Bridal Showers Bring Bridal Flowers

I had my first bridal shower last weekend. My Maid of Honor flew in from Chicago and my mom's friends, the G.A.L.S., did a really nice job organizing, calling a few audibles due to flooding and avoiding cheesy shower games. (That last one was an order, really.) I think everyone enjoyed themselves and I did too... even though I might have been sweating through my new dress while they all watched me open gifts.

One of the nice things that the ladies did was ask all of the guests to bring a flower that reminded them of me. Then, as they introduced themselves to everyone else, they told why their flower reminded them of me. One cousin brought a sunflower and said it reminded her of me because it was Hawkeye colors. Huge score! Other friends and family members brought roses, daisies and lilies. They all said very nice and really wonderful things about me. I knew that we had a mutual admiration for each other, however when they put their thoughts and feelings into words, it was very touching and sweet. And beautiful. Both figuratively and literally.

How I Love the 4th of July!

I love fireworks! I mean, I love fireworks the same way little kids love fireworks. I stare in awe like the little kids and I cheer like the little kids. Sometimes, I even get a tear in my eye... for some reason fireworks bring out the emotion in me. For the past several years, Mr. E and I have gone to my hometown for the 4th of July. We spend Easter with Mr. E's family in Michigan and the 4th of July with Ms. D's family in I-A. (That's Iowa for those of you who aren't hip to my other love of nicknaming and abbreviations) I must say, I like the arrangement. Unfortunately, this year we can't do the 4th in I-A because we have so much going on, financially. As it is, the flooding in I-A, may have put a kibosh on the fireworks anyway. (Flood Pictures.) I decided to get over my initial disappointment and look forward to the fireworks here. I mean sitting on a pier overlooking the ocean, watching fireworks and eating ice cream... kind of an awesome replacement. Exceeeeept, those got cancelled TOO! Darn these economic times. So, I made cupcakes instead. Of course I made yellow cake with chocolate frosting for me! I used the vanilla frosting for those who like pretty holiday arrangements. I'm bummed I won't be seeing any fireworks this year but cupcakes are a close second. They definitely taste better (well, who knows what fireworks actually taste like) and if you squint the sprinkles kind of look like fireworks... Happy 4th of July!