Embracing Imperfection

" You gotta be you..." -Julia, Books & Bridges

This past year has been so momentous for Will and I.  We got married last September, bought a house in February, and have weathered animal illnesses and home improvement projects.  We have grown so much.

Something I've thought a lot about over the years is what it means to you.  I don't know about you, but I've spent a lot of energy over the years aiming for a perfect version of myself.  Only recently have I started to wonder if the perfect version of me is the imperfect version.  The one with messy hair and flour under her nails.  The one who's skin is thin.  The one who loves cookies more than a rigorous diet, and who would like to be in the kitchen, right now, making you said cookies.  

I fought my kitchen self for a long time.  My kitchen self was not an independent woman, I thought.  But I am.  I am independent enough to say that I like to bake and cook, and to me that is more freeing than telling myself that to be a liberated, 21st century gal, I should not spend my time making something as transient as a meal.  I enjoy feeding others, and I love to eat!  Making a meal no longer feels like a waste: it feels like creating a memory, especially when you can share that memory with others.  

And if life is truly a journey, it's best to have some good snacks to take on the trip:) 

We're Married

And it's awesome:)

All photos by Melissa Pauquette Photography.

Bachelorette Party!

This past Friday night, Will and I had our stag parties.  (His continues today with a Paint-balling trip: here's hoping he comes back unscathed!)  It was such an excellent time hanging with my bridesmaids.  We went downtown to the Short North and had dinner at Betty's, followed by ice cream at Jeni's and then pit stops at the Pint House and Skully's.

The following morning we hung out in the hot tub- it was cool and rainy outside, so you didn't feel so hot in the water.  I'll never forget how nice it was to be out there with these ladies, chatting about the party the night before and watching the trees sway.  Perfect:)  I am so thankful to know these gals and I'm thrilled they'll be standing with me at our wedding.

Our Engagment Party

We had our engagement party at the Renaissance Festival a couple of weeks ago, and the day couldn't have been prettier.  It was so nice to enjoy the faire with our good friends.  

 

The other day Will and I went to get our marriage license.  It was hilarious to be asked to swear that we weren't first cousins, and surreal to stand next to this handsome man and pledge that I am marrying him of my own free will.  It's also crazy to look at our registry pages and see that there are only 5 days till our wedding!  Last year it felt like the day couldn't get here quick enough, and now it seems like the past few weeks have flown by.  I hope you are having a lovely weekend:) 

Bridal Shower

Hello September!!!  I can't believe you are here already!  The summer flew by with loads of fun activities, and the best activity is yet to come: our wedding!  A lot of time has been spent planning and crafting, and the big day is drawing closer.  A few snafus have come and gone, but we've never lost sight of the fact that at the end of the day, on September 27, we will be husband and wife.  

In August, my mama and sister put together a beautiful wedding shower.  It was overwhelming (in a good way!) to be surrounded by so many amazing women, many of whom have had such a large impact in our lives.  We are so grateful to know you, and look forward to many more years surrounded by loved ones.

Life Lately

Hello!  Things have been hectic around here with Henry IV opening and all the wedding planning (3 months to go!).  We've been spending some quality time with loved ones and are having a cake tasting today with my wonderful cousin Kelly, who is making our cakes as a gift.

I am so very proud of my Henry IV cast.  Our final dress rehearsal was rained out, but we persevered on with an intimate gathering at the New Players storage unit space, where we reconnected with each other and found some lovely moments.  Our opening night turned into an official final dress, and then we were rained out in the middle of Act II on Friday and all of Saturday.  I am so looking forward to this Friday's performance: I just know there are so many more wonderful moments to be found with these fantastic people.  Below are a few photos from the last few weeks, if you'd like to see.  Cheers!

 At the acrobat show

 Water Fire on the Scioto

Of Monsters and Men concert

King Arthur at Schiller Park

(Starring my lovely sister:) ) 

Just a gal and her papa

The Solstice staged reading of 

Importance of Being Earnest.

Jeni's!

The American Girl store at Easton:

Molly, you're my fave! 

Fisher gals

CommFest

   

Happy Birthday Will!

Today is my handsome fiance's birthday.  I am so very blessed to have him in my life.  Here's to years of celebrations to come! 

 

 

So much love to you:)