Final January Musings

Usually January is a month that doesn't particularly excite me.  It's not terrible, but far from thrilling.  You know what I'm talking about.  Life returns to "normal" after the excitement of the holidays.  The weather isn't exactly motivating, unless you're a polar bear and/or thrive on overcast days.  It's just kind of a blah month.  Until this year. 

I guess being engaged is to credit (somewhat), but it seems like we had so much going on, all of which was FUN... and... you guessed it.... worthy of blogging about!  Speaking of blogging, what a fun decision this has been.  People are actually reading my blog, and some are even "following" me!  That's pretty awesome.  I love having this creative outlet that allows me to share stories, pictures, happiness & a little bit of wit with the wonderful people in my life.  In retrospect, perhaps I should have deemed this my 2011 new year's resolution- it would have been the first one I've ever kept.  Ok, I digress.

What you're about to see is a photo collage of my favorite January memories & milestones.   It can best be summarized by saying that I am blessed beyond measure.  This girl's glass is half full, indeed.  2011 is off to a solid start.  I can hardly WAIT to see what February will bring (including, but not limited to, warmer weather & sunshine!).  Rest assured, you'll be reading about it before long. 

I'm fully aware of the fact I will be reprimanded, verbally or
otherwise, for posting this picture.  I'm doing
it anyway so that you can smile just as big as I did the morning
after our engagement party, when Jen (who also answers to
Scotty) rolled into the living room looking like this.  We enjoyed
a cozy morning of pj's girl talk, coffee, and a HUGE bag of puppy chow.
Sisters are the best.  And so cute- especially when dressed in flannel scotty dog pajamas.



Exemplifying one of my favorite expressions: "The sun
never sets on a bad*ss."  Ok, or the sun was just glaring in their
faces while drying their nails, leaving them with no choice
but to wear their shades inside.

Our day this day went something like this:
1.  Lazy morning with coffee
2.  Lunch... aka binging on Mexican at Amigo's
3.  Mani/Pedi Appointment
4.  Starbucks

You get the picture.  A really lovely day. 



One of my favorite nights of the entire month
was the Friday night that Doug & I stayed in,
made homemade pizza, lounged in sweatpants,
and fell asleep on the couch watching a movie. 
Cozy nights at home are the best.



WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING! 
I was so thrilled to have my sisters (my Matron & Maid of Honor),
my mom and Doug's mom all join me for one of the most memorable
shopping trips ever.  We gave new meaning that day to
the expression "Shop 'til you drop!"
We found The Dress, bridesmaids dresses,
mother of the bride AND a potential mother of the groom dress. 
Such a fun day with my favorite women in this world. 

Blushing Brides-To-Be & Baby on the Way!
There are few people that I "go back farther with" than these
two beautiful women.  Erin's mom & my mom were pregnant
with us at the same time, and we were inseparable growing up in
Mt. Sterling.  Neither of ever imagined we would get engaged
within months of each other & plan weddings in the same year,
but it's so fun that it worked out that way.  Amy & I met the summer
before our freshman year in high school & have remained the closest of 
friends since then.  She & her precious family are welcoming Baby #3 in May!
We reunited at Erin's bridal shower in late January.  The decor, though super cute, 
made for a somewhat awkward photo shot... but we had to include it in our shot.

Kirkwood's Version of "Snowpocalypse 2011."
We seemed to be the only area in the 2,000 mile radius
of this storm that came out on the short end of the
snow accumulation stick.  Over a foot of snow was projected,
and we ended up with about 3-4 inches of sleet.  I had a great vision for the blog
in which I'd document the winter wonderland, take pictures of our snow days at
12 Silver Lane, boast about getting to use our massive generator
after we lost power, etc... but it just didn't pan out like that.
Not that we're complaining...



Snowpocolypse 2011 did pose enough inclement weather to warrant
a day or two of working from home.  The only difference between Doug working
in the office & from home is a pair of sweatpants.  His work ethic remains steadfast,
and I couldn't resist the opportunity to snap a shot of him at work.  After all, these snowy 
days are the moments that memories are made of!