday...

Optimism is contagious

And friends are inspirational. Thanks to a one-of-a-kind friend for sending this my way...

This deserves a post of its own

Friendship established 1999.

High school dances and fan clubs at CC basketball games.

College educations spanning four states.

Two weddings celebrated and one in the making.

Many cross-country and international visits.

Three Olympics.

A bun in the oven.

True love.

Tiny Heiny on the way

My high school besties and I showered our dearest Matea and her baby-on-the-way Sunday.

Matea and her hubby Josh live in San Fran, so the four of us friends were overjoyed the guest of honor was able to make the trek up north to celebrate.

If it weren't for Katie, the book-themed shower probably never would have happened. Behind her creative prowess, we rallied via email to plan and carry out her artistic vision. Katie's creativity continues to inspire and motivate me to break out the scissors and glue and get crafty. I mean, we all remember her wedding, right?

On to the photos...

Wish this wasn't so blurry. The pregnant lady arriving at her party.

Blank canvases.

Keeping with the book them, Katie crafted this garland from vintage book pages.

Look at this food spread! My favorite part! 

Cuuute invites!

All the moms with babes chatting it up.

I think this is such a cute pic of Matea and Mar. Wish we had a side-by-side of them from grade school.

Is it a boy or a girl? We don't know!

How great does this mom-to-be look? Due date is Nov. 8. And. Fun fact: Matea's sister is due with her second on the exact same day!

Matea (and her hilarious mama) gave each gift such special attention. She's the sweetest.

Lots to choose from!

Matea's last name is Heinemann, so her husband has been calling the baby "Tiny Heiny." 

Not only did Katie envision the shower, she also made Matea all of her gifts...several bibs, washcloths, this blanket, and the bunny below. Outrageously crafty. This gift deserved a round of applause.

Handmade bunny by Katie.

Matea's mom re-purposed her baby blanket into a new blankey for her babe.

Twinsies! My mom and Katie in All-American style.

Best friends forever!