folks + fun

I can't believe that tonight marks another year since that last Halloween party at my parents! It seems like last years just happened! But, I look at the difference in the kids, and I see how much my niece and nephews have all grown! Here is Caleb hacking away at grandpas pinata made of steel

And Sleeping Beauty Emma looking as pretty as ever

Then there's Nicholas and Andrew all in black. I think one is the grim reaper and the other is some character from a cartoon or animation that I have never heard of... kids these days.... (I said that on purpose, just to sound old!) Then the Crane Clan. So cool. Too cool. Caleb with his trophy. Take that grandpa!

And most importantly, the 2 lovebirds. AHH. How sweet is that!

But, truly, it is so nice to see my sis whole again and to have her back. So, thanks Kelly for bringing that out in her again. I love to see her so happy.

thrift 4

This is my latest project. A coffee table. I am running out of space, but saw this and decided I could refinish it and then replace our little stools in front of the couch for something "new". I sprayed the gold to a hammered silverthen gave it a couple coats of stain, and then a matte finishing spray, and replaced the glass for wood that I stained to look like slate or concrete. It was all an experiment of creativity. Ryan loves it.

That's all that matters.

My man is happy.

10.16 = party time

OCTOBER 16 2009...

Happy 40th Russ!

me with the event planner: Forresta little bit of P diddy Russella little food a little bit of Kelly

(we are so glad you decided to hang out with your REAL friends!)a little cake actiona little family time in "smalltah"

(this is Andrew, brother of our sis-in-law)

by the end of the night, he was just my brother.

it was easier that way:)

a little bit of Amber and Dallasa little black jack was goin' on a little bit of high rollinga little bit of lovin'a little bit of DJ Vance and Kassiea little bit of Nick, Blaire, Tara and Heidi

a little bit of Harmo and Monica

a little bit of crazy with "the Jayci"

....and bunches of "Little's" made for a night of a WHOLE LOT of fun...

we love you Russell!

chef

I think my husband has a talent that I have not fully tapped into yet. He is quite the chef. I am impressed. Lately his recipes and concoctions have really been great. Yesterday I worked late...again, and I came home to a wonderful and welcoming smell of a home cooked meal. Stuffed green peppers. Who would have thought? Chef Bailey. What is next? I love suprises.

a wedding

a perfect plan

a picturesque setting a proud walk

a love uniteda new beginning a gorgeous setting for a celebratory feasta simple and pretty cake

a best friendshipa delicious menu a proud matchmakera very memorable wedding toasta list of "improvements and admonishments"...for Brendaa loving fathera princess way to feed her princea Spitale way to take care of business (look at his mischievous face!) a new journey, a new life, a new path... hand in hand

A huge congratulations! We adore you both and love you more!

priceless

The intense looks on both Ryan's and Brenda's faces as they watch their teams play each other on the Sunday NFL ticket. Dolphins vs. Chargers... Go BOLTS! (sorry brenda!)The huge look of shock on Brenda's face...upon returning from a bathroom break and finding her soon-to-be husband all red-necked out in the wife beater he was hiding underneath his crisply ironed GQ shirt. We haven't laughed that hard in a long time! Thanks Giovanni! If you ask G, it is perfectly fine to not only wear the wife beater underneath shirts, but to also sport it while taking a run, mowing the lawn, or working out at the gym. We love the redneck! It will keep Brenda grounded, and add that extra spice to their new life!