a recounting of our weekend seasoned with sarcasm

I am breathing a huge sigh of relief. We made it through the long weekend. It was long. And full. And crazy. And fun. But I'm kinda glad it's done.

It was my sister-in-law's wedding on Saturday {rehearsal on Friday night} and our whole family was in the wedding party and Thanksgiving on Sunday and then we installed new floors on Monday. Ridonc.

I don't have any tips on doing stuff like this.
Jude drew on Blaise's face with blue marker on Friday. It eventually came off, but it wasn't a washable marker so I had a moment of panic. Then he {Jude} got stung by a bee on his pinky finger. Friday was pretty awesome.
We didn't do the rehearsal dinner on Friday night and opted to leave right after to get home and sleep in our own beds before the big wedding day. Jude threw up seconds after arriving home. Yeah, that happened.
Noah fell down the church steps moments before the processional and then refused to walk down the aisle.
I made little fun bags for the boys to open during the ceremony and promptly forgot them in the car. So that was useful.
Jamie and I had many moments where we just looked at each other with wild, harried looks in our eyes wondering what on earth we had gotten ourselves into.
But the wedding was beautiful, the weather was absolutely perfect and we definitely had fun and enjoyed ourselves. It was hilarious and adorable to watch our boys tear up the dance floor. They loved pulling out the dance moves, sneaking candy from the candy table and taking hilarious pictures in the photo booth.

Sunday was fun and family and food. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.

Sunday night my brother Curtis slept over so that on Monday he could help us install our new floors in our living/dining room. He's a freakin' superstar. And our floors look so good. They almost make me giddy.

This morning I realized Noah had no pants to wear that were clean and threw in the jeans I had forgotten to dry into the dryer this morning in hopes that they would dry before school. {They did. Whew.} Jamie walked Noah up to the bus stop and came back and said, "So today was picture day." Hashtag face palm.
I just hope he didn't have yogurt smeared all over his face.

lip-dub proposal!

best proposal ever. i just couldn't wait until next friday's links to post this.
enjoy.

and life goes on.

we went to a wedding in oshawa.

my childhood best friend's wedding.

i remarked to my mom that it's interesting how people grow apart. 

we were tight when we were little.

now i barely know her.

it's okay. that's life. 

and i don't know how much different either of us would have been had we not been in each other's lives. 

but i'm thankful for the years of friendship we shared together.

and life goes on.

(and i didn't have to buy a new dress or shoes - i opted for a new belt and i worked it, people.)

The Manchester Recap

So...my time in Manchester.

It was amazing.

I loved it. Yes. It was hard to be away from my kids and the hubs. BUT...it was so so so good to be on my own.

Manchester. Not exactly a pretty city, but it definitely has aspects of the prettiness of the UK with old buildings and great architecture. It truly is an industrial city, but I definitely enjoyed my time in the city. The uncharacteristically fantastic weather was a huge bonus.

Of course I had to do the whole high tea thing as well.

Scones, clotted cream and jam with the most amazing tea at a 5 star restaurant. It really doesn't get any classier (or tastier) than this.

And the hotel I stayed in (which was also where the wedding and reception were) was stunning. It was the classic English garden I pictured in my mind with brick buildings and hideaway courtyards with little fountains and beautiful cobblestone pathways.

The day of the wedding we were lucky enough to have more beautiful weather as we rushed around to get ready - hair, make up and then getting dressed consumed hours of our morning. Thank goodness for a 3:30pm wedding!

Seriously INCREDIBLE dress.

Tam looked gorgeous and stunning but completely herself. Oh and did you see her ring?

I know, right?

Oh and I was there too. Here's proof:

So because I was actually IN the wedding I didn't get any shots of the ceremony even though us bridesmaids were sitting (I couldn't quite figure out how to get my camera in ahead of time and then not lug it around afterward...the downside to having a really big, nice camera) I didn't get any ceremony shots. But it was sweet even though we all walked down the aisle to the wrong song, it somehow fit perfectly.

The reception was lovely. With stunning flowers and little touches here and there, and of course the stunning setting, it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to.

They cut the cake (which was so amazing),

and they danced their first dance...

and it was a perfect evening. I wish I could have stayed for longer (and I wish I could go to GREECE with them on their honeymoon - is that weird? Let's face it, Greece?!? That'd be awesome with anyone!) and I miss my lovely friend Tam, but I'm so glad and honoured I was there on her big, beautiful day to see her joy and love for James and I wish them all the best and I can't wait until the summer when we get to hang out again!

Now where is the nearest restaurant that does high tea?....to The Boathouse I go!

wedding seating

During the reception I was seated beside a pregnant lady. I thought we'd have tons to talk about. Here's how the conversation went down:

after some random chit chat about each other and her being pregnant...

Me: So I hear midwives are more popular here in the UK?

PL: Midwives are b*tches.

Me: (extremely shocked look on my face, uncertain as to where this conversation is headed although I should have known from that comment.) Oh. Really? Um...

PL: Well, most are. They're all so into the whole natural birth thing and so opposed to doctors and drugs and really just think we're all intervening in the natural process and they're so against epidurals and sections.

Me: Oh. So you're a doctor?

PL: Yes. I'm an anaesthetist.

(I should have known.)

Me. Oh.

PL: And then they're all in their home births and I just don't get that. I mean, why would you do that when you can be in the hospital just minutes away from an OR if you need one instead of having to travel 30 minutes when an operation needs to be done in less than 15?

Me: (at this point I am quiet...debating whether to bring up the fact that I've had two seamless home births, and was myself born at home. I opt not to unless she asks me as I'm not particularly in the mood to pick a fight. I let her rant.) Yes, well...

PL: I'm all for sections! In fact, I can't think of a better way to go than a elective section.

Me: (I'm just smiling at her. Not noding in agreement, but smiling. The conversation turns to other things or the music is too loud or speeches start or something and I am grateful but somewhat saddened that she has such a negative view of what are some fabulous women who specialize in "catching babies".)

I think we did talk later about breastfeeding (she also views it negatively because of midwives who push it on them - or perhaps it's their general health care system?) and how no one gives formula information just assuming you'll be able to breastfeed. While I'm all for letting people know your options, it seems to me that formula feeding is fairly straight forward. Follow the directions on the can, figure out which bottle your baby will take and go at it. Wash, rinse, repeat. Breastfeeding on the other hand can be very tricky and requires much persistence for some woman. It would seem to me that informing women and teaching them about breastfeeding is more beneficial than formula feeding, but to present both things objectively and without guilt.

We talked about skin-to-skin contact and she asked me if I did it and I told her I didn't really, but not because I was against it...I just hadn't thought about it and I don't recall anyone bringing it up to me at all. I was wearing a top when I delivered both boys (don't laugh - many women aren't and I was determined not to be one of them. :P) so when I took both of them up onto my chest after they were born, it wasn't right onto my skin and then I just changed shirts and the babies were cleaned up.

I do believe I did mention at one point that birthing Jude was quite easy, but that Noah's was very different and much more intense and painful. I didn't mention being drug-free or anything, but then again, she didn't ask too much about the experience.

I guess I just thought it both ironic and assumptive on my part. Ironic because who would have thought to put an anaesthetist and a home birther beside each other at a wedding. Assumptive because I just assumed that because she was pregnant we would have so much to talk about. Turns out we did, but we were on such different pages it would have been more disagreeable to "go there".

It was good.

Um, more to come I promise, but I had a freaking awesome time this past week in Manchester.

And I am over the moon for my bestie, Tam and her new hubby and so thrilled that I was able to be there for their beautiful wedding.

Also, I was ON MY OWN - as in, no kids or hubs. It felt VERY different, but it was good for my soul. I am glad to be back with my babies and my man, but it was kind of like I remembered a part of who I am apart from everyone else. And THAT was a good thing to remember.

The Big Wedding Recap

The big post-wedding post.

My sister is married! No longer Shereen Taylor, she's now Mrs. Shereen Kim. Amazing. And I have a new brother-in-law. Wow.

But let me back up so I can do a recap of the day.

I woke up early enough so I could pump so Jamie could feed Jude after I had left. I didn't get much. Boo.

I drove into Toronto to the hair salon and met Shereen, my Mom and the rest of the bridesmaids there. Incidentally, it was the same salon my bridesmaids, Mom and I got OUR hair and makeup done for my wedding. Fun!

So it took a really long time for everyone to get their hair and makeup done (only one makeup artist!) and the morning felt crazyrushed once we got home. Unfortunately we weren't able to get a lot of pictures like Shereen wanted, but I think the ones we did get will turn out amazing. Shereen looked absolutely STUNNING.

I was SO proud of her and she held it together so well!

Noah and Jude showed up at the house when we came back from the salon and I got Noah all ready in his little suit. He looked adorable and he was not himself at all. Not that he was super shy, but he was just really quiet and his eyes were all wide as he took it all in. Especially once we got to the church.

As we drove to the church, Shereen looked stunning and was so calm and composed (and excited!). It was a perfect moment.

When we got to the church we waited for about 10 minutes in the side room for all the guests to file into their seats.

To be honest, I was nervous about how Noah would do walking down the aisle with me.
I wish I knew...I had nothing to worry about! Although as we walked towards the sanctuary I smelled something.

Yup.
Noah had pooped.

We didn't have time to do anything about it, though and we just had to walk down the aisle, poopy diaper and all.

Good times.

The music played perfectly and it was beautiful.

The ceremony was really special and the message was right on target.

At the end of it, we saw Shereen and Sam become Mr. and Mrs. Sam & Shereen Kim.
It was a sweet moment.

After the ceremony I felt like chaos broke out. Jude was tired and needed to eat. Pictures were apparently supposed to be happening directly after but not everyone was there. There was food, but I didn't get any. The boys were here, there and everywhere and even though I had arranged for them to be taken care of I'm still their Mom and did find it difficult to fully focus on my bridal duties.

But eventually we got to the Woodbine Center for wedding party pictures and got to go on a few rides - Noah loved the merry-go-round (his first ride!) as well as the teacups and the spinning balloons. Still with the wide-eyed stoic look but I could tell her loved it.

From there I said good bye to my boys for the rest of the night and the bridesmaids made our way to the reception.

When we got there we had time to quickly practice our wedding party dance and then they were announcing the wedding party! I couldn't believe how quickly time flew by!

The reception flew by, my speech was given and I made it through without bawling my eyes out. :)

The food was great, the boys went down for Emily (who was our amazing helper/babysitter with the boys all day! Thanks, Em!) and I could finally enjoy myself and eat and dance!

All in all, a wonderful day and I'm so glad I could be there for my sweet sister and her new husband!It was great to see people (friends and family) although I even missed out on catching up with everyone (sad) that I wanted to.

I'm proud of my boys (Noah for being so sweet and brave as he experienced so many new things! and Jude for being so sweet as he was being passed around from person to person) and thankful for my amazing husband who I got to have fun with and enjoy as we danced together and laughed and enjoyed each other without the kiddies.

anticipation

Tomorrow my sister gets married.

I feel emotional and nervous already! (I think I may cry more than I did at my own wedding!)

I wrote my speech up last night and I decided I hate writing speeches. There's always so much more you can say and how do you sum up 26 years of memories into a few minutes?

She has been my best friend, my childhood playmate, my co-conspirer, eater of chocolate and sweets, person I go to to moan about how fat I feel, dance partner, person I indulge in the giddiest of laughter and jokes, the most amazing Auntie and fan of my two boys and someone I know prays for me and desires to become more and more like Jesus in everything she does and in everything she is.

The road to marriage has not necessarily been an easy one for Shereen. She has had her ups and downs (haven't we all?) but I have seen her persevere and fall at the foot of the cross for strength and wisdom.

And then came Sam. Sam did not "fit" into our family's dynamics at first, but he definitely "fit" with Shereen. It was quite clear that Shereen was completely smitten with this motorcycle-riding, basketball-playing, loud-laughing, big-hearted guy. I saw him shower Shereen in gifts and encouraging words. He has challenged her and helped her grow and become the beautiful and godly woman she is today. Sam caused our family to change and grow as well and become a tighter unit that includes him!

I'm so glad Sam and Shereen met and that Sam will be a permanent fixture in our lives.

There are so many details that go into a wedding and having two young boys to think about is causing my mind to whir at 100km/hr. Naps, feedings, travel, bedtimes...there's so much to think about NOW so that tomorrow I can focus on being there for my sister.

It's so worth it and I'm beyond thrilled for what's to come for Sam & Shereen!

Busy!

I've got a lot going on in the next couple months.
I was at a store the other day and purchased items for an engagement shower (an engagement party and bridal shower combined into one glorious event), a baby shower and a bachelorette party. I felt like telling the cashier that they were for different people but then felt silly for feeling like I needed to defend my purchases.

Here is what my life will look like over the next 2 months:
January 17th - bridal shower
January 22nd - Engagement Shower
January 23rd 10am - dress fitting
January 23rd 11am - wedding (but not for the one for which I am being fitted)
January 30th - bridal shower
January 31st - baby shower
February 6th - bachelorette party
February 13th - final dress fitting
February 14th - Valentine's Day - no idea if we'll celebrate or not
February 26th - rehersal dinner
February 27th - wedding

...breathe....

But I'm excited.
My lovely friend Tamsin (for whom I am throwing said Engagement Shower) said I was doing too much. Perhaps. But at least I don't feel overwhelmed by it.
Yet.
But I think because I'm doing things that are fun for me for people I love dearly, it doesn't seem like something that puts pressure on me or weighs me down like a burden.
Plus it was an excuse to use up a few gift cards from Christmas to go shopping for new outfits!

marriage

What a blessing it is when you get to see such a beautiful uniting of man and wife in marriage.
This past weekend I got to attend a wedding (as the date of my sister) of a childhood friend from growing up at the same church.
It was such a beautiful wedding and so very God-centred. I cried numerous times.