Time to Reminisce...

"Love is in the air" for sure after last night! A couple that I adore got engaged last night and hearing about it and watching it on video has made me think back to my engagement that happened a year and a half ago.

It was one of the best nights of my life because I was finally able to call Ian MINE! Before he was my boyfriend but as soon as that ring went on my finger, it was official! :) I remember the butterflies and reality of knowing that I was going to be spending the rest of my life with this GOOD GOOD man. He said he loved me for the first time on that night. He showed me so much devotion and care on that night. I could not have asked for a more magical moment when the tears ran down his face and he said, "Brittney, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?" Of course with tears running down my face, I said "YES."

So, I dedicate this blog to Misty and Joe and I say to you...

Don't ever forget that moment! You waited for what seems like a lifetime for it and here it is. SOAK up the euphoric feelings, and on days that you are frustrated Misty, think of the moment when he went down on one knee. Joe, when you get upset, think of all the planning and HEART you put into the day you asked Misty to be your wife, and it will always make you smile/cry tears of joy!! MARRIAGE IS AWESOME! :) I love you both!

And to my husband...as you sleep on the other side of the world today. I want to say that I CHERISH you and how you make me feel every day of this life. I love you so much and I am so proud to be your wife! XOXO

Cinco de Mayo!

So, this day holds special meaning for me. It was 2006 that a very special tradition started with BFF Laura Jane Cushman (Magdalen now). We decided to tag along to IronHorse (www.portlandironhorse.com) Mexican restaurant in Sellwood for dinner with some good friends Kelly and Cody (I was Laura's date as usual). After dinner the marrieds went home and the singles decided we hadn't had enough and it was time to get some dessert. Upon Laura's suggestion we went to Via Delizia (www.viadelizia.com) in the Pearl District. I had no idea of Via Delizia's goodness until we ordered the 3 scoops of gelato. Not only does it come in a GORGEOUS cup, but it comes with amazing cookies. Needless to say we were so full and happy!

2007-As the next year came we decided to continue the tradition (for those of you that REALLY know me, you will know that this made me VERY happy---tradition is a huge part of my life). We went to Iron Horse again and then Via Delizia...but this year had a different twist.

Laura was a little quiet at dinner, but nothing too out of the ordinary. I just talked a lot and then we left for Via Delizia. When we got there, out of nowhere Laura blurts out that she has something to tell me. This was not just SOMETHING small mind you...it was the "bomb dropping." In the next breath she tells me that she has decided that the man she has been dating (not for very long) is definitely "the one" and there's no turning back. She tells me the WHOLE story of what's been going on with their relationship, and I just sit there with my mouth wide open. I ask a ton of questions, at first dying inside at the impending CHANGE of our relastionship, but after hours of talking I begin to find peace and excitement for her.

2008-In 2008 we both had special men in our lives (Praise the LORD). Laura was engaged and Ian and I had been dating for 6 months. We were excited to share in our special event with them, however Dan was traveling for work and so Ian was left out. Still did Iron Horse and Via Delizia.

2009-Last year, Dan and Laura were married and Ian and I were 2 months away from getting married (hallelujah). The guys finally came with us. I felt like the guys didn't really "get it" at first. Ian tried to suggest other Mexican restaurants and I quickly told him that the tradition just simply could not be messed with. Now, they gladly go and don't ask questions. hehe! We made an economical decision last year to only do Iron Horse and go back to the Magdalens for dessert. We had fun watching American Idol and having some kind of chocolatey goodness (I think).

This year, we are both married and continuing the Iron Horse tradition. We decided we liked doing the dessert at home thing...so we will be doing that (someday we will return to Via). I made some almond cups that didn't turn out so they are like almost crumbles now, which will go nicely as a topping for ice cream. :)

All of that to say: CHEERS to traditions with good friends/family (pumpkin patch, Christmas, birthdays, etc). It makes my heart happy, and that is why I woke up with a smile on my face this morning! Feliz Cinco de Mayo a todos...OLE!

Not for the faint of heart

So, I have had this "wart" on my foot (specifically smack dab on my heel) for about 3-4 years now. I hate even talking about it because it's such a gross word, but it's reality, so there ya go.

Anyway...before Friday it has been cut out twice, burned once, and treated about 6-7 times with a liquid that was supposed to get rid of it. Annoyingly, this thing WILL NOT go away. It is very painful...but the weird thing is that it's only when I'm resting that it's painful. It's not painful to walk, but to sit or drive, I can really feel it.

So, on Friday I decided to make another appointment and get this thing cut out again. I did not want to by any means, but it's really the only "one-shot" way to get rid of this thing, without having multiple dr. appointments and such. I got brave once again, made the appointment, spent all day being nervous, asked my husband to come along, and I did it.

The appointment took two hours and was not pleasant by any means. When something starts with a needle about 3 inches long going into your foot, it's not good news. After that, he cuts away (blindly) just hoping that he can get it all. And then I am left with a gaping wound and only have to hope that it's going to be gone when it heals. I spared the picture of my wound, but if you just think of Crater Lake---that's what it looks like.

All this said, not to gross you out (sorry if I did), but to have you be involved in this ongoing saga and hope/pray with me that this thing GOES AWAY for good. I don't think I can do the 3-inch needle again and I don't think Ian's hand can handle the squeezing! ;) (Yeah right, he was awesome and so supportive). He is going to be wonderful during childbirth. Someday... :)