Christmas

I was totally psyched for this Christmas...not only was it Christmas...yay gifts, but I got to spend it with my sister and her beautiful babies, oh yeah, and it's our FIRST MARRIED CHRISTMAS! I loved it. FIL & SMIL got us the 2009 Annual Lenox Ornament of the bride and groom: I love it!

This year, not only did I get the ornament, and my husband :) I received a net book from my hubby: A handwoven African basket from one of my clients, which I have been eyeing for MONTHS! And, my Kitchen Aid MIXER! Super psyched about that one...can't wait to make cookies, brownies, cakes, mashed potatoes, the list goes on and on and on!

Apparently...the mixer was the gift to get me this year. Both my MIL and my SMIL got one for me! Unfortunately, we only need one, so I don't know what I'll find tomorrow when we meet up with his mom/step dad to do our after-Christmas Christmas.

Some other highlights from this Christmas:

The "Cuppies" meeting for the first time (Cuppies = cousins + puppies)Opening Gifts with my niece and nephew...Look at M in her pretty dress...I made stuffed roasted Chicken...which took 5 hours to cook...no bueno, and TAPIOCA! Aaron only eats his mom's so it was important that I do it JUST RIGHT! Turns out he liked it...so that's good. My tapioca cooking: My poor honey...this year he got pretty much diddley. He was so bummed. Of course we know it's not about the presents, but he's really feeling it this year, being married and all, he got "US" gifts not "HIM" gifts. Next year, I'm going to request things for him. Of course, I wanted to get him the PS3 but he had a fit, that it cost too much and refused to let me! Now, I think he knows better!

Menu Planning Friday

Menu Planning For week 12/20/09-12/27/09

Sunday
B: pancakes & sausage, apples, milk
L: leftovers/clean out fridge day
D: Skillet tostadas, rice, corn, avacado
Snack: AM: protein shake, PM: rice cakes w/nutella & PB

Monday
B: Cinnamon rolls, banans, milk
L: skillet tostadas, rice, corn, avacado
D: beef & broccoli stroganoff, salad
Snack: AM: protein shake, PM: veggie sticks & hummus

Tuesday
B: poached eggs on toast, oranges, milk
L: beef & broccoli stroganoff, peas, banana, milk
D: shredded potatoes, w/sausage & apples
Snack: AM: protein shake, PM: cottage cheese & peaches

Wednesday
B: oatmeal w/apricots & raisins, milk
L: shredded potatoes, w/sausage & apples, milk
D: spaghetti w/meat sauce, garlic bread, salad
Snack: AM: yogurt w/berries, PM: cookies & hot cocoa/Daycare Christmas Party

Thursday/Christmas Eve
B: French Toast
L: spahgetti w/meat sauce, green beans, pears, milk
D: roady sandwiches
Snack: AM: protein shake, PM: fruit slices

Friday/Christmas Day
B: pancakes eggs, bacon, toast, OJ, milk
L: Christmas
D: Dinner
Snack: AM: protein shake, PM: cookies & milk

Saturday:
B: Becky's
L: Leftovers
D: Roasted Chicken, potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, rolls
Snack: AM: protein shake, PM: Cookies & Milk

Sunday:
B: Becky's
L: roady sandwiches
D: Andy's/take out
Snack: protein shake PM: milkshake

Tuesday Morning Weekend Round Up

So, I have been thinking I will become some sort of domestic goddess....able to keep a clean home, that's stylish contemporary, and fun. However, somewhere along the line I forgot I HATE to clean, DH loves to micromanage, and I work 11 hours a day caring for three to four 1-3 year olds. So, my envisioning a different life for myself is still a major work in progress...or more like a work at standstill.

This weekend we did do a bunch.

Friday:
Went Christmas shopping -- only got like 2 1/2 people done and spent way more than we expected :-(

Saturday:
Ran around like chickens with our heads cut off, Farmer's Market, grocery store, making stuffed mushrooms for DH's family Christmas party, and driving 1 hour only to arrive 2 1/2 hours early (yes DH took the message and did write it on the calendar! but neither of us looked at that, of course.)

Sunday:
Attached the gate to the daycare room...yay! And I deep cleaned our master bedroom. DH's clothes are still all over the room, but at least it isn't a pit of despair anymore!

Monday:
Deep cleaned the bathroom and the daycare room
Dusted the desk and Tv area.
Swept and swiffered the floors
Had friends over for dinner (**and a daycare meeting**)

Tonight is my last class of English 101 and I am super excited!

Menu Planning Monday...

Sunday:
Breakfast: oatmeal w/raisins
Lunch: whatever I find :)
Dinner:Chicken with cranberry sauce, broccoli, quinoa, baked pears
Snack: Granola bars & apple juice

Monday:
Breakfast: yogurt w/berries, OJ
Lunch: chicken w/cranberry sauce, broccoli, quinoa, pears
Dinner: tuna noodle casserole, peas & corn, apples
Snack: fruit bars w/milk

Tuesday
Breakfast: cherrios w/milk, bananas
Lunch: tuna noodle casserole, peas & corn, apples
Dinner: Lasagna, spinach, oranges
Snack: veggie sticks w/hummus, juice

Wednesday:
Breakfast: waffles w/pears, milk
Lunch: lasagna, spinach, oranges, milk
Dinner: pork chops, parsley potatoes, green beans, pearsauce
Snack: apples w/pb & water

Thursday:
Breakfast: poached eggs on toast, oranges, milk
Lunch: Pork, potatoes, green beans, pearsauce
Dinner: beef fajitas, tortillas, rice, peppers, avacado
Snack: trail mix, juice

Friday:
Breakfast: cinnamon buns w/peaches, milk
Lunch: beef fajitas, tortillas, rice, peppers, avocado
Dinner: chicken barely soup, squash, carrots, apples
Snack: ham & cheese on crackers w/pepper slices, juice

Saturday:
Breakfast: Cinnamon buns w/peaches, milk
Snack: yogurt & pear
L&D: Carries (making Stuffed Mushrooms)
Snack: Veggies & ranch dip

Christmas is coming...

Christmas is coming, and I am not ready AT ALL!

I had hoped to be better prepared, but once again I am procrastinating. I am also bummed because I can't decorate like I'd like 1) because the hubs has some weird phobia against decorations, and 2) the basement is NOT even started yet, therefore no holiday decorations for me!

I can not wait until this thing starts and is finished! I want my daycare room back and rid of the desk/computer, tv and giant chair that fill the space.

I did rearrange Sunday, cleaned the fish tank (finally). I needed to get rid of those pads that were on the floor. They were nice and cushiony, but sucked up dirt and water like no bodies business. So now it's just hardwoods (eek!) and I'm looking for carpets to lay down.

I have narrowed down my list of items to ask hubby for:
Kitchen Aid Mixer
Netbook
Hoover Floormate

Yep, I don't expect much at all...

I know he wants an immersion blender and a bread machine. But really, aren't both of those things for me to use??

This weekend, I hope to knock a good portion of our list out of the way. I have to get my dnc something extra special since I forgot to get her a birthday gift :(

Here is the menu plan for this week...we are again behind due to the holiday last week.

Wednesday:
Breakfast: breakfast burritos, peaches, milk
Lunch: Spaghetti & MBs; broccoli, oranges, milk
Dinner: Hamburgers on bun, roasted potatoes, corn, peaches
Snack: PB rice cake

Thursday:
Breakfast: poached eggs, toast, pears, milk
Lunch: hamburgers, roasted potatoes, corn, peaches, milk
Dinner: Baked Chicken Thighs, butter noodles, brussel sprouts, apples, milk
Snack: cheese & crackers

Friday:
Breakfast: oatmeal w/ raisins, milk
Lunch: baked chicken, noodles, brussel sprouts, apples, milk
Dinner: Haddock, brown rice, asparagus, salad, fruit.
Snack: yogurt & peaches

Saturday:
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, maple sausage, toast, milk
Lunch: sandwiches, leftovers
Dinner: DATE NIGHT!
Snack: Nachos

Menu Planning Monday

Sunday:
Breakfast: Corned beef hash, eggs, fruit, toast, milk
Lunch: Leftovers/Sandwiches
Snack: AM: N/A
PM: Celery & PB
Dinner: Chili w/beans, peppers, beef, onions, corn bread

Monday:
Breakfast: Cheerios w/ yogurt, banana, water
Lunch: Chili w/beef, beans, and peppers, cornbread, apples, milk
Snack: AM: Cheese crackers
PM: Ham & Pineapple bites
Dinner: Chicken tenders, homemade french fries, peas, fruit

Tuesday:
Breakfast: Egg white omelette w/ mushrooms, peppers, and onions, oranges, milk
Lunch: Chicken tenders, ff, peas, oranges, milk
Snack: AM: Celery & pb
PM: Mixed berry smoothie
Dinner: Stomboli, salad, fruit

Wednesday:
Breakfast: Apple yogurt parfai, w/granola, water
Lunch: Turkey hot dogs on whole wheat bread, mac & cheese, mixed veggies, bananas
Snack: AM: nutella bread
PM: pear & peanuts
Dinner: packed sandwiches (road food), chips, fruit, water

Thursday:
Breakfast: cereals & fruit
Lunch: TGIVING DINNER
Snack: AM: veggie sticks & dip
PM: banana & pb
Dinner: TGIVING DINNER

Friday:
Breakfast: eggs, bacon, toast
Lunch: leftovers/sandwiches
Snack: AM: veggie sticks & dip
PM: apple slices & pb
Dinner: Ham loaf, etc (MIL cooking at cabin)

Saturday:
Breakfast: pancakes & sausage
Lunch: Spaghetti & MBs (MIL cooking at cabin)
Snack: AM: veggie sticks & dip
PM: granola bar
Dinner: Freezer dinner (Chicken taco casserole) salad, fruit

Menu Planning Tuesday...lol late again!

Monday:
Breakfast 1: Protein shake and banana
Breakfast 2: 1/2 English Muffin with grape jelly, milk
AM Snack: Turkey, cheese and mustard roll ups; fruit juice
Lunch: Chipotle Squash Soup, butter bread, lentils, corn, grapes, milk
PM Snack 1: Rice Cakes w/PB & fruit juice
Dinner: Homemade Turkey MB & Veggie Pizza on whole wheat crust; salad of baby greens, water
PM Snack 2: Cheerios w/ 2% milk



Tuesday:
Breakfast 1: Egg whites, 1/2 toast w/butter, 1/2 orange, vegetable juice
Breakfast 2: Bacon, tomato and mushrooms on toast, oranges, milk
AM Snack: Apples & yogurt
Lunch: Turkey MB Pizza, mixed veggies, oranges, milk
PM Snack 1: vegetable sticks & dip, fruit juice
Dinner: Oven pot roast w/potatoes, veggies, salad & rolls, water
PM Snack 2: yogurt



Wedensday:

Breakfast 1:
Breakfast 2: Fruit muffins, milk
AM Snack: bananas & PB
Lunch: Oven pot roast w/ potatoes & veggies, apples, and milk
PM Snack 1: crackers & juice
Dinner: dinner at in-laws
PM Snack 2: banana bread



Thursday:

Breakfast 1:
Breakfast 2: Apples and oranges breakfast, milk
AM Snack: 1/2 pear and handful of peanuts
Lunch: Grilled cheese & veggie sandwiches w/ turkey, oranges, milk
PM Snack 1: Apples & PB, fruit juice
Dinner: Turkey MBs w/ penne pasta and tomato sauce, salad, peas, bananas, water
PM Snack 2: yogurt and granola



Friday:
Breakfast 1:
Breakfast 2: cornmeal waffles w/ berries, milk
AM Snack: berry & yogurt smoothie
Lunch: Turkey MBs w/penne pasta and tomato sauce, peas, bananas, milk
PM Snack 1: cottage cheese & peaches, fruit juice
Dinner: at friends' house
PM Snack 2:

Saturday:
Breakfast 1:
Breakfast 2: Smoky chicken scrambled eggs, toast & jam, milk
AM Snack: fruit
Lunch: leftovers or turkey & cheese sandwiches
PM Snack 1: chips and salsa, veg juice
Dinner: leftover veggie stir-fry, salad & Fruit, water
PM Snack 2:

Sunday:
Breakfast 1:
Breakfast 2: whole wheat pancakes, peaches, milk
AM Snack: protein shake & fruit
Lunch: leftovers or sandwiches
PM Snack 1: turkey crakers w/ cheese and veg slices
Dinner: Ham slice, baked 3 cheese macaroni, corn, salad, water
PM Snack 2:

Menu Planning Monday...er Wednesday

So yes, I am way behind this week! By here is the menu planning for this week!

Monday & Tuesday: too late :-/

Wednesday:
Breakfast: french toast with oranges
Lunch: meatloaf w/baby red potatoes, brussel sprouts and oranges
Snack: cottage cheese & oranges
Dinner & Dessert: Turkey and barley vegetable soup; salad, crusty bread & apple crisp

Thursday:
Breakfast: oatmeal with pears
Lunch: turkey barley veggie soup; bread and pears
Snack: apple crisp
Dinner & Dessert: chicken panini with sweet roasted peppers, carrots, and salad & apple crisp


Friday:
Breakfast: egg & ham sandwiches; bananas
Lunch: Chicken panini w/sweet roasted peppers, carrots, bananas
Snack: Apples & PB
Dinner & Dessert: SUSHI & our traditional ice cream dessert after (don't ask! lol)



Saturday:
Breakfast: monkey bread rolls & peaches
Lunch: Mem's Bday Lunch
Snack: ham & pineapple bites
Dinner & Dessert: Baked cavatelli, garlic bread, salad & fresh fruit



Sunday:
Breakfast: spicy mexican strata
Lunch: chipotle squash soup; crusty bread
Snack: peppers & hummus
Dinner & Dessert: Shrimp & ramen stir-fry, salad.

Coldness...

I haven't been posting much because I've been lost without my camera. I can't believe I bought it five months ago and I've already lost it...I'm sure it hasn't even lost any value! :(

We've been really busy at daycare! Making pumpkin headbands, going to the park (where I lost my camera) and farmer's market and painting pumpkins to decorate the front of the house! I love these little guys; they are so much fun and good company...even when I'm not.

I had an interview on Monday and another one coming up next Monday. I hope to visit my sister in NC next weekend...and take the dogs...fingers crossed.

Money is tight right now and my spirits are low. I hate corporations that won't try to work with you when you truly have a mistake....what jackasses. DH being gone makes it difficult because no one ever can "discuss anything unless your name is on the account." Stupid, stupid, stupid! Makes me cranky.

That makes me cranky and so does having cold hands and feet...they only reason I hate the fall...it can never decide what temperature it wants to be!

A dear friend has been going through such a trying time in her life. She delivered her baby three months early after many months of pain and complications. So far, through God's mercy, they are strong and healthy and thriving. Baby was 1 lb 5 oz and 12 inches long at birth...but I saw him on Saturday and he looks strong and I swear he smiled at me...may have been at Daddy though! I pray for them everyday and hope they know if they need ANYTHING I am here! Kiegan is such a miracle and Jessie is the strongest woman I know!

Losing IT!??!!...

So the past few months have been difficult to say the least. There have been some fun moments, bored moments, and really very stressful moments, but lately there have been WAY too many WTF moments. Like when I couldn't find my keys the other day and SPECIFICALLY remember putting them in my purse...only to find them an hour and a half later in a toy box. Only then did I remember letting dcb play with them on the way in from the car. Then I lost my camera, which I still haven't found. I have no clue where it could have gone to. I remember having at the park Friday...and it was around my wrist when we got our bag and headed to the car. I don't remember putting it in the bag, or in the car...and I don't remember taking it FROM the car when I got home. SO, I have no idea where to start looking for that. (NOTE: It is not on the desk...cleaned that and no camera!) Then I find I lost a diamond out of my 3 month old wedding band. However, since we were proactive and purchased them before DH's first deployment of the year, I should have had it in for inspection and cleaning in August...but since I've only been wearing it for 3 months, not six...I forgot. So now, 3 months after getting and FINALLY being able to wear it, it's lost a diamond and I'm afraid the warranty won't be valid and cover it. :( Then tonight, I was going to go to the jeweler's and find out what's what about the ring and can't find my wallet when I get to the convenience store for some gas. Again, I am specifically remembering putting it in my purse but again, it's not there. (found it sitting on the trash can lid in the garage!) I seriously think something is wrong with me...no hallucinations of ex-fiance's coming back from the dead (Grey's reference)...but seriously is this symptomatic of anything? And if not...should it be?
Now, I know I am very stressed out right now. School's not going too great, I'm having zero luck finding new clients, and my husband is happily staying gone for another effing month, only to return with his lists of most important things to do while he's on leave...and I'm sure none of those involve my set-aside list (in order to complete his requests and just making it through the day) or giving me time to myself, or to relax, or just company. I know I complain a lot and everyone has said over and over and over...you knew this going in, you signed on for this...yes, I may have known there would be deployments, and work functions and things to do, and two dogs are harder than one, and starting a business (and going to school) are all difficult things in and of themselves, but I really didn't know I would be alone so much of my first year of marriage, and having to hold on to everything so tightly I'm losing my mind...OH and don't forget WE DON'T EVEN HAVE CHILDREN YET! How is this going to go when that happens, I wonder...not so great, I'm certain!
Yep...I'm 27 and a newlywed and I've JUST LOST MY MIND!

Driveway...

Taking all the dirt out of the lawn.

We asked them to take the entire old concrete sidewalk out too.

That backhoe (or bullybullozer as the dcg I watch) calls it really works pretty quick!

The finishe product...it's way higher than I expected...all the way to the top of the bottom step.
But it looks nice.

There are three spaces horizontally in front of the house...

and a back up zone on the right hand side of the drive way.

The built up the side of the yard by the driveway...and broke the drain pipe. It looks like they just knocked it out of alignment, so hopefully I can get it put back together the right way. They also have the extra dirt piled in there by the garage step...not sure how I feel about that...but we'll see.

So the driveway project is complete. I can't drive or park on it for at least 48 hours and not for 4 days for the newer parts. It's different, and I hope that the expense will be worth...well I KNOW it will be if I can ever get new clients!

Baby fever??...

So, DH's friend, M & his wife (you'll probably never see this, but I put that in JUST for you, M!) just had their baby on Saturday 9/18/2009; E is a perfect, healthy, happy baby. 7 lbs 14 oz. & 20 1/2 inches long. Mom and Dad are good; it was a little hairy for Mommy, an emergency C-section was needed...but everyone is in good health now. I visited last night for a little while and baby fell asleep in my arms. He sleeps with his mouth open and I found it aweinspiring and completely touching that he's only 3 days old and already mom and dad know his little quirks and can tell you what 'this face' vs 'that face' means.
It's funny, but I'm not really jonesing on baby fever right now. I was happy to hold him and would be happy to babysit...but it didn't make me wish I were having a baby. Weird huh? I get into my moods where having a baby is all I think about, but then, I want to be secure and stable financially and ready for the little one. I also don't want to rush into it because of how "old" I am or that everyone else is doing it!
Eh! Who knows...right now I am waiting until after October of next year to have a baby...so I can not be a blimp and really enjoy NP & H's wedding. (DH...that does NOT mean we are waiting until then to start trying to make one!)
BTW, I was right it was a bridesmaid's lunch. AND, she asked me to be a bridesmaid...so exciting and what an honor! The rest of the girls are great and we seemed to all get along...so this should really be fun. Although...I wonder if she will turn into a bridezilla!!! HAHA H, just joking, I know you'll be a great, happy, and fabulous bride! I am way excited!
Yesterday, the pups had a vet appointment (for their 3 year boosters) and we got to weigh Panzer FINALLY...I thought for sure he would hit at least 115 or 120 but he's only 102. Yes, I know he's still a big boy and we have to watch his weight to make sure he's not growing too much more. The dr. kept him on the same amount of heartworm meds, so we have to be very vigilant and I found out I AM feeding them enough! YAY! They did very well at the clinic, they sat when I asked...took the treats gently from the doc, Banya only peed once and didn't nip at anyone! I took them both...no sense making two trips; but kept Panzer in the car so Banya could be seen and then rotated. I was able to clip their leashes to the jeep (they had just enough room to stand, sit, or lay down, but not to try to jump out of the car and choke! I kept the windows down and gave them water while they each waited. The vet wanted me to vaccinate them for the doggy flu (not contagious to humans, I asked!) but couldn't guarantee that they'd be covered when the get boarded this weekend...so I didn't. They don't really get too much interaction with other dogs so I can't forsee it being a problem...but cross your fingers for us!

PAST POST...The Wedding...

Date: June 20, 2009
The Bride & Groom:
Jennifer & AaronThe Location: Kevin's Place Restaurant, Lykens, PA

The Ballroom Before:

And After: Tables, table cloths & chair coverings provided by Kevin Jury, Owner.

We separated the room into the Ceremony room and the Reception room using the white lattice screens & faux potted trees Kevin had available.

The Inspiration & colors: Victorian Lilac, Champagne & Ivory

Bridal Attire: Dress from David's Bridal

Shoes from Zappos.com...they matched the feel and look of the dress perfectly!

Flower Girl's Dress: from MyGirlDress.com

The Jewelry:

My wedding band

My "something blue" earrings...that I actually forgot on the wedding day...OOPS! DH's wedding band~ more carats than my ring!

Our bands on WDay!

The Flowers: Champagne & Ivory Roses, Peach Cala Lillies, Purple Ranunculus, and White Stephanotis. I didn't have particular flowers that I 'had to have' I simply wanted them to match the theme and feel of the day...I was a little disapointed that there were carnations in my table centerpieces, but it's still worked.

My Bridal Bouquet: Featuring the past, present and future wedding bands of DH's family: In order from left to right: DH's maternal great grandmother's, DH's maternal grandmother's, DH's mothers, and mine.

Table Flowers
Bridesmaids' Bouquets

My Bouquet again.

The Cakes:
The Table Cakes stood as the centerpieces of the table. My MIL made the cake stands (yes DIY and ALL 18!) and we used to anchor the table numbers (that I DIY'd). The cakes were .chocolate and white cakes covered in ivory buttercream, made by my sister's MIL. I didn't get to try them, but Iwas told they were delicious, and everyone was fighting over chocolate!

Our Wedding Cake:
Two tiered white cake with raspberry filling covered in Champagne buttercream and purple buttercream accents. The Cake topper was made by yours truly...well I purchased the actuall topper, but decorated it myself! Glitzy...no?

Cutting the cake

Stationary~~ ALL DIY'd with spelling errors included at no additional charge, LOL!
Ceremony Programs, I still have 100 or so...so if anyone wants one...

Invitations: I ordered my paper from Southwestinvitations.com and printed them on my home computer and printer; the tan cardstock was a little too dark and the purple front I had to buy other cardstock to make, but the informals were perfect and all in all I think it turned out well.

On the front cover it says:
Two Lives, Two Hearts

Joined together in frienship,

United forever in Love

6.20.2009

with our names underneath

Jennifer & Aaron

The inside says:

It is with joy that we,
Jennifer

&

Aaron

Formally invite you to share our celebration of love

as we exchange marriage vows

Saturday, June 20, 2009

At 5 o'clock in the evening

Kevin's Place Restaurant

Address

Formal Reception immediately to follow

The Save the Dates: Mailed in December 2008; it says:

"So it is written in the stars

that we were meant to be...

So write it on your calendar

there's gonna [to lol] be a party!

Save the date,

June 20, 2009

to celebrate our marriage.

Formal invitation to follow.

Love,

Jennifer & Aaron

Please visit our wedding webpage:
www.theknot.com/ourwedding/JenniferLease&AaronHarman"

The table numbers~ made with cardboard, leftover cardstock from the invitations and the ceremony programs, my printer and some fancy scissors and a paper punch, wooden dowels, ribbon and glue.

The Card box I made from 4 8X10 photo frames I glued together painted purple, made a top for out for fabric, art board, batting and glue attached to the box with hinges and made mattings from leftover ceremony paper. I used a 'lazy susan' I already owned and placed it next to an antique candy dish borrowed from DH's mom on our gift table. I think it turned out well!

The handpainted Aisle Runner! I bought an inexpensive aisle runner from JoAnn Fabrics, acrylic paints and brushes from Michaels and created and printed the monogram myself at home using Microsoft Word! It took me a little while to get the sizing and outline right, but I had an extra 25 feet of runner...so I had plenty of extra space in case I messed up!

The monogram was under our feet as we said our vows...and on the stage for the photo guest book picture stage.

The work in progress.

The backdrop up close and personal...yes the 'J' broke.

I handpainted wooden letters I purchased from woodlandmanufacturing.com using the acrylics I used on the aisle runner...then attached ribbon and hung them from the ceiling in front of the backdrop fabric. I bought the fabric at fabrics.net (for the white drop fabric and the ivory organza; and the purple and champagne at JoAnn fabrics. I also got tulle in my exact colors at tullesource.com. FIL rigged a pvc piping and hook system suspended from the ceiling to hold the backdrop...yes we had permission and no we didn't cause any damage! Lol

A far shot of the backdrop completed.

A closer up shot.

And in use.

We reused the ceremony stage for the guest book 'photo stage.' That was a lot of fun...I had photo books that people could take their picture then insert it into the book and write a message to us in. Very cool! DH's Aunt & Uncle manned the camera table using their digital camera and their photo printer to print the 4X6 photos.

The tablescapes...although without the cakes it can be difficult to see how it all looks. The table numbers stood straight up out of the cakes and there was a little spray of faux hydrangea stems laid on top of the cake.

The fabric squares I purchased from JoAnn fabrics in the dark Victorian Lilac color, the Champagne and the Lavender. We alternated every table with Lilac and Champagne. There are 8-10 ivory votives on each table randomly placed around the cake stand in clear, frosted, and purple votive holders. Each setting received a glass coaster as a favor.

The table with the escort cards and candy favors. I spray painted little pails I purchased from the knot.com shop Purple and Champagne. I had to do some several times due to a boo boo from my brother's girlfriend's daughter, but I appreciated her effort. The escort cards were purchased from invitationpaper.com in dark purple and lavender cardstock with ivory name cards. I printed them using my home computer and affixed ribbons to the bases. The two colors indicated meal choice and the kiddos got ivory instead of purple ribbons.

The pails were filled with little baggies of purple and cream colored M&M's. I wanted to get our names, dates and/or "thank you" printed on them, but could NOT convince myself they were worth the cost (which was outrageous!!!)

Close UP!