Beautiful Bride

Today I was able to spend the better part of an afternoon with some of my most favorite extended family members. It seems like every other time I have been able to get together with them I have either been pregnant or chasing around a baby, so I was so excited to be able to take the time to actually talk and share stories with all of them. And just because I love them so, I want you to get to know them as well!



My Great Aunt Cookie, who is...just....awesome. There really isn't a better way to describe her. The best relative you have? Multiply by twelve and you've got Auntie Cookie. Seriously. She lives in Arizona, I don't get to see her often so when I do it is such a treat. I even took a picture of her on my phone and texted it to my cousin in Florida with the caption "Jealous?" because I'm kinda bratty like that. But when you get to see Auntie Cookie, you brag!


Auntie Lorrie, who is the sweetest, most genuine and caring person ever. Plus I sat next to her and she wore a super soft sweater, so whenever I brushed up against her it was nice :) haahaaha! The only thing that would make her an even better aunt would be if she would comment on my blog once and a while.

HI AUNT LORRIE!! THROW ME A COMMENT!!
My cousin Rachel, who makes me laugh harder than almost anyone I know. I think if we lived closer to eachother, she would totally be my best bud. We would drink wine together and laugh and bake Auntie Cookie's bundt cake. And fight over whether to use four OR five eggs. Oh? And internet? She's having twins!!!




In 2011.




Sorry. I promise to keep the family jokes to a minimum. Rachel is going to kill me.





Judy, who is the single most inspirational woman I know. When I was home from college, not sure where I was heading with my life, she took me to see Iron Jawed Angels at the local community college. This film, this amazing woman who took me to see this film, changed my life. At a time that I was totally just....floating. She grabbed me, gave me a direction and showed me that I can be STRONG. And that being strong is OKAY. She literally showed me this path that I didn't know existed.
I've never told her all of this. Isn't that funny? One moment can have that much of an impact, but you don't ever say thank you.

THANK YOU JUDY. Thank you so much.

Then there's Margie, mother of the bride. I'm not kidding you, Margie has been to every single on of my parties ever. She is possibly one of the most supportive fiftieth cousin twice removed ever. Just kidding. She's only my 4th cousin or something like that. But every shower, wedding, Eddie's birthday party, she's there. And she gives the most incredibly unique gifts you've ever seen. When the earthquake hit a couple weeks ago, I opened my email to see one from her, checking that we were ok. If you knew Margie this would not surprise you one bit.


I wasn't able to spend as much time with my cousin Jennifer, who made the most seriously adorable panty cupcake thing. Yup. You read that right. Cupcake things, filled with lacy little panites. All on a cupcake tower....it was to die for. I cannot wait to make this for someone I know....not that many people I know are close enough for the whole panty gifting thing. I wish I was able to spend more time with her, because I love her bunches! I also want to say that her family is going through a little rough patch, and they are in my thoughts and prayers. If I could give them huge, tight hugs right now, I totally would.


And last, but certainly not least, Dana, who is quite possibly going to be the most stunning bride ever. Her smile lights up a room, she is so cute and happy and I know that all of that is going to show ten fold on her wedding day.


This is normally when I would put an awesome picture of the adorable bride, but I totally sucked on the picture thing today. All of them are pretty half assed...I was having too much fun talking! Oops!!





I love my extended family so, so much. I am so lucky to have such wonderful women in my life. Thank you for making my day a little brighter :) Love you all!!