Mom's Guest Post #3

ANOTHER GUEST BLOG FROM ALLYSON's MOM

Allyson was here last weekend, but I didn't have time to write, so I'm doing my follow-up a little late. As you all know from the pic, I am FINALLY FINISHED w/chemo! This didn't warrant a major celebration. We just had a quick dinner at home and then went out to see #3 daughter Ari perform at the university w/her improvisational comedy group. They do such a good job--all are so quick and funny!--and it was great to just go somewhere where we could just relax and laugh all evening!

On a sad note, today we went to the funeral of a dear friend/neighbor who lost her fight w/cancer on Wed. Marita was sending ME cards of encouragement and the last time I saw her she brought me some of her hats and cancer books. She was a valiant fighter who, when told five months ago that she probably had less than a year to live, was determined to appreciate and love living every day. And she did. At the same time, she made those around her happier and even more grateful for their blessings. And I am.

I'll know Monday what comes next for me--whether my radiation starts right away or later. But being done w/chemo is BIG. Meanwhile, I'm now faced w/the challenge of starting to COOK again, now that meal service from my friends is winding down to a little more than once a week! (Foodie that I am, several times I nearly wept w/gratitude when someone brought us a meal!)

People always say having cancer changes you, but my daughter Ari (sitting w/me now) says she doesn't think I've changed, and I don't think so either. Maybe a bit more appreciative, maybe a little more grateful for my children, life and family. OK, maybe I have changed some.

AND NOW, thanks again to all of you (friends of of Ally) who posted your kind words of encouragement. It was great hearing from all of you--Andrea, Bryant, Carla, Carly, David, and Jasmine, to name a few. You made my day!

Blessings and love,
Jeri

Moma's Last Chemo!

Yesterday my moma had her LAST chemo!

yeeehhawww! She got a crown when she finished but I didn't get a picture because like a bad girl I left early to get my hair done!

We brought organic chips and homemade guacamole to share!
Yay moma!

What we've been up to...

On Friday, precious hubs finished his midterm exams! He is 5/8 complete with his Masters from Princeton...but who is counting, right?!

We have a GREAT weekend. Hubs is pretty laid back most the time, despite how stressful graduate school is but he is a lot more relaxed when he is on a break! So, we had a great weekend.

We...
-slept very late
-ate lots of good food
-went out to a bar for drinks (hubs does not drink when classes are in session)
-walked 5 miles today
-got new tires for miss Volvo
-hosted a Autumn dinner party
-cleaned the apt
-talked lots and lots about the future ;)
-went to the famous Hamilton Jewelers in Princeton where all things beautiful are. Bri wanted me to pick out my Christmas gift!
-ENJOYED spending time to together

An Autumn Dinner Party!

Our table

Spinach and Articoke DipMe with our guests...I think I have spinach in my teeth!
The ladies!
The men!

Fun times had by all!

Weighty issues...

Yes, I have them for time to time. Recently, with going to class for 6 hours per week and all the homework I have been a really bad eater as in 3 out of the last 4 meals have mainly consisted of....cookies.

Yes, you read that correctly! For dinner last night I had a bite of what I looked for hubs but decided cookies sounded much better. We are clean out of any and all breakfast food so yes, I ate cookies for breakfast. Lunch today also included a cookie.

UM....if I keep this up things will not be pretty especially since I have not set foot in a gym or even gone for a walk in......over a month!

Today after work I went to Whole Foods and got a lentil burger for dinner and a bunch of apples and bananas so I can at least have that for breakfast! I also got some granola (yum) and cliff bars to have on hand.

Also, today, I almost feel alseep at my desk....literally. I have decided I am going to have to end my love affair with fountain diet cokes. Yes, they bring me much joy but I usually get a sugar/caffeine high and then a crashing low.

So please hold me accountable for eating well!

Tag...You're It!

I have NEVER been tagged on anyone else's blog until NOW! My friend Erin tagged me for this little game.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Oh goodness! I was 15! Totally makes me think of that new Taylor Swift song...."15". I was in love (or so I thought!) and running cross country for my high school and obsessed with running and all things pink! My, how times have changed! I was dealing with tween angst!

2. What are 5 things on your To Do list today?
Do homework for my class, help my hubs with a job application essay, send out a proposal, make a phone call to follow up with a new business lead and do some reading for a work training I have on Friday.

3. Snacks you enjoy
COOKIES (with diet fountain soda), kettlecorn popcorn (with diet fountain soda), Cheese & crackers, organic peanut butter on graham crackers, fuji apples

4. Where are 5 places you have lived?
-San Antonio, TX
-Bethesda, MD
-Santander, Spain
-Perugia, Italy
-Princeton, NJ

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?
I would buy myself and my parents a new fabulous home, take my parents and siblings on a wonderful vacation, pay off my hubs' loans from Princeton, go to business school and start a charity! I love MCW's idea here - maybe we could both run it!

Fashion Forward!

Here are some pics from a very fun day at the Nassau Inn in Princeton! Us ladies had a wonderful time for a good cause! Here are a few pics...I had to do my other clothing changes so quickly I didn't get a picture of each outfit but there was a photographer there who got pics of us on the run way! I am so excited to see them! I got to see old friends from last year and made lots of new wonderful friends this year who I plan to keep in touch with! :)

They put our hair in pin curls...so fun!

Glam with curls and make up and an outfit from Bucks County Dry Goods!

Lucky for me I got to wear this hat!

Picture with the beautiful Shelley who was also in the show last year!

Me with the lovely "MB" as I call her! She is also a friend from last year!

Me with all the Coach bags I got to carry -- too bad I didn't get to keep one!

A pic with Bettina!I didn't get a picture with any of my new friends! But, boy, did we have a fun time! A bunch of us went out for drinks and apps after the show!

The Bunker Breakfast Club

Since I am a much earlier riser than Brian I enjoy getting up before him on Saturday mornings, snuggling on the couch and making breakfast for us. Here is what we enjoyed!

Weekend Plans

I.cannot.wait.for.the.weekend. This week has been SO long...Things have been very busy at work and I am taking a class on Mondays and Wednesdays for 3 hours each evening. Tuesday I went to an information session to start volunteering at the Princeton Hospital (for 3 hours!) Tonight I was at practice for this:
http://palmersquare.com/2009FashionShow.asp

That's right folks, this Sunday, for the second year in a row, I will be modeling in a charity fashion show at the Nassau Inn for "Dress for Success". I will be modeling Talbots, Aerosoles, Coach and Bucks County Dry Goods! A good time for a good cause! :)

A mile a minute

So far this week, I have been going a mile a minute! I have class twice a week for three hours each night for the next month - plus homework! It's keeping me very busy!

I love your love the most...

I re-wrote the lyrics to "I love your love the most" (on my playlist below) and sang it to Brian....I think it thought it was pretty funny...less funny that I interupted his studying for the CFA, but still funny...

I love sleeping in on Saturdays
And I love Tar-heelb-ball games
I love not acting my age
And good whole foods

Yeah I'm a fan of trashy books
And anything my bunnie cooks
Our green couch has got me hooked
On Sunday afternoon

Yes I love good cold wine
And mustard on my nuggets
I love a good ole' On the Border
T hat rocks on Friday night

And hell yes I love my VOLVO
But I want you to know
Honey I love your love the most

Man I love how cookies taste
And damn I loved my 1/2 marathon race
Any song sung by George Strait
Is country at it's best

Yes I love good cold wine
And mustard on my nuggets
I love a good ole' On the Border
That rocks on Friday night

And hell yes I love my VOLVO
But I want you to know
Honey I love your love the most

Yeah I love ballet flats
And skinny little jeans
A grey volvo with heated seats
And halo pub ice cream

And hell yes I love my BUN
And fountain diet cokes
But honey I love your love
Yeah I love your love
I love your love the most
I love your love the most

New J.Crew Outfit ON!

A couple weeks ago I got a few items at J.Crew..here is the outfit on...sorry it is slanted...Brian took it in a hurry.

Some thoughts...and sharing wedding pics

This has been a week of ups and downs for our little family. I am feeling particularly grateful and trying to be patient and trust God's plan.

Apart from that, I have been thinking and talking about babies more and more lately. A few folks from church from home just had babies and I can't help but want one! I know we aren't ready yet - there are things we still want to do, places we still want to go. But I find myself really enjoying looks at the pictures of the little babies and thinking about baby names.

On another note I wanted to share some pictures from the wedding...I have watching many episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" and other wedding shows.

Bridal
My darling hubs
In the pew
My dad giving me away
Back of my dress
THE KISS
Isn't he sweet?
Our first dance..."It had to be you" - Frank Sinatra
The reception

THE END

We are being featured!

Hi friends!

Don't forget to check http://newlyweds.wordpress.com tomorrow as we are being FEATURED! :)

Remember that trip to Spain?

....Well the tickets have been purchased for April 12-19, 2010! My mom and I are visiting my sister in Madrid for a week! Best of all....my ticket was $34. I used my frequent flier miles...ya!