Monday, July 30, 2007

Molly's Last Hurrah

Saturday was Molly's bridal shower. Eight of us painted plates, bowls, mugs, pigs, jewelry, and jars at ColorMeMine in Woodbury. I think for most of us, it was the first time we had ever done this activity outside of middle school. It came naturally to the moms and Angie. I know I struggled to keep my lines straight (I'm very nervous to see how my pig turned out!).

We ran out of time. Chris and I ran late and did not have all the food set up by the time the party started. It took us a good 15 minutes to get settled in.







We ran out time. The cake wasn't cut. The presents weren't open. But we had a second stop on our field trip bridal shower. We went out to dinner at Green Mill (one of Molly's favorites). We were able to take our time and watch Molly open gifts. We enjoyed the cake even though we were stuffed from our meals.







Molly received some great gifts. Including this cutting board in the shape of a book. Who knew?!






Most of us are friends from various pockets of Molly's life. And we've never all hung out together like this. Chris and I are friends from middle school, but rarely get a chance to see each other. Angie is Molly's friend through her husband Lane (who is Ryan's friend). Chris, Angie, and I have are acquaintances. Emily is Molly's coworker and fast becoming a steadfast friend to her. Evonne knows Molly through her ex-fiance.

We quickly bonded together as if we've known each other for years and do this all the time. Conversation and interaction flowed easily.



The Bachelorette Party

We began the evening at The Marquette in downtown Minneapolis. We unwound from the flurry of the bridal shower with homemade white wine.

Molly learned to put eyeliner on so that her eyes would "POP". (I can count on one hand how many times I've seen Molly wear makeup!)




We played games (one involved peanuts and a salami). And watched Molly open various naughty gifts. I decked her out in a sash, a crown, a wand, beads, a candy penis necklace, and a badge made out of a condom and plastic penis. She was thrilled, as you can imagine.




I couldn't resist taking this picture. It's the closest thing to having my name in lights!




We made Molly ask 10 strangers awful pick-up lines, including "Do you work for UPS? Because I've been checking out your package all night!" and "Is there an airport near by or is that my heart taking off!" and "Is that shirt felt? Do you want it to be?" And the classic, "Nice shoes. Wanna fuck?"

She was reluctant at first, apologizing before spitting out the line. By the end of the night, she was rattling them off without thinking twice.




We sprawled out across the hotel room, talking until late into the night (or early into the morning).


And now, I present, The Drunk Kelly Montage:





Kelly & Molly





Kelly & Emily



Kelly & Chris




Kelly & Evonne

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Happy Birthday Richard!!

Richard turned 26 today!

I forgot to take a picture of the cake before we cut it!

We spent the night eating his favorite chinese food and relaxing. I had to get him this goldfish cookie since it was so cute! He thought it was too cool to eat.




Monday, July 23, 2007

The Crane Invasion

The History of the Paper Cranes:


According to Japanese, Chinese and Korean tradition, cranes stand as a symbol of peace, happiness, eternal youth and long life. Legends hold that the crane lives for a thousand years. Cranes also mate for life and remain devoted to their partners. The male and the female work together to build their nest and care for their young. Crane motifs were often used in Japanese weddings, on the wedding kimonos and in Japanese wedding decorations. It is said that if you fold 1000 paper origami cranes the gods will grant you a wish, be it for peace, health or luck.



Today, couples will fold 1,000 cranes as a wish for a long and prosperous marriage. Others will fold the cranes as a get well wish for someone who is ill and many people fold them for peace in the world. The folding of the cranes can be done with entire families and friends, not just the bride or the one making the wish. It is believed that the more people involved, the more luck you will have!



Chris, Chelsea, and I folded 1000 cranes. With the help of Angie and Lane, we were able to surprise Molly and Ryan.

Angie was able to get Ryan and Molly out of the house for a few hours. Then Chris and I ventured to Red Wing and placed cranes all over their house (bet Molly is regretting giving me a house key!)



The cranes, waiting to go to Red Wing.



1000 cranes!


We started with the bookshelves. Molly has so many, we thought we would be able to fit most of them on the bookshelves. We were wrong.




We had to get creative. We shoved them in door frames...



Attached them to wall hangings...




Attempted to make a "heart" on their bed....



Attached them to dresser handles...



Used skewers to create an arrangement...


"Enhanced" picture frames....


Stuck them in the blinds and the window frame...




Don't worry! We didn't forget Ryan's space!



Ryan's computer...beautified!


Sunday, July 22, 2007

Yes, we are nerds

Michelle and I ventured to the Maple Grove Borders at 9:30 pm on Friday night. Our Mission: to capture the new Harry Potter book at 12:01 am. Here is a photo blog of our adventure:


I purchased my copy at 12:20 am. Michelle (who did not reserve her book before hand!), got her's closer to 1:00 am. Thank you for coming with me, Michelle! It was fun!
What we learned from our midnight bookstore adventure:
*Death Eaters wear black plastic bags and are afraid of sex books.
*Little kids dressed up in Harry Potter costumes: cute! Adults dressed in little Harry Potter costumes: disturbing
*Michelle LOVES Ron Weasley
*People will tar and feather you if you don't have the right color wrist band on ("There are people with BLUE wrist bands who are trying to buy their books! SILVER ONLY!)
*Your Mom Eats Shoes!




Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Home Sweet Home

It has been one year since we bought our first house.

We started looking for houses shortly after we became engaged. We started in Elk River. After no luck of finding the house of our dreams, we moved on to Anoka, then Champlin and Ramsey, then Andover, and Coon Rapids. All the houses started to blend together until we couldn't distinguish between them. After 50 houses, we expanded our search west into Dayton, St Michael, and Otsego. It was the fifth house we looked at that final day that caught our eye.

Our realtor was reluctant to show it to us because it was a Model Home. Typically, builders will erect one Model Home in a development to showcase the different styles and options they offer. These houses go up for sale almost immediately, but the builder won't release them until they are finished building in the development. Our wonderful realtor was worried that the house wouldn't be available for several months.
As soon as we pulled in the driveway, Richard was sold. We had started looking at newer split level houses, but they all looked the same. Especially on the outside. This was a three level split and it looked different. I fell in love with its brand new smell and clean slate. My parents had built their house; I'd never lived in a house that had memories of other families. Richard also loved the newness, but also the unique floor plan. I loved corner kitchen sink with two windows. I love the laundry room was on the 2nd level next to the bedrooms. Richard loved the undeveloped field behind the house (but for how long would it stay undeveloped). And we both loved the quiet, family neighborhood. And best of all...we could see the stars at night.



We made an offer that day. The house was available immediately, but we weren't the only family with an offer on the table. The next day we left for Tennessee for my Grandparent's 55th wedding anniversary.

We were stuck in St. Louis, our plane delayed multiple times. Our realtor called us. The builder accepted a different offer because she could close sooner than us. We were crushed. I sat on the floor near gate B29 and cried on Richard's shoulder.


When we arrived in Memphis, we got a call from our realtor. The initial buyer refused to agree to arbitration if something went wrong, so the builder backed out. The house was ours if we wanted it.

We moved in six weeks later.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Happy Birthday Antonio!!

This is a little late. I meant to post this last week. Antonio's birthday was actually July 2nd. And his party was July 7th. I apologize for this belated post.


Blowing out the candles!


Antonio was very excited about his Monster Truck plates
Baby Brother Jack!
Jack with Papa

Richard LOVES birthday cake!


My sister, Kim



Antonio and Jack with Papa and Ema