Small World

On Saturday my dad's family held a wedding shower and it was full of surprises. Not only did I hear some great stories about marrying into the George family, but I saw first hand just how small of a world we live. It turns out, Drew's sister works with one of my dad's cousins. They both showed up and looked at each other wondering what the other one was doing at the shower. Of course, it was easy for Jill (Drew's sister) to make the connection given the same last names. It was a little harder for my dad's cousin. I guess she didn't pay attention to the invitation or save the date to connect Drew's last name to his sister. Regardless, everyone got a big kick out of it and Jill did not feel out of place at all surrounded by Georges.

But, it doesn't stop there. It turns out too, that a good family friend on Drew's side babysits for the kids of a woman who works with my dad. The girl saw the invitation while she was babysitting and it was another small world moment.

I'm starting to think that I won't have to worry too much about who I seat people next to as they will probably know the person next to them! Okay, it probably won't be that easy, but I am crossing my fingers that the seating chart isn't too dreadful. I think that's the one thing that is giving me anxiety.

Perfectly Compatible

Drew and I like to think we are perfect for each other. Of course, I'm sure every couple (especially those who are less than two months from saying 'I do') likes to think that way. Over the last month or so we have embarked on a number of meetings and retreat in an effort to get married in the Catholic church. Through it all we've been forced to think about how our indivudual lives/morals/upbringings, etc. will play a role in our relationship and the family we are about to become. One of the first things we did when we met with our Decon was take a questionnaire compatibility test. The test was filled with questions relating to communicating, religious views, to financial situations, as well as many other topics. While neither one of us was nervous about the outcome, we were quite curious as to what the results would indicate. Over the weekend we sat down with a couple from the church who offered to be out mentors (They were good friends with Drew's family growing up) who told us that in all of the years they have been doing this (I want to say at least 10 years) they have never seen scores as good/as close as ours were to each other. To add to that, each topic has one or two key indicator questions which the church considers more important than the others. In that case, if you miss one (or more) it's important that your mentors talk through the questions/answers with you. Drew and I not only had the same answers as each other, but we both put the church's preferred answer.

I really believe that Iraq forced us to think and talk about things that we may not have considered for some time. I know personally Iraq forced me to take on roles I wouldn't have had to otherwise, as well as learn to communicate stronger verbally as opposed to shutting down or pretending everything is okay, when it's not. We didn't have a choice. And, for that I think we are stronger for it.

After going over the results we talked with the couple for a while. The wife made an interesting analogy. She called their marriage a child. That just like you have to take care of yourself and your children, you can't neglect your marriage. You must also make time for each other, just like you make time for each individual kid, if you are blessed to have children. It was an interesting analogy, which also makes a lot of sense. This is one thing Drew and I have talked about in the past, how we both think it's important to get away together once a year (or whenever necessary). It doesn't have to be far or fancy, but a chance to focus on us as a couple. Overall, it was a nice night hearing from and talking to a couple who have been married for 40+ years whom isn't an immediate family member, nor someone we know really well.

Better than I know myself?

Drew and I have known each other for a decent amount of time now - three years. And, in that time, we've experienced job struggles (unemployment and deployment) as well as long distance hurdles (Iraq vs. Ohio) which have taught us a lot about each other. Most importantly, over these last three years we've become to understand each others personalities (when to talk, when to listen), dreams, goals, dislikes, vices, etc.

As I mentioned in my previous post, my bridesmaids and girlfriends threw me a bachelorette party. Well, during that party they had a sneaky game they conjured up with Drew's help. They had emailed him questions about us. It started out easy, and overall I did pretty well. Of course, Drew was answering these so I argued quite a few (which he later said he had to make interesting). But, one question did catch me off guard: "What's Megan's dream Job?"Dream Job? I thought my dream job was to work in news, but I already accomplished that and I'm not doing it anymore. Nope, not that. Something in the health field? Hmm that could work, but I have to think like Drew... what would Drew say? "Not working. Being a mom?"
WRONG! "A food blogger" is Drew's answer.It still amazes me that he said that, until I stop to think about it. I love to write. I love looking up recipes and I of course love to bake. Food blogging would be a fabulous job! And, I could do it from home. The only problem is, I'm not a very good cook. Okay, I take that back, I'm not a very risk taking cook. I just never feel confident enough to try something new. I still to the basics. That, and I feel like I don't have the right ingredients or the right appliance. Well, I might not be the best cook. And, I might not get paid for my services, but I am going to try and be better at cooking and sharing my work with you - whoever reads this - Kelli, I think you still do! I've been finding a lot of good recipes on Pintrest and experimenting with vegetarian dishes. Just the other night, I made this spinach and canelli bean pasta for Lent.Of course, I had to find a way to bake, so I made these treats for St. Patrick's day. Gluten free "oreo"' truffles and chocolate covered strawberries. Drew loved them and so did my co-workers. That is one thing I really want to learn to do better: gluten free meals. I always hesitate to bring or make anything gluten free for non-family members because if it's not passed the family test, then I am scared to have others try it first.

FRIENDS

It's one of my favorite T.V. shows. I lucked out a few years ago and got the entire series on DVD from Borders Marketplace. The box for the set was damaged so the company couldn't sell it in store. In that case I got a bargain. I am currently watching all of the episodes in order, for the second time (mind you the first time I did this was in 2009 - I think). I like to think it brings out the child in me, as I lay in bed laughing at Joey or Chandler, or miss ridiculous Phoebe.

What I like best about the show is how a group of six friends become family. The series moves along the years with some of them getting married and having family while trying to lead the life of carefree youth. Through all of it, they remain the best of friends.

Over the last couple of years I've learned a lot about how friends and family shape life. They support you when your going through something tough. They love you when you make a mistake. They are there to celebrate and make you smile.

I'm blessed to have friends I've known since as far back as I can remember. And I am blessed to have gained friends as I've grown up. In a matter of months I'll "officially" gain another family. A pair of sisters, aunts/uncles and cousins. All of this feels really important to me. Important in the sense that I am gaining something invaluable. I get the chance to make a positive impact in their lives and be by their sides to celebrate the good and the bad.

You're probably wondering where all of this talk about friends and family is coming from. Over the last couple of weeks I have been "showered" with wonderful pre-wedding events. Pun intended :) First, my wonderful Maid of Honor and her mom hosted a Bachelorette party at their house for me and the bridesmaids, as well as a handful of friends. The following week I was showered two more times. Once from family friends of the Rothmeeler's (mom) and the other from the Wenstrup family (Drew's family). I had a blast at all three events. To be honest, it was really overwhelming to be in the spotlight and surrounded by so many people who think highly of Drew and me. The party hosts put in a lot of time and thought to making the events wonderful and I am extremely grateful.

Drew and I both are anxious to walk down the isle and begin our lives together as husband and wife, but we both agree we are extremely grateful for time dedicated to our engagement. We have hardly felt rushed or stressed and therefore have been able to enjoy all of the process and festivities that come with getting married. If I can offer anyone pre-wedding advice it would be to enjoy the engagement.

ps. Yikes! A whole month has passed since my last post. Every time I say I am going to better and I fail. I do know that by the time I get home each day, the last thing I want to do is sit and type at a computer. The weekend rolls around and it's so busy, it's over before I know it, prompting me to say, "I'll write next week." I do consider taking a break at work to write, but I know how much people like to look at pictures and I don't plan ahead enough to get access to them.

Power Couple

That's right, Drew and I are a power couple... when it comes to baking at least. This weekend Drew and his sisters held the 3rd Annual bake-off in memory of their mom who loved to bake. Money from the event then goes to the church, another passion of hers. If you remember correctly, the first year I took the grand prize with my Hamburger Cake:
After that year they decided to have two winners: (1) Best Tasting and (2) Most Creative. I decided not to partake last year after the cake I was working on became too moist and difficult to cover with icing. Plus, I just didn't have a lot of inspiration or an idea I was really excited about preparing. Flash forward to this year and my competitive blood was flowing once again. As was Drew's, along with his sweet tooth. The outcome:

My High Heel CupcakesDrew's "Glad to be back on American Oreo Dirt" puddingNeedless to say, the two of us forfeited our awards.

Drew's cousin Natalie took home the award for Best Tasting with her Cookie Dough Balls (sorry I don't have a picture of that) and Charlie's Smurf Cake took home Most Creative. Overall it was a very successful, fun night, with great people and lots of good food!
(Mint cupcakes)Thank you Gayle for taking such wonderful pictures!

100 Days to Go

That's right. Only 100 more days of being a single lady. It's hard to believe since by the time we do say "I do", we will have been engaged for 22 months. Talk about enjoying the engagement! No, honestly, I wouldn't do it any different. Don't get me wrong, I would marry Drew in a heart beat, but there is something about having ample time to plan. Which in return has made the entire process very stress free. Sure, I have worried about this and that, and there is still plenty for us to do, but overall, we have been able to get the things we've wanted (reception location, affordable hotels, etc.) because we scheduled and planned for everything so far in advance. I can also say that this week in particular has been a very exciting week.
* My brother offered to handle our wedding video as a gift
* Rehearsal dinner food was decided on
* My dad chose our father-daughter dance song. And, proving just how much alike we are, he chose the exact song I was leaning towards after hearing it on the radio months ago, without me saying a word to anyone about it.
* We met with the Deacon for the first of 4 Pre-Cana meetings, as well as signed up for our Pre-Cana "retreat"
* My boss approved my time off before and after the wedding
* Bridesmaid dresses arrived
* Invitations are ready
* And, if all things go well, we will look at wedding bands on Sunday

Not bad for it only being Thursday. And, while I know we still have lots to do, at this rate, things are looking good. Next week I have my first alteration scheduled for my dress. Then, I am hoping to get the invitations put together and labeled over the next weekend because once March rolls around we start running out of days. I think we have something every weekend next month. All I know is I am going to enjoy the ride!

Nearly 60* and Sunny

In reading over my friend's blog I can to realize just how long it has been since I wrote my own post. It's January 31 and I haven't added a single post to ring in the new year. Not to mention, 2011 was the worst in terms of posts for me. Sadly, it could have been a special year to document considering everything I (and Drew) went through, from an overseas deployment, to living together upon his return, to taking care of a dog myself and getting a new job. There are of course dozens of other significant events from 2011 that I am forgetting to mention, but overall, it saddens me to think that I let all of that pass me by, with only a few dozen posts throughout the entire year.

So, I'm vowing to make 2012 the best. I have so much to look forward to and so many wonderful things happening that it would, again, be a shame to let these upcoming days and months pass by without sharing them. Not to mention, blogging has always been therapeutic for me.

For this firs post I want to say happy birthday to miss Lexi. She turns two today and because she has been such a wonderful dog Drew is leaving work early to take her to the park. How could we possibly pass up getting her outside on her birthday when it's 60* and sunny in January!? It has truly been a beautiful week here. Although, it does worry me when I think about how mild our winter has been. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind if we get a little snow here or there, I just don't want winter to prolong its self and snow in May.