This past weekend was the first one in a while (two weekends) that I actually spent at home. And it was a glorious feeling. It was wonderful to just. do. nothing. I did tons of laundry, went through a bunch of stuff and got rid of things I don’t really need to be holding on to, and even rearranged my bookshelf. I realize this last one sounds particularly nerdy, but I’m so excited about it. A) I have waaay too many book because I just love to read (even though its been a while since I have for pleasure), and B) have always organized my books on a book shelf by height. But recently, I kept seeing in magazines and on home improvement blogs with books organized by COLOR. So I rearranged my books to a fun, haphazard new way by color. And every time I walk by my bookshelf now, I smile cause I just love it. Anyway, onto the catching up:
The weekend of October 9-11, I was in New Orleans because my best friend from college, LindsayBlair Griffith got MARRIED! Oh my gosh, she’s such a big girl now. Anyway, it was great seeing her, her whole family (whom I love dearly), and especially catching up with my good college friend, Maura, whom I’m awful with keeping in touch with. It was great just talking to her and remember great college memories. Anyway, it was such an honor to be a bridesmaid for Lindsay, and be a part of her big day (and getting all done up was awesome- hello, fake eyelashes! You are my new best friend! Sorry, M!). Here’s a pic (from my phone) of our beautiful bouquets (for the record, I love these as wedding colors):

Aren't they beautiful?
Also, here’s picture of Lindsay’s cake:

Sooo delicious!
I absolutely loved the detailing on the side (my camera on my phone doesn’t do it justice) and how the cake tasted, of course! Apparently there were three different flavors among the four layers, but I only had the vanilla cake with strawberry filling. It was soooo good. Lastly, my date for the evening:

The Wonderful MaryParker!
I LOVE Mary Parker. She’s a close family friend of Lindsay’s (Linds always babysat for her, and works at her parents’ jewelry store in the French Quarter). MP insisted at the beginning of the wedding that she wouldn’t be dancing later in the evening. But, oh, did I get her dancing! She was so cute in the limo, mimicking how me and other bridesmaids were dancing in our seats. She was sooo cute on the dancefloor just twisting about, and followed me everywhere. I love that girl to death! She made the cutest flower girl/junior bridesmaid.
Ok, so after my completely exhausting weekend to NOLA, the following weekend was Mandy’s fall break from intense nursing school, so I had booked a flight out to see her. It was fun being back in Kansas, at what is pretty much my second childhood home. I love just being there, and hanging out. It was wonderful to hang out with my Aunt Jill. I love her so much. The great thing was, my dad had been out there for work that week, and changed his flight to stay an extra day. So I got to see my daddy! ! YAY! I miss that kid so much. But I’m so proud of him because he’s QUIT SMOKING!! WOO HOO! My biggest, longest prayer I have wanted my entire life has come true. Thank. Goodness. Anyway, that Friday night, we had a father-daughter dinner, with me and my dad, and Mandy and her dad. We went to this awesome place called Yard House which had Strongbow on tap (EEE!!! My favorite!) and AMAZING classic rock playing. We were all saying the songs within seconds of it coming on, and my dad even challenged albums on which said songs were on. And I totally got a few right. Go me! It was just so much fun. And, I’m not going to lie, comedy-wise, I was on fire. I nearly made my dad cry from laughter TWICE!! That, my friends, is a victory in my books. After dinner, Mandy and I decided to go suprise her brother, Alex, at work. I think he nearly peed his pants when I snuck up on him in his store. We went to his apartment afterwards so I could see this beauty:

DENALI!
He is the most beautiful dog. And he doesn’t run, he jaunts. Its the cutest thing ever. Saturday we ran some errands, and then that night, we went to see Where the Wild Things Are. It was sooo cute. And my favorite part was when M, mimicking the main character Max, starting howling. In the theater. At a quiet part. It was awesome. Oh! I almost forgot. I surprised M when I got off the plan with a cake I baked her from scratch, and some Georgetown Cupcakes in case the cake didn’t turn out as planned. I wanted to decorate it really fun, so I used this as inspiration. The final product:

Orange Stethoscope!
I’m pretty sure M’s socks were knocked off. So that trip was wonderful for my soul. But seriously, having this past weekend to just stay home and clean was good for my soul, as well. I’m looking for the same sort of weekend starting tonight. I’m also really excited to start Christmas shopping (well, I’ve already started some) and Christmas projects. And can I just say that I LOVE fall, and thought it would never come? I love the brisk weather, and craving apple cider, and hot chocolate, and scarves and warm coats. Mmm. Oh! Wednesday the boys and I carved pumpkins, and here’s mine: 
A definite improvement on my awful pumpkin carving skills last year.
Hope you all are enjoying fall!








