The Unusual Ceremony

It's been a little while since my last wedding post, and I think this will be the last. Unless I do a post on all the vendors and shops I used, I think I've pretty much covered everything. So- the ceremony! What do you do when you're already married, not religious or tied to any particular traditions, and want to have some sort of ceremony before your reception? Well, here's what I came up with. We took a casual and fun approach. We thought it would be a good idea to have some sort of ceremony, because it is a significant occasion and we wanted the meaning of why we were all getting together to be known, something I thought might be lost if we just had a big party. We had the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle, followed by Kyle and I, ending at a simple ribbon backdrop. Then, we just had each bridesmaid and groomsmen share a story or ramble for a few minutes each, leading up to Kyle and I renewing our vows, of sorts. It was really awesome. There was a lot of laughter, some tears, and all around it was very sweet. We didn't now what everyone was going to say, so it was a surprise for everyone. This was a really fun, interactive, and personalized way to have a non-traditional ceremony of sorts! I thought it might be super awkward and not flow, but it really quite naturally! Our guests expressed that they really liked it, and I liked that everyone got to know the wedding party a bit, too, as well as their relationship to Kyle and I.  I only wish we had copies of what everyone said, or a video recording. Whoops!

Jr. Bridesmaids preparing to hand out programs to guests!

sweet cousin Sheridyn

my brother John and our cousin Edin

my brother Isaac and our cousin Vienna/ Christy, Toby and Tracy (Pitt crew!)

Brandon and Abigail/ Kyle's brother Sean and Emma

Kyle's brother Bryan and my sister Erica

My sister served as master of ceremonies, of sorts, and kicked things off, explaining what was happening.

tears! aw

Also- look at how green it was! Oh, Pennsylvania.
All photos by Jana Scott Photography.

- From the desk of Mrs. M

The Week in Photos

free Starbucks!/ reading for fun/ Darwin

breaking in the new carpet with laundry and cats

Huxley/ wheat germ chicken dinner/ Hux and the tree

chocolate chip puffed pancake/ festive plates/ celebratory yogurt/ cute cats

dot pants/ TV watching/ kitty tower/ holiday cards

BU bookstore/ lunch/ gifting/ sleeping

Huxley/ booties/ gross/ watching Dora

reading on Sunday morning/ D/ LOTR!/ Tickets for The Hobbit :)

 beer bottling/ fallen tree/ wedding photo cards/ cats broke into the coffee

- Mrs. M

Chocolate Chip Puff Pancake

Do you remember months ago, when I posted about making apple and lemon puff pancakes? Well the other day I decided to make a chocolate chip one! I used mini chocolate chips, as I thought regular size would be too big and not melt the right amount. This was really, really tasty. I added some chocolate chips to the batter when I put it in the oven, and some on top after cooking. You can sprinkle with powdered sugar or use maple syrup. I've included Naomi's recipe, which I alter a little, below!

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup flour

dash of salt

dash of cinnamon

     + dash of nutmeg

     + splash of vanilla

1 tablespoon butter

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla in a bowl until smooth.

While the oven is preheating, melt the butter in a pie pan or 9 inch square pan.

Pour the batter into the hot melted buttered pan.

Bake 10-12 minutes (or until the pancake is firm and has puffed around the edges).

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Christmas Wish List

image via

Here we go:

Fossil watch- I'm not generally a watch person, but I don't like using my cell phone for a clock at work. not super professional.

Calendar

Skull Necklace

Pittsburgh Tote

pencil pouch

 Batman, Avengers, The Office- for us both

shopping pad

I also might like a new bag since my school bag was stolen in San Antonio, but I haven't decided on one yet. 

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Christmas Break To Do

With the completion of my one final and a 100% score on my final paper, Christmas break is officially here! One quarter of the way done with grad school, hooray! Kyle and I will be going up to PA in a couple weeks to spend Christmas up there, and we'll be back here for New Years. I wanted to spend the holiday down here, but oh well; whats four more days spent driving between TX and PA again (with unhappy cats). School starts back up the second week of January; I am anticipating a tougher semester than this last one (which was not tough). But anyway, I want to try to make the most of my winter break, by doing the following!

- Hopefully spend some time in the Pennsylvania snow!
- Go for walks to see the neighborhood lights
- Bake and cook
- Read! I'm starting with rereading The Hobbit to prepare for the movie release on December 14. After that, I may take recommendations from this list.

- See The Hobbit! and Les Mis. ouiouioui
- Watch some Christmas films! Love Actually, you're up next. (/the only Christmas film I own)
- Send out Christmas cards and mail gifts
- Figure out and order wedding photos
- Research internships for next year
- Eat at some State College favorites (The Waffle Shop)
- Try to sleep enough
- Blog more

photos from Christmastime, last year

What are you up to this holiday season?

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Suomi

Is it ridiculous to be obsessed and in love with a place I haven't been in five years? 

Not when it's so beautiful and awesome, ALL THE TIME, says I!
Your houses are so cool, and your food delicious, your saunas (rightfully) so important, your people so nice, your music kinda weird, your seasons so distinct, your top-of-the-world test scoring children, your language surprisingly sensible, your reindeer plentiful.

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää, Suomi!

Happy independence day, Finland!
Love ya. 

- From the desk of Mrs. M